Report of the SDG 16 Conference now available
The report of the Conference on Transforming Governance for a more Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Future: SDG 16 as the Roadmap to Respond to COVID-19 and Build Back Better is now available on the event website. The Conference, co-organized by DESA through DPIDG and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), with the Government of Italy, took place in a virtual format from 20 to 30 April 2021. More information on the conference is available at https://www.idlo.int/SDG16Conference2021
Virtual Celebration of United Nations Public Service Day: Innovating the Future Public Service: New Government Models for a New Era to Reach the SDGs
United Nations Public Service Day, celebrated on 23 June each year, highlights the work of public servants and recognizes the value and virtue of public service to the community and development processes. To celebrate the 2021 United Nations Public Service Day, DESA/DPIDG in collaboration with the government of the United Arab Emirates will organize a virtual event under the theme of Innovating the Future Public Service: New Government Models for a New Era to Reach the SDGs. The event will highlight the centric role that innovation and technology play in the delivery of public services and examines how to better prepare the future public service for a new era, so as to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. It will examine the approaches countries are taking to equip public servants with the skills necessary to be effective, responsive and relevant in the digital age. It will also highlight lessons learned from the past year, as many countries and public servants have been thrust into the digital era, quickly adopting, innovating and using online mechanisms to continue their work during the pandemic. The virtual event will be held on 23 June from 9 to 10.30am EDT. The event will be livestreamed on UN WebTV. More information and livestream of the event is available here.
Building Transparent, Accountable and Inclusive Institutions
DESA/DPIDG and the Group of States against Corruption on the Council of Europe (GRECO) will organize a virtual side event on the theme of Building Transparent, Accountable and Inclusive Institutions at the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly against Corruption 2021. The side event aims to showcase the importance of building transparent, accountable and inclusive institutions to foster effective governance, prevent corruption and gain public trust. The event will feature interventions and discussion on the experience gained to date by the organizers in strengthening integrity in the public sector, including by reflecting on specific initiatives and good practices. DESA/DPIDG will present its Curriculum on Governance for the SDGs and the Toolkit on Transparency, Accountability and Ethics in Public Institutions that aim to build the capacities of governments and public servants in these areas. Participants will also hear about the United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA) from one of its winners. GRECO will reflect on the lessons learned from its monitoring experience and the resulting recommendations to prevent corruption and promote integrity in all three branches of government. Implementation of such measures acquires even greater importance in times of emergency. In addition, the pivotal role of oversight bodies, in particular, anticorruption agencies and supreme audit institutions in relation to the proper management of public affairs and public property will be addressed. The meeting will take place 2 June 2pm EDT. Please register at http://bit.ly/desacoe by 1 June 2021 at 12 pm (EDT). More information is available here.
Expert group meeting on Development of a handbook on supreme audit institutions’ contribution to strengthening budget credibility through external audits
DESA/DPIDG in collaboration with the International Budget Partnership (IBP) will organize a virtual expert group meeting on the development of a handbook on how supreme audit institutions (SAIs) can contribute to strengthening the credibility of government budgets. Representatives from SAIs and other organizations, will discuss the proposed approach, analytical framework, methodology and relevant audit issues for the handbook, and provide technical inputs on the subject matter, including the identification of relevant practices and experiences to be featured in the handbook. The meeting is part of a joint initiative by DESA/DPIDG and IBP to support SAIs in conducting analyses of budget credibility through external audits. The meeting will be held from 26 to 28 May 2021. More information is available here.
Consultations in preparation for the UN E-Government Survey 2022
In preparation for the UN E-government Survey 2022 and with the aim to improve the Survey and its methodology, UN DESA is organizing consultation sessions with stakeholders to gather feedback and suggestions for the UN E-Government Survey 2022.
The dates for the sessions for the different regions and time zones are:
• 5th May 2021: 12PM Standard GMT (Global during the WSIS Forum 2021) – Completed, please click here for session details.
• 14th May 2021: 2AM Standard GMT (for Asia Pacific) (13th May 2021, 10PM EST)
• 17th May 2021: 6PM Standard GMT (for the Americas) (2PM EST)
• 24th May 2021: 12PM Standard GMT (for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) (8AM EST)
For more information on registration and call for inputs by UN Member States please click here.
