Conference Theme
Governing for All: The Imperatives of Integrity, Transparency, Inclusiveness, and Poverty Eradication Amidst Global Turbulence.
Conference Theme Overview
The 2026 theme recognizes that effective governance in turbulent times requires an unwavering commitment to four foundational imperatives:
1. Integrity
Integrity in public service encompasses anti-corruption measures, ethical leadership, professional standards, and accountability systems ensuring institutions serve the public interest.2. Transparency
Transparent governance enables citizens to understand, monitor, and participate in decisions, embedding open data and accountability across all operations.3. Inclusiveness
Inclusive governance ensures all voices are heard, communities represented, and equitable access to participation and public services.4. Poverty Eradication
Eradicating poverty requires integrated policies, adequate resources, and sustained commitment across all levels of government.Global Turbulence Context
- Democratic fragility and institutional declines
- Economic volatility and fiscal constraints
- Climate emergency and environmental crises
- Technological disruption and digital transformation
- Social fragmentation and rising inequality
- Geopolitical instability and international disorder
- Public health threats and pandemic preparedness
- Workforce transformation and organizational change
Conference Objectives
- Advance research and knowledge exchange on governance imperatives.
- Promote multidisciplinary and cross-sector dialogue.
- Build institutional and professional capacity for values-based governance.
- Generate actionable policy recommendations for reform and practice.
- Strengthen international networks and collaborative partnerships.
Sub-Themes
1. Integrity and Transparency in Public Administration
- Anti-corruption strategies and enforcement
- Ethical leadership and public sector ethics
- Good governance
- Integrity in procurement and public contracting
- Whistleblower protection and conflict-of-interest systems
2. Digital Governance
- Open data and proactive disclosure
- Artificial intelligence in policy and decision-making
- Data governance, privacy, and cybersecurity
- E-government and digital public services
- Social media, institutional branding and content accountability
3. Inclusiveness, Diversity and Participation Topics may include
- Deliberative and participatory democratic mechanisms
- Gender equality and gender-responsive policy frameworks
- Youth participation and intergenerational justice
- Multicultural and diversity ecosystems
4. Poverty Eradication and Social Protection Topics may include
- Pro-poor policy and inequality reduction
- Social safