Public Administration stands as the pillar for the subsistence of the state and a bridge towards social and economic development across the globe. In the same manner, it also plays a critical role in providing for the essentials of the vastly growing proactive citizenry, thus, being in the limelight-vulnerable to criticisms and acclaims at different costs. Given such, the current Public Administration requires learning from the past in order for it to come up with non-repetitive goals and mechanisms towards achieving sustainable development and be a more resilient pillar.
Since time immemorial, sustainability and development in various economic aspects has been the main concern and goal of governance. States have been persistently exerting efforts, looking for ways and tailoring its systems to fit this goal. However, the question of “what else should be done?” remains to be indefinite in as much as means towards development is concerned and directly imposes and asks “who needs to be involved to achieve this goal?”‖ and “what does it take to be involved in shaping and realizing this goal?”.
Once the road map towards development has been envisioned and contrived, the success of it does not necessarily follow, at least immediately. Factors affecting, hindering and contributing towards this goal are now diversified more than ever; thus, calling for a streamlined public service, equipped with newly explored tools and systems modified and focused in attaining a universally adaptable structure for development.
The 2016 EROPA Conference theme: “iGovernance: INNOVATIVE. INCLUSIVE. INTEGRITY-BASED” tackled 3 components ideal for the current public administration (in different states) to adapt towards implementing more concrete and realistic policies and methods, and achieving specific goals. It addressed current issues and considered future challenges without bypassing known structures and processes of governance.
More so, it addressed the following questions:
Since time immemorial, sustainability and development in various economic aspects has been the main concern and goal of governance. States have been persistently exerting efforts, looking for ways and tailoring its systems to fit this goal. However, the question of “what else should be done?” remains to be indefinite in as much as means towards development is concerned and directly imposes and asks “who needs to be involved to achieve this goal?”‖ and “what does it take to be involved in shaping and realizing this goal?”.
Once the road map towards development has been envisioned and contrived, the success of it does not necessarily follow, at least immediately. Factors affecting, hindering and contributing towards this goal are now diversified more than ever; thus, calling for a streamlined public service, equipped with newly explored tools and systems modified and focused in attaining a universally adaptable structure for development.
The 2016 EROPA Conference theme: “iGovernance: INNOVATIVE. INCLUSIVE. INTEGRITY-BASED” tackled 3 components ideal for the current public administration (in different states) to adapt towards implementing more concrete and realistic policies and methods, and achieving specific goals. It addressed current issues and considered future challenges without bypassing known structures and processes of governance.
More so, it addressed the following questions:
- What are the different initiatives and modernized trends that can be adapted and implemented to further enhance current governance methods and policies? How can we tailor current systems and make it fit to our goals for the future?
- How can governments inform and involve their citizens, including minorities and marginalized groups? How can civil society be strengthened so that citizens can hold their government accountable and bring their concerns on the table? Who are the individuals and groups needed to get involved in achieving national and societal development goals?
- How can the current Public Administration proactively respond to calls for higher standards of integrity among public servants and in government systems and processes? What enabling mechanisms should be present in governments to ensure that actual behavior corresponds to what is expected? That systems and processes are integrity-based?
The conference was hosted by the Government of the Philippines, through the Philippine Civil Service Commission.