SDG 16 Conference: Transforming Governance for a more Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Future
Building on the outcome of the 2019 Rome Conference on SDG 16, UNDESA and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) with the Government of Italy are organizing a follow-up Conference, which will focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 as well as the transformative contribution SDG 16 can make in helping to safeguard and accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The Conference will help to generate a preliminary assessment of how progress towards more peaceful, just and inclusive societies has been affected by COVID-19 along with wider implications for the realization of the 2030 Agenda. It will highlight the importance of policy orientations embodied in SDG16 to efforts to build resilience to shocks and provide a roadmap for transforming governance to build back better for the future. The Conference will take place virtually from 28 to 30 April 2021. More information is available here.
20th Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA)
The 20th Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration, supported by UN DESA/DPIDG, will discuss key institutional aspects in achieving sustainable development with particular reference to the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery. These include strengthening the analytical basis for reform policies, integrating the SDGs into national and subnational budgeting and financial management, sustainable public procurement, impact of the pandemic on essential workers in the public sector, and building strong institutions in conflict-affected countries. The Committee will adopt an input to the HLPF and a draft resolution for ECOSOC. The 20th CEPA Session will take place virtually from 12 to 21 April 2020 and will be streamed live via UN Web TV. More information is available here
Governance Capacity Development Session Series on Strengthening Public Governance and Accelerating Innovation to Achieve 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
UN DESA/DPIDG, through its Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), and the Global Research & Development Business Center of Seoul National University (SNU GRC) are co-organizing the Governance Capacity Development Session Series on Strengthening Public Governance and Accelerating Innovation to Achieve Agenda 2030. The Session Series aims to provide a common knowledge base to discuss and share general knowledge on the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the critical importance of strengthening public governance and building effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels for SDG implementation. The Session Series will be held from 2 April to 25 June, every Friday, from 15:00 to 16:30 pm GMT+9). More information and registration are available here
Expert Group Meeting on the Preparations for the United Nations E-Government Survey 2022
UN DESA/DPIDG is organizing an Expert Group Meeting on the preparations for the 2022 edition of the United Nations E-Government Survey, to be held virtually on 29-31 March 2021, 0800 – 1100 hrs. EST (New York time). The purpose of the meeting is to provide a platform for public administration and e-government experts to share global and regional perspectives and insights on the Future of Digital Government and how to imagine (or reimagine) it in 5, 10, 20 years’ time, with a view to capturing the key trends in digital technologies, e-government at the national and local levels, and e-participation, as well as to the review of the UN E-Government Survey and its survey methodology. The meeting will be held virtually from 29 to 31 March 2021. More information about the UN E-Government Survey is available here
Online Training Workshop on Effective National to Local Public Governance for SDG Implementation
UN DESA/DPIDG, through its Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), is organizing an Online Training Workshop on "Effective National to Local Public Governance for SDG Implementation" to pilot the Training Toolkit on the same topic. The Toolkit is part of UN DESA/DPIDG's Curriculum on Governance for SDGs. During the 2-day Training Workshop, the selected Modules from the Toolkit will be introduced to develop capacities of government officials and other stakeholders responsible for SDG localization by introducing approaches, strategies, and tools for enhancing national to local public governance for SDG implementation. The Training will include thematic presentations, sharing innovative practices, and group discussions, which will help participants apply in-depth learning into practice. The Training Workshop will take place on 23 and 30 March 2021 from 14:00 to 16:30 pm GMT+9. More information and registration are available here
Workshop on Transparency, Accountability and Ethics in Public Institutions with a Focus on Public Procurement
UN DESA/DPIDG and the Kenya School of Government (KSG) are co-organizing an online training workshop on piloting a Toolkit on Transparency, Accountability and Ethics in Public Institutions, developed by UN DESA/DPIDG. Selected modules from the Toolkit will be covered during an online training workshop. The Toolkit is part of UN DESA/DPIDG’s Curriculum on Governance for Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the training, participants will gain knowledge of key issues related to transparency, accountability and ethics in public institutions, discuss specific topics in small groups, exchange information on practical examples and lessons learned from other countries. The workshop will consist of a mix of presentations from guest speakers and interactive elements that engage participants and open space for discussion and exchange of experiences. Participants will be able to provide comments and feedback on the Toolkit. The workshop will be held from 24 to 25 March 2021. More information is available here
Innovation, Digital Government and Public Service Delivery for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean Region
A virtual capacity development training workshop on Innovation, Digital Government and Public Service Delivery for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean Region, composed of ten facilitated webinars is organized by UN DESA/DPIDG together with the SIDS Unit of UN DESA/DSDG in collaboration with the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The training is based on a Toolkit on Innovation and Digital Government for Public Service Delivery, which is part of UNDESA's Curriculum on Governance for the Sustainable Development Goals. The training aims at pilot testing the toolkit with the goal of developing the capacities of public servants to respond to the challenges of delivering public services through institutional, organizational, process and conceptual innovations. The training will focus on the various dimensions of digital government transformation, public value, systems thinking, innovation labs, action planning and road mapping. Strategies for innovation and digital change will be discussed at individual, institutional, organizational, and societal levels. The trainings will be held on 23, 24 February and 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 March 2021. More information is available here
Innovating Public Governance and Leveraging Digital Technologies for Social Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups
During the 59th Session of the Commission for Social Development, a virtual side event is jointly organized by UN DESA/DPIDG through its Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, in collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation. This Side Event is organized to present an online Training Toolkit on “Government Innovation for Social Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups”. The Training Toolkit aims to build the capacities of public servants to promote government innovation for social inclusion of vulnerable groups by introducing diverse innovative approaches, strategies and experiences. The Side Event will feature an overview of the Toolkit and a panel discussion. Panelists will share their knowledge and experiences on fostering innovation for building inclusive governance and enhancing public governance capacities for social inclusion, promoting digital inclusion and leveraging digital technologies for addressing impacts of COVID-19, and building an integrated strategy for social protection at country and regional levels. The virtual side event will take place on 16 February 2021 from 8:45 to 10:00 am EST. More information and registration are available here.
