Harvard Dean addresses top government leaders on timely action to meet global challenges

Ellwood, whose work on poverty and welfare has widely influenced public policy in the United States and abroad, cited global climate change, rapid demographic and migration changes, and shifting energy demands as future challenges faced by businesses and governments worldwide.

The conference titled 'Acting in Time: Meeting the New Challenges of the Globalised World' was hosted by the Dubai School of Government as part of its ongoing endeavour with John F. Kennedy School of Government to invite renowned experts to share their vision and views on effective policy making.

Nabil Alyousuf, Executive President, Dubai School of Government said, "Being able to host renown academics from the world's top universities and institutions reflects Dubai's success in establishing a its position as a knowledge hub and a pioneer in governance development in the region.

"Recent events tell us that 'experience and react' is a risky strategy. The key is to anticipate and adjust to both predictable and unforeseen challenges, armed with a crisis-management plan to help ensure continuous, 'always-on' operations."

He added, "Through our unique partnership with Kennedy School of Government, the Dubai School of Government hopes to build a generation of government leaders that is equipped with adequate experience and relevant skills to deal with any challenge at any time."

Ellwood examined the resources necessary to build resilience in an organisation, from training and crisis management programmes to maintenance and management of business operations.

He used the United States' reaction to Hurricane Katrina and Sri Lanka's response to the tsunami tidal wave as examples of how timely action could have mitigated destruction.

"The failure to prevent catastrophe with Hurricane Katrina in the United States and other disasters elsewhere has created a concern that governments, communities, nations and international bodies often seem unable or unwilling to act expeditiously to solve problems, even when prompt action will almost certainly be less costly and more effective than delay," said Ellwood.

He stressed the vital role institutions such as Kennedy School of Government and Dubai School of Government play in stimulating meaningful dialogue on issues of global concern. Ellwood is the Scott M. Black Professor of Political Economy and has served as Dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Government since 1 July 2004.

He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, and a Senior Research Affiliate of the National Poverty Center at University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. He is also a Faculty Affiliate of the Joint Center for Poverty Research at Northwestern University/University of Chicago.

The one-day seminar is in line with the Dubai School of Government's mandate to enhance public governance and contribute to the intellectual advancement of government leaders.