Public Governance Series

Problems and challenges facing the Africa and the world beyond to realize international collaboration and its governance

Diogo Pereira,

In a keynote speech delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the IIAS-KSG Mombasa Conference 2024, Dr. Ra'ed Ben Shams, President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), highlighted critical issues facing Africa and the world at large that impede the realization of international collaboration and effective governance.

Here are the key highlights from his address:

  1. Challenging Misinformation and Distorted Perceptions: Dr. BenShams emphasized the importance of confronting and dispelling misleading narratives and stereotypes about Africa. He pointed out the impact of distorted maps and baseless rumors, underscoring how these falsehoods hinder international collaboration and perpetuate inaccurate perceptions.

  2. Overcoming New Colonialism and Exploitation: Dr. BenShams spoke passionately about the need to address economic dependence and the exorbitant payments by some countries to ex-colonial powers in the form of raw minerals. He called for unity and resolve to build a future free from exploitation, stressing the importance of sovereignty and economic independence for nations.

  3. Cultivating Leadership and Empowerment: Dr. BenShams emphasized that leadership is a collaborative endeavor that involves cultivating and inspiring other leaders. He advocated for a culture of mentorship, empowerment, and values-driven leadership to unleash the potential of individuals and create a ripple effect of positive change.

  4. Embracing Diversity, Inclusivity, and Good Governance: Dr. BenShams highlighted the significance of embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and adopting good governance practices. He underscored the importance of ethical leadership, universal human rights, and multi-collateral governance to create a realistic and livable world that leaves no one behind.

In his conclusion, IIAS President reiterated the urgency of addressing misinformation, overcoming exploitation, cultivating ethical leadership, and embracing diversity and good governance. He urged practitioners to actively challenge and counteract misleading narratives, reduce economic dependence, and promote values-driven leadership. Dr. BenShams emphasized that by upholding these principles, we can pave the way for informed and productive partnerships that benefit all nations.

The International Commission on Accreditation of Public Administration Education and Training Programs (ICAPA) is pleased to announce the recent reaccreditation and accreditation of several prominent institutions. The American University in Cairo, the Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas at the University of Lisbon (ULisboa ISCSP), and Fairleigh Dickinson University have all been tentatively approved for accreditation through an Action by Written Consent by the ICAPA Accreditation Committee (AC). Final endorsement of these accreditations will proceed through the Steering Committee as outlined by Regulation 8 in the coming days.

The International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA), the specialized entity of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), is pleased to officially welcome Abdelmalek Essaâdi University (UAE) in Morocco as a new Corporate Member. UAE’s membership strengthens IASIA’s commitment to advancing public administration education and research, further enhancing our mission to foster global standards of excellence in the field.

The 2024 AAPA-EROPA-AGPA-IAPA Joint Conference, an unprecedented gathering of Asia’s major public administration organizations—the Asian Association for Public Administration (AAPA), the Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration (EROPA), the Asian Group for Public Administration (AGPA), and the Indonesian Association for Public Administration (IAPA)—successfully concluded at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Themed “Towards World Class Bureaucracy,” the event marked a milestone in public administration, drawing over 600 participants, including a substantial international delegation.

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