Virtual Workshop on Sound Policymaking for Sustainable Development
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, through its Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government, will hold two virtual workshops on Sound Policymaking for Sustainable Development. The first workshop on 16 February will focus on 5 African countries: Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa and Uganda. The second workshop on 18 February will focus on 5 Latin American countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. In 2018, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) endorsed eleven principles of effective governance developed by the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) to enhance governance capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The principles are linked to a number of strategies that operationalize responsive and effective government. The workshops focus on one of the principles: sound policymaking. Eight strategies were set out by CEPA to give effect to this principle which have been developed into policy notes by experts in the field. The workshops will discuss some of the strategies developed for sound policymaking and will feature perspectives from the field, members of CEPA, and some of the experts that contributed to the drafting of the notes. These events are primarily designed for government officials from agencies and ministries engaged in formulating, implementing and reviewing public policies. Staff of international and regional organizations and non-governmental stakeholders involved in this area are also encouraged to attend. For more information on the first virtual workshops, please visit here and for more information on the second virtual workshop, please visit here.
Online Training Workshop on Changing Mindsets and Strengthening Governance Capacities for Policy Coherence for a Holistic Implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the Arab region
UNDESA/DPIDG is finalizing a Curriculum on Governance for the Sustainable Development Goals. Its objective is to provide ready-to-use training material on key governance pillars needed to implement the 2030 Agenda. Within this context, two toolkits of the Curriculum, namely one on Changing Mindsets in Public Institutions and another on Institutional Capacities for Policy Coherence, are pilot tested in the Arab region. Through testing these Governance-specific toolkits, this Training Workshop aims at raising awareness and developing capacities among senior public officials from the Arab region on the need for effective institutional arrangements for holistic policy coherence in particular in the context of the development of COVID-19 response plans. It also aims at highlighting the importance of changing mindsets and key competencies needed for effective policy coherence. The training will feature guest speakers, interactive activities, group discussions and innovative practices for peer-to-peer learning. Furthermore, this workshop provides the opportunity to receive the participants’ feedback and input on these toolkits and to ascertain Member States’ demands for follow-up capacity development on these issues at the national level. The Online Training Workshop will take place on 26 and 28 January and 2 and 4 February 2021 8-10am EST each day and is organized by UNDESA in cooperation with UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN ESCWA). More information is available here.
Webinar on Developing Institutional Capacities in Digital Transformation for a More Inclusive and Equitable Recovery
This capacity development webinar on Developing Institutional Capacities in Digital Transformation for a More Inclusive and Equitable Recovery aims to strengthen public institutional capacities in public policymaking for digital transformation in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It aims to strengthen the digital capacity of countries, especially the developing countries to participate in, and benefit from, the growing opportunities of digitalization while mitigating the risks. A special effort will be made to promote digital transformation knowledge, tools and toolkits with a view to supporting the 2030 Agenda and in responding to emergencies. The webinar will share lessons learned, including both success and failure, in address emerging requirements and challenges for policy and decision-making in the age of digital transformation. The new Compendium of Digital Government Initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will also be discussed during the webinar. The webinar will take place from 14 to 15 December 2020 from 8am to 12pm EST. You can register here and more information is available here.
