The annual conference of the Association for Middle Eastern Public Policy & Administration (AMEPPA) took place at the American University in Cairo from December 21-22, 2024. The conference, titled “A Changing Public Administration and Public Policy: Towards Embracing Innovative, Strategic, and Resilient Approaches,” was a collaborative effort between the USAID-funded Economic Governance Activity (EGA) and the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at AUC.
Conference Focus: Transformations in Public Administration and Policy
The conference sought to explore major changes in public administration and policy across the region. It aimed to present innovative approaches to address emerging challenges, with a focus on leveraging modern technologies and innovation. Experts, decision-makers, and academics from around the world gathered to discuss governance, sustainable development, and innovation. The event included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and specialized research presentations.
Opening Remarks: Setting the Stage for Dialogue
The conference began with opening speeches from key figures. Dr. Laila El Baradei, AMEPPA President, expressed her excitement about the collaboration with EGA and USAID. She highlighted the role of AMEPPA as a platform for engaging in rigorous academic research and policy analysis, emphasizing its commitment to good governance and sustainable development in the Middle East.
Dr. Noha El-Mikawy, Dean of the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at AUC, addressed the challenges and opportunities arising from rapid transformations in the region. She stressed the importance of the social contract between citizens and the state, advocating for openness to good practices and equity in public policies.
Opportunities in the Face of Challenges
Dr. Ahmed Dallal, President of AUC, discussed the region’s political, social, and environmental challenges and the opportunities these challenges present. He emphasized the importance of adopting innovative, inclusive policies and a comprehensive approach to governance. He pointed out that technological advancements can significantly enhance decision-making and public service delivery, but they must be integrated with justice, transparency, and human oversight.
Technology in Public Administration
Dr. Ahmed Tantawy, Advisor to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, discussed the potential of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in public administration. He shared examples of how AI has already been applied to improve public services, such as in diabetic retinopathy screening.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat on Economic Governance Initiatives
In a virtual address, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, discussed the ongoing efforts of the Economic Governance Activity funded by USAID. She highlighted the successes of initiatives like “Kemet,” an AI-powered chatbot aimed at enhancing transparency in civil service, and the development of digital training courses for civil service employees focused on ethics, administrative skills, and gender equality.
Keynote Address: The Path Forward for Public Administration Reforms
Dr. Saleh El-Sheikh, President of the Central Agency for Organization and Administration in Egypt, delivered a keynote speech on public administration reforms in Egypt. He discussed the government’s efforts to improve services and emphasized the importance of comprehensive legislative reform to achieve sustainable development in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Panel Discussion: Enhancing Governance in Egypt
The inaugural panel discussion, titled “Enhancing Governance Initiatives in Egypt,” included distinguished figures like Dr. Ahmed Darwish, former Minister of State for Administrative Development, and Major General Khaled Abdel Halim, Governor of Qena. The discussion focused on national efforts to improve governance, enhance government performance, and build institutions that promote transparency and efficiency.
EGA’s Role in Promoting Governance Reforms
The Economic Governance Activity (EGA) is a key component of the conference. Funded by USAID, EGA supports Egypt’s investment climate by improving governance, administrative development, and institutional efficiency. The project focuses on creating new models for public service delivery and improving institutional responsiveness to the needs of citizens and the private sector. EGA’s goals are aligned with Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 and aim to foster innovation and enhance the overall performance of public institutions.
