Mombasa Hosts Prestigious International Governance Conference, Calls for Global Collaboration
MOMBASA — At the conclusion of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) and Kenya School of Government (KSG) 2024 conference, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei highlighted the imperative for global cooperation in addressing shared challenges. The event, which took place in Mombasa, brought together over 130 delegates from more than 40 countries to foster discussions on collaborative governance.
According to Kenya News Agency, Koskei stressed the inefficacy of isolated efforts by individual nations or regions in solving global issues. He pointed out that the world’s increasing interconnectivity necessitates a unified approach to address the complexities of modern challenges. Emphasizing dialogue, cooperation, and partnership, Koskei outlined the essential components for successful collaborative initiatives, including a supportive institutional framework, clear communication, mutual trust, and a shared vision.
The conference also saw Principal Secretary Amos Gathecha of the State Department for Public Service commend IIAS for selecting Kenya as the conference venue, marking a significant step in global governance discourse. Gathecha advocated for the reassessment of current governance models to address economic disparities and promote equitable policies internationally.
Professor Ludeki Chweya, the Director General of KSG, underscored the importance of inclusive development and the need for challenging prevailing global norms to enhance societal welfare. Highlighting the role of industrialization in improving quality of life, Chweya argued for increased international collaboration.
The conference agenda included a wide range of topics such as technology, decoloniality, globalization, and the role of co-production in public service delivery. Key themes included skills development for collaborative governance, adaptive leadership, and the active participation of officials from developing nations. Participants engaged in discussions on mobilizing global resources to tackle issues like climate change, poverty, inequality, and trade imbalances.
The gathering concluded with the adoption of a comprehensive definition of collaborative governance, emphasizing its formal, consensus-oriented, and deliberative nature. This definition is intended to serve as a foundation for future discussions and policy-making efforts. The outcomes of the conference are expected to be published online, contributing to the ongoing development of international cooperation and policy formulation.