Institutions and Governance for Accelerating Sustainable Public Procurement
The UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) Working Group on Sustainable Public Procurement is organizing a virtual expert group meeting on institutional arrangements and governance mechanisms that could help accelerate adoption of sustainable public procurement (SPP) practices with a view to informing the Committee’s deliberations. CEPA will consider issues relating to sustainable public procurement in the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development at its 20th session in April 2021. Topics to be discussed during the meeting include scaling up peer learning, improving collaboration, using digital tools to support SPP, suggestions for legal frameworks, the role of the national/subnational context and the match between SPP institutions and governance. The meeting will be held on 24 November 2020. More information on CEPA is available here
Internet Governance Forum 2020 calls for bridging digital divides, harnessing the Internet to support human resilience and build solidarity amid COVID-19
Never before has the Internet proven to be such a vital lifeline in maintaining economic and social ties, as the world is battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The high-level segment of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2020 opened today, with participants underlining the critical importance of digital technologies in supporting human resilience and building solidarity to respond to the challenges posed by the coronavirus. “In the least developed countries, only 19 per cent of individuals were online in 2019. We are leaving a large majority behind,” noted UN Under-Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs Liu Zhenmin in his opening remarks, while also pointing to rifts when it comes to gender, affordable access and digital literacy. “We need solutions that help bridge the digital divides so that the benefits of digital technologies can reach those being left behind, unconnected.” Read more here
Regional Symposium on Effective, Inclusive and Accountable Public Institutions and Digital Government Transformation for Resilient Recovery and the SDG Implementation
The Regional Symposium on Effective, Inclusive and Accountable Public Institutions and Digital Government Transformation for Resilient Recovery and the SDG Implementation will be held from 24 to 26 November, 9 pm EDT. The annual symposium aims to equip public institutions with the capacities necessary for sustainable and resilient recovery while focusing on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The symposium is organized by UN DESA/DPIDG, through its Project Office on Governance (UNPOG) and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Government of the Republic of Korea. More information and registration are available here.
Virtually Together at IGF2020 - Internet for Human Resilience and Solidarity
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 15thannual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is being hosted online by the United Nations in two phases: from 2 to 6 November and from 9 to 17 November (excluding the weekends).
Under the overarching theme ‘’Internet for human resilience and solidarity’’, the premier UN-hosted annual event will bring together over five thousand experts, leaders and stakeholders of all sectors and all parts of the world, to discuss the impact of the Internet on our lives within four key thematic tracks: (1) Data; (2) Environment; (3) Inclusion and (4) Trust. More information is available here
Online Training Workshop on “Government Innovation for Social Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups”
Online Training Workshop on “Government Innovation for Social Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups will be held on 3 and 5 November, 9 am Kuala Lumpur (GMT +8) / 2 and 4 November 8 pm EST (GMT -5). The training aims to develop capacities of government officials and other stakeholders responsible for social inclusion of vulnerable groups by introducing approaches, strategies, and tools for advancing governance innovation for social inclusion. The training will feature lectures and group discussions and introduce innovative practices to help participants apply knowledge and creative solutions in practice. The workshop is organized by UN DESA/DPIDG, through its Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) with the support of UNCDF Malaysia. More information and registration are available here.
Compendium of Digital Government Initiatives in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic 2020
This compendium, prepared by the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), aims to capture emerging trends in digital responses of UN Member States against the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide a preliminary analysis of their main features. These cases are shared for exchange of information so that Member States can learn from each other and possibly create new partnerships. The initiatives listed in this compendium were submitted by Member States in response to a call for inputs launched by UN DESA/DPIDG in April/May 2020. The compendium lists selected initiatives according to major categories of action areas of: 1.Information sharing, 2. E-participation, 3. E-health, 4. E-business, 5. Contact tracing, 6. Social distancing and virus tracking, 7. Working and learning from home 8. Digital policy 9. Partnerships. Access the Compendium here
Webinar on Strengthening the Role of Public Institutions in Achieving Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development
This Capacity Development Webinar on strengthening the role of public institutions in achieving poverty eradication and sustainable development aims to explore country experiences in achieving poverty reduction and eradication through strengthened public institutions, identify lessons learned and successful outcomes, and share recommendations on the way forward. The participants discuss challenges and share lessons learned at the country level on how to revisit the role of public institutions in poverty eradication and sustainable development in the context of COVID-19 and what steps should be taken to strengthen and reinvigorate public institutions to confront the crisis and to reduce and eradicate poverty. The webinar builds upon the 11 Principles of Effective Governance for Sustainable Development, endorsed by ECOSOC, that seek to help build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels, with a view to achieving the shared vision for the people and the planet embodied in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The webinar is organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), through its Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG), in collaboration with China National Academy of Governance (CNAG). It will take place on 16 October 2020 from 9 to 11am EDT. More information is available here and you can register here.
Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Mr. Liu Zhenmin launches 2021 United Nations Public Service Awards
Mr. Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, today launched the 2021 United Nations Public Service Awards. The Awards, supported by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), are an international recognition of excellence in public service. The Awards recognise the innovation, creative achievements and contributions of public sector institutions leading to more effective and responsive public administration worldwide. In launching the Awards, Mr. Liu stressed the importance of effective public service delivery, and transparent, accountable and inclusive institutions in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He noted in particular the need for enhancing efforts over the coming ‘Decade of Action’ leading up to 2030.
For the 2021 Awards nominations, public sector institutions will be considered under four categories: 1: Fostering innovation to deliver inclusive and equitable services for all, including through digital transformation; 2: Enhancing the effectiveness of public institutions to reach the SDGs; 3: Promoting gender-responsive public services to achieve the SDGs; 4: Institutional preparedness and response in times of crisis.
Mr. Liu’s full message together with more information on how to apply to the 2021 UNPSA can be found here
Webinar on Leveraging Digital Government & Spearheading Innovative Digital Solutions to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic in Caribbean SIDS
This webinar will focus on the critical role of digital government in the Caribbean region in the post-COVID-19 era. Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are troubled with many challenges such as high economic dependence on travel and tourism weakened by travel restrictions, limited fiscal space for public health interventions as well as the risk of natural disasters and extreme weather events – all of which have exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Speakers will share their views on how digital government, online tools and technology partnerships can increase access to and strengthen delivery of public services in times of crises and thereafter, as well as on coordinated actions SIDS can take to create the necessary enabling environment for the uptake and dissemination of information and communication technology-based solutions. The webinar is organized by DESA/DPIDG together with the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU). It will take place on 23 September 2020 from 1:00 to 3:30pm EDT. Register here.
Capacity Development Webinar on Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable and Resilient Recovery from COVID-19
A webinar on Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable and Resilient Recovery from COVID-19 will be held on 13 October, 7-10:20 am EDT. The webinar will provide an interactive platform for sharing different country experiences about effective digital government strategies for accelerating digital transformation for a sustainable and resilient recovery from COVID-19. Lessons learned will be shared from China, Estonia, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and other countries. Following the webinar, an
Online Discussion Board will facilitate continued discussion among the participants. The webinar is part of the Capacity Development Webinar series organized by DESA/DPIDG, Programme Management and Capacity Development Unit, and DESA/DPIDG's Project Office on Governance (UNPOG). More information and registration are available
here.
Online Training Workshop on Advancing Government Innovation and Leveraging Frontier Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction and Building Resilience
An Online Training Workshop on Advancing Government Innovation and Leveraging Frontier Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction and Building Resilience will take from 18 August to 22 September (every Tuesday, 1-3 AM EDT). It will focus on strategies and tools for advancing risk-informed governance and leveraging frontier technologies to reduce disaster risk and build resilience. It is organized by the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG), through its Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) with the support of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) and Incheon Metropolitan City of the Republic of Korea. A Training Toolkit on the same topic which is currently being developed by DPIDG/UNPOG and UNDRR will be piloted during this Online Training Workshop. More information and registration can be found here.
ECOSOC urges governments to address structural and procedural weaknesses in institutions that hinder implementation of the SDGs
ECOSOC took up the latest report of CEPA on 21 July 2020 and adopted the Committee’s expert recommendations on a range of institutional issues relating a timely implementation of the 2030 Agenda and recovering better from the COVID-19 pandemic. Through its resolution 2020/21, the Council expresses its appreciation for the work done by the Committee and urges Governments to pursue bold policy reforms to accelerate achievement of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development. “Many countries may not be prepared to implement the SDGs at the desired scale and speed due to an undervaluing of the public sector in past decades and a general disregard for the contribution that it can make to addressing society’s needs when equipped with appropriate capacity, skills and mind sets,” said Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Chair of CEPA. In briefing the Council on the outcome of the nineteenth session, she underscored that the pandemic presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the role of institutions and policymaking, promote new governance norms and shift from past practices to transformative pathways that strengthen resilience and accelerate action to achieve the SDGs. The principles of effective governance for sustainable development, endorsed by the Council in July 2018, have proven useful as a guide to analysing complex governance challenges and building strong institutions to these ends. The report and resolution also encourage accelerated action on institution-building in conflict affected countries, budgeting for the SDGs and strengthening public sector workforce capabilities at all levels. More information is available here
