Conference Theme
Governing for All: The Imperatives of Integrity, Transparency, Inclusiveness, and Poverty Eradication Amidst Global Turbulence.
The 2026 theme recognizes that effective governance in turbulent times requires an unwavering commitment to four foundational imperatives:
1. Integrity
In an era of declining confidence in government, integrity in public service is not optional, it is imperative. This encompasses anti-corruption measures, ethical leadership, professional standards, and accountability systems that ensure public institutions serve the public interest.
2. Transparency
The cornerstone of democratic accountability and informed citizenship. Transparent governance enables citizens to understand, monitor, and participate in decisions that affect their lives. From open data and fiscal transparency to algorithmic accountability, transparency must be embedded across all government operations.
3. Inclusiveness
The prerequisite for legitimate and effective governance. Inclusive governance ensures that all voices are heard, all communities are represented, and all people have access to public services and participation in democratic processes. This is essential for social cohesion, equity, and sustainable development.
4. Poverty Eradication
Persistent poverty is both a governance failure and a fundamental injustice. Eradicating poverty must be a central priority of public administration, requiring integrated policies, adequate resources, and sustained commitment across all levels of government.
The conference situates these imperatives within the context of “global turbulence” recognizing the multiple, interconnected challenges facing governance systems:
a. Democratic fragility and institutional declines
b. Economic volatility and fiscal constraints
c. Climate emergency and environmental crises
d. Technological disruption and digital transformation
e. Social fragmentation and rising inequality
f. Geopolitical instability and international disorder
g. Public health threats and pandemic preparedness
h. Workforce transformation and organizational change
Conference Objectives
The 6th ICoGPASS 2026 aims to:
1. Advance research and knowledge exchange on governance imperatives. The conference provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share findings, perspectives, and innovations that shape contemporary governance debates.
2. Promote multidisciplinary and cross-sector dialogue. By bringing together diverse fields within the social sciences, public administration, and development studies, the conference encourages integrated approaches to complex governance challenges.
3. Build institutional and professional capacity for values-based governance. Sessions, workshops, and conferences equip public administrators, researchers, and emerging leaders with tools, frameworks, and competencies to operationalize integrity, transparency, inclusiveness, and poverty reduction.
4. Generate actionable policy recommendations for reform and practice. Discussions and research outputs aim to bridge the gap between academic analysis and real-world policy solutions, informing reform agendas at national, regional, and global levels.
5. Strengthen international networks and collaborative partnerships. The conference fosters long-term cooperation among institutions, researchers, and organizations from all over the world for joint research, capacity-building, and knowledge transfer.
Sub-Themes
The conference welcomes submissions across the following sub-themes:
1. Integrity and Transparency in Public Administration
Topics may include:
a. Anti-corruption strategies and enforcement
b. Ethical leadership and public sector ethics
c. Good governance
d. Integrity in procurement and public contracting
e. Whistleblower protection and conflict-of-interest systems
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2. Digital Governance
Topics may include:
a. Open data and proactive disclosure
b. Artificial intelligence in policy and decision-making
c. Data governance, privacy, and cybersecurity
d. E-government and digital public services
e. Social media, institutional branding and content accountability
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3. Inclusiveness, Diversity and Participation
Topics may include:
a. Deliberative and participatory democratic mechanisms
b. Gender equality and gender-responsive policy frameworks
c. Youth participation and intergenerational justice
d. Multicultural and diversity ecosystems
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4. Poverty Eradication and Social Protection
Topics may include:
a. Pro-poor policy and inequality reduction
b. Social safety nets and social insurance systems
c. Employment, skills, and livelihood development
d. Financial inclusion and digital payments for the poor
e. Urban poverty reduction and informal settlements
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5. Economic Governance and Empowerment
Topics may include:
a. Fiscal policy and long-term investment planning
b. Sustainable industrial governance
c. MSMEs, cooperatives, and local value chain development
d. Tourism, place-branding, and strategy for economic growth
e. State-owned Enterprise, Public-Private Partnership, and infrastructure for productive economies
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6. Human Resource Management and State Capability
Topics may include:
a. Public sector leadership and talent development
b. Workforce transformation and digital competencies
c. Performance management and professional standards
d. Human resource management in the civil service
e. Employee wellbeing, burnout prevention, and hybrid work models
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7. Global Governance and SDG
Topics may include:
a. Disaster management, anticipatory governance, water and food security
b. Wars, geopolitical rivalry, and multilateral crisis
c. Democracy, polarization, and great-power competition
d. Global health security and pandemic governance
e. Humanitarian protection, human rights, and international accountability
f. Sustainable development strategies and SDG localization