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| The three day International Conference of Commonwealth Association of Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) and the fourth Common Public Service Ministers’ Forum concluded here today with a call for efficient and effective public administration that can enhance the role of just and honest government to spur socio-economic and political development, leading to transformation of societies. The Ministers’ Forum agreed on the important role of public policy in improving governance and strengthening public administration in support of national development objectives and to meet international challenges. They acknowledged the need for developing countries to address challenges posed by a globalised economy, the competitiveness of markets and the capability of member countries to retain their comparable advantages.
The forum also reaffirmed the importance of public administration and agreed that the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013 in Sri Lanka should consider the elevation of the Commonwealth Public Service Ministers Forum to a ministerial level meeting, scheduled annually if feasible. The aim is to deepen and broaden the dialogue and the sharing of knowledge, experiences and best fit practices to build excellence in public administration. The Forum welcomed the proposal by the Government of India to host an annual Commonwealth Symposium on Public Service Excellence from 2013, to be held in India, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat. It also acknowledged the value of using information and communications technology such as the Commonwealth Connects online platform to build peer networks of influence for collaborative working and knowledge sharing. Earlier in his concluding address the Minister of State for Personnel Public Grievances & Pensions Shri V. Narayansamy said that Good governance is an essential requirement for economic growth and job creation as it builds trust between the state and citizens and stimulates markets and investments. He said “We realize that public service excellence is a fundamental requirement for good governance but note the possible difference between Good Governance and Developmental Governance.” Shri Naranyansamy said while the former is a necessary prerequisite to be strived for over the longer term, developing countries should also consider placing priority in strengthening the capacity of those public institutions that play a critical role in achieving economic growth and development. The Minister said while much has been achieved, more needs to be done to ensure that we have strong and effective public service institutions with the capacity to effectively and expeditiously implement government policies, programmes and services. Shri Narayansamy further stated that more specifically, good governance for development requires special consideration as the needs and aspirations of developing nations deserve special attention and focused action. The three day CAPAM conference was attended by Ministers and senior officials from 21 countries besides India. The theme of the Conference was “A Public Service Fit for the Future.” During the conference learned scholars made important presentations on the challenges of good governance and public service excellence. |
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