2020 Annual UNPAN Meeting Report
2020 Annual UNPAN Meeting Report has been online. Click here to see the report.
CEPA 19th session considers Covid-19 pandemic and building strong institutions for the SDGs
The report of the 19th session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA), held in May 2020, is now available in the six official UN languages. A key message of the Committee is that many countries may not be prepared to implement the SDGs at the desired scale and speed because of a general undervaluing of the public sector in economic theories of the past decades and disregard of its public value when equipped with adequate capacity and the appropriate skills and mind sets. Combatting corruption also remains a crucial precondition of effective governance for the acceleration of implementation of the 2030 Agenda. These and other matters are reflected in a draft resolution and decision for review and adoption by the Economic and Social Council at its Management Segment, taking place on 21 July 2020, as well as in the Committee’s input to the 2020 High-Level Political Forum. More information is available here
Virtual Capacity Building Workshop on Capacities for Resilience and Effectiveness in Service Delivery amidst a crisis
DPIDG/UNDESA and the Africa Public Service Human Resource Managers Network (APS-HRMnet), in collaboration with the Africa Local Governance Academy (ALGA), will conduct a virtual capacity-building workshop that will take place on 24 July 2020. The overall objective of the workshop is to build the capacity of Human Resource Managers in the Public Service to be able to develop public servants’ competences in managing the delivery of public services during the times of crises and uncertainty. The target group of the virtual workshop is government officials drawn from line ministries, Human Resource Managers in the Public Service in African countries from central, regional and municipal governments, and those responsible for public servants training. The workshop will identify and address the capacity deficit in the public service and the need for specific skills necessary for improved delivery of public services in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda, during and in the aftermath of the pandemic. Click here for more information.
Redesigned UNPAN website launched
Version one of the newly redesigned United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN) website is now live at https://unpan.un.org. We invite you to provide comments for UNPAN's version two, which will include a dynamic platform. UNPAN is a global network that connects relevant international, regional, subregional and national institutions and experts worldwide working on effective governance and public administration for sustainable development in line with Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UNPAN was established in 1999 and it is the only network of its type in the world today. UNPAN is composed of 28 Members from across the world. UNPAN's mission is to promote the global sharing of knowledge, experiences and innovative practices on governance and public administration issues. UNPAN is designed to help countries, particularly developing countries and countries in special situations, to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It facilitates capacity-development, including through training, and cooperation among UN Member States, with an emphasis on South-South cooperation. We invite you to provide comments for UNPAN's version two, which will include a dynamic platform by email to unpan@un.org. Access UNPAN here.
2020 UN E-Government Survey: Thematic Webinars
Following the launch of the 2020 edition of the United Nations E-Government Survey , a series of thematic webinars will delve deeper into the global and regional trends that have emerged in the Survey results, an exploration of digital government and the COVID-19 pandemic, a review the Survey’s ongoing study of e-government assessments at the local level, and the development trends and impacts of e-participation, data and capacities for digital transformation. The schedule of these six webinars is as follows:
• Webinar 1: Global and regional e-government development 14 July 10:00 – 11:00 hrs. EDT
• Webinar 2: COVID-19 and e-government 15 July 10:00 – 11:00 hrs. EDT
• Webinar 3: Local e-government 16 July 10:00 – 11:00 hrs. EDT
• Webinar 4: E-participation 21 July 10:00 – 11:00 hrs. EDT
• Webinar 5: Data governance for digital government 22 July 10:00 – 11:00 hrs. EDT
• Webinar 6: Capacities for digital transformation 23 July 10:00 – 11:00 hrs. EDT
Participants may join the distinguished panelists for an interactive discussion via WebEx or Facebook Live (UN DESA). All event details are available here
2020 UN E-Government Survey now available
The 2020 UN E-Government Survey has been launched. The Survey found that progress in digital government has been made across all regions, including the least developed countries. 42 countries moved to higher levels of e-government development. Yet, despite the gains and major investments in e-government by many countries, the digital divide persists. Alongside these trends, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only reinvigorated the role of digital government in its conventional delivery of public services and in ensuring business continuity, it has also brought about innovative ways in managing the crisis. The Survey looks at how digital government can facilitate integrated policies and services across 193 UN Member States. The Survey supports countries’ efforts to provide effective, accountable and inclusive digital services to all and to bridge the digital divide and leave no one behind. The Survey is available here
Global Launch of the 2020 UN E-Government Survey
The virtual launch event of the 2020 UN E-Governent Survey will take place on 10 July from 11 to 12 am EST. The event will be opened by Mr. Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General of UN DESA. By surveying and studying broad patterns of digital government around the world, the UN E-Government Survey assesses the digital government development of the 193 UN Member States in identifying their strengths, challenges and opportunities, as well as informing policies and strategies. The Survey supports countries’ efforts to provide effective, accountable and inclusive digital services to all and to bridge the digital divides in fulfilling the principle of leaving no one behind. More information is available here
Virtual VNR Lab: What should institutions look like to support SDG implementation and how best to reflect it in VNR reporting?
