DSG highlights Arab Forum recommendations in South Korea at 6th Global Forum on Reinventing Government

These recommendations were the outcome of the three-day high level Regional Forum on Reinventing Government in the Arab States, hosted by DSG in Dubai last March and organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the UNDP Programme of Governance in the Arab Region (POGAR). Among the recommendations stated was the need to continuously develop the capacities, skills and knowledge of people, and to address the lag in access to information, which is a fundamental human right. Application of information technology was also discussed at the Arab forum as an important means for enhancing transparency, and that civil society should play an active role in curbing corruption. Participants concluded that political will is essential for formulating policies that enhance the application of the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability.

"As the first knowledge institution in the region dedicated to public sector management, DSG is honoured to be appointed to present the results of this momentous regional forum at a global level," said Nabil Ali Al Yousuf, Executive Director of DSG, who presented the report on the last day of the Global Forum. "As a school of excellence serving the Middle East, we aim to contribute to the study of government internationally and to a broader understanding of government initiatives in the Arab world."

Under the theme "Towards Participatory and Transparent Governance", participating experts at the 6th Global Forum, debated issues central to effective, accountable, and transparent administration and management structures. The purpose is to stress the need for collaboration and partnership among the key players (governments, business, and civil society) of the state in order to foster and maintain the elements of good governance in an age governed by the forces of information technology and globalization.

"I am quite confident that our recommendations will receive positive feedback from the participants at this global forum," said. Mr. Al Yousuf "The Arab Forum attracted leading figures in public polices and high level government officials from across the Arab world. Thus the findings were timely, region-specific, and, most importantly, credible," he added,

"There are many pressing issues in this region. We, at DSG, are very keen to cooperate with all the regional players to take the lead on these issues and establish a common blueprint that will serve as the basis of Arab public administration transformation in order to unleash the real potential of this region," noted Al Yousuf.