UNDESA is organizing the virtual VNR Lab on "What should institutions look like to support SDG implementation and how best to reflect it in VNR reporting?" on the margins of 2020 HLPF. The VNR lab will take place on Friday, 10 July, 12:30 - 14:00 (Eastern Time, New York). This lab will focus on what institutions should look like to support accelerated implementation of all the SDGs, including at the sub-national level, and how to reflect progress in achieving more effective governance for sustainable development in VNR reporting. It will offer participating governments the opportunity to share good practices as well as to discuss concrete challenges in strengthening institutional capabilities for SDG implementation. For more information, click here.
Webinar on Leveraging ICTs & Digital Government for Innovative Solutions to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic – Responses in Africa
A webinar on Leveraging ICTs & Digital Government for Innovative Solutions to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic – Responses in Africa will be held on 1 July, 8-9:30 am EDT via WebEx Events and Facebook Live. The second installment of the webinar series focusing on Africa will provide an interactive platform for sharing different country experiences in responding to the COVID-19 through use of technology and digital government. Lessons learned will be shared from China, Ethiopia, Republic of Korea, ECA, African Union Development Agency, ITU Regional Office for Africa, African Association for Public Administration and Management. Following the webinar, an Online Discussion Board will facilitate continued discussion among the participants. The webinar is part of the series of Capacity Development Webinar series organized by DESA/DPIDG, Programme Management and Capacity Development Unit, and DESA/DPIDG's Project Office on Governance (UNPOG). More information and registration is available here.
Webinar on Leveraging Public Governance and Spearheading Innovative Solutions to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Arab Region: Structural challenges, gaps, weaknesses and resilience
DESA/DPIDG in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Western Asia (UN ESCWA) is organizing a webinar on Leveraging Public Governance and Spearheading Innovative Solutions to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Arab Region: Structural challenges, gaps, weaknesses and resilience. It aims to strengthen effective governance by enhancing integration, collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders through whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches as well as national to local coordination to fight COVID-19. The Webinar will take place on 24 June at 8am EST. More information here.
On the frontlines: honouring public servants in the COVID-19 pandemic response | 23 June 2020, 9:00-11:00am (EST)
On 23 June the United Nations will celebrate UN Public Service Day by focusing on the critical role public servants have played in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea are organizing a virtual event to pay homage to public servants who have been working on the frontlines and to recognize the lifesaving work they have undertaken during the pandemic. The event will bring together public servants and leaders to discuss the importance of the continuation of public service provision during times of pandemic. In doing so, it will examine the various approaches countries have taken during the crisis while looking at what measures they are undertaking to better mitigate such challenges in the future. The event will also include an original orchestral piece performed by the UN Orchestra and feature a video showcasing public servants in action developed from over 80 submissions received from public servants at national and local levels world wide. For more information, click here.
19th Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration
The Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) held its nineteenth session through a combination of written consultations and informal meetings convened on 13, 15, 18, 21, 27 and 28 May 2020, using a virtual platform. The overall theme was “Promoting effective governance and institutional reform to accelerate delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals”. with particular reference to the Covid-19 pandemic response and recovery. Click here for a draft summary of the CEPA 19th session.
COVID-19 Policy Briefs on Governance and Institutions
As part of UN DESA's Policy Brief series on COVID-19, the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government has published three Policy Briefs. The Policy Brief on Embracing Digital Government during the Pandemic and Beyond addresses how digital government has played a central role as a key tool of communication and collaboration between policymakers and society during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Policy Brief on Resilient institutions in times of crisis: transparency, accountability and participation at the national level key to effective response to COVID-19 discusses the challenges of the COVID-19 emergency along key dimensions of national institutions highlighted in SDG 16.The Policy Brief on Reaffirming State-People Governance Relationships discusses the role of effective governance, and in particular the relationship between the state and people, in building countries' resiliency and in responding to and managing nation-wide crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Policy Brief on the Role of Public Service and Public Servants during the COVID-19 Pandemic outlines nine key roles public servants have been and must continue to play to ensure an effective response to the pandemic.
All UN DESA COVID-19 Policy Briefs can be accessed here
19th Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration
The 19th Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administrations (CEPA) took place in a virtual format from 13 to 28 May 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. It focused on how to promote effective governance and institutional reform to accelerate delivery of the SDGs, with particular reference to the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery. The Committee noted that the 11 Principles of Effective Governance for Sustainable Development had been put to test in the pandemic and proven useful to improving future public governance. The Committee also underscored the ability of governments to take steps in response to the pandemic, underlining their renewed commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030. The Committee further stressed the importance of strengthening the capacity of State institutions and re-establishing credible governance and public administration institutions in countries affected by conflict. Several Members also stressed the important role of sub-national and local governments in delivering the SDGs. The Committee drew attention to the negative impact of unbalanced budgeting on delivery of the SDGs. The Committee has adopted an input to the High-level Political Forum, a draft resolution to be endorsed by ECOSOC, and a proposed agenda for its 20th session. The Committee also had a preliminary discussion on its inter-sessional work. More information and on-demand video are available here.
Call for contributions – World Public Sector Report 2021
The World Public Sector Report (WPSR) has been published by the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of UNDESA since 2001. The forthcoming edition will focus on national institutional arrangements of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and their effectiveness. This call for contributions invites individual researchers and experts as well as policy research institutions to submit inputs and policy briefs highlighting issues, trends, research findings or solutions in relation to the research questions that the report seeks to address. Click here for more information.
Webinar on Leveraging Public Governance & Spearheading Innovative Solutions to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic – Responses in Africa
A webinar on Leveraging Public Governance & Spearheading Innovative Solutions to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic – Responses in Africa will be held on 12 May, 8-10 am EDT via WebEx and Facebook Live. The event will provide an interactive platform for sharing different country experiences in responding to the COVID-19, especially for Africa by highlighting effective strategies, successes, and challenges from government officials, experts, private and civil society including from China, Ethiopia, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Kenya and the USA. Following the webinar, an Online Discussion Board will facilitate continued discussion among the participants. The webinar is first in the series of Capacity Development Webinar series organized by DESA/DPIDG through Project Office on Governance (UNPOG) and other relevant partners, including the SIDS Unit of of DESA/DSDG, the Economic Commission for Africa, the African Union Development Agency and the African Association for Public Administration. More info here http://www.unpog.org/page/sub3_1_view.asp?sn=368&BoardID=0002
Compendium of national institutional arrangements for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – 2019 VNR update
In the four years since the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development came into effect, countries across the world have made significant efforts to establish the institutional arrangements necessary for the successful implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This compendium aims to document these institutional arrangements in a simple and standardized way, with a view to facilitating exchanges on institutional practices and lessons learned among governments and other stakeholders. It covers the 47 countries that presented Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) at the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2019. This new volume complements similar volumes published in 2017 and 2018, which covered earlier rounds of VNRs. The compendium is available here.
Accelerating SDG16 implementation through transformative governance: Building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions to sustain peace and development
UNDESA and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), with the Government of Italy are organizing a conference that follows the 2019 Rome conference on “Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies: Sustainable Development Goal 16 implementation and the path towards leaving no one behind”. It is the first of a series of conferences to be co-organized by UNDESA and IDLO with the Italian Government during the forthcoming decade of action and delivery for sustainable development on different themes related to SDG 16. The initiative responds to the SDG Summit’s call to accelerate progress towards SDG 16 and the 2030 Agenda as a whole, and is intended to provide a platform to mobilize a broad spectrum of SDG 16 policy makers, champions and practitioners. The conference will address ways to develop effective institutions, ensure equal access to justice, and enhance service delivery. It will focus on national and local implementation supported by broad national coalitions as well as regional and international partnerships, and on ways of scaling up progress through innovation and enhanced financing. The conference will take place in Rome, Italy, from 8-10 June 2020.
Briefing Session on the 2020 United Nations Public Service Forum
The 2020 United Nations Public Service Forum (UNPSF) will take place in Busan, Republic of Korea from 23 to 26 June 2020, under the theme "Action Today, Impact Tomorrow: Innovating and Transforming Public Services and Institutions to Realize the Sustainable Development Goals". The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Interior and Safety and UN DESA will organize a briefing session to Member States on the 2020 Forum on 11 February at the UN Secretariat. The briefing will draw together current and past UN Public Service Forum hosts and substantive experts to discuss the role of innovating and transforming public services and institutions to realize the SDGs. Click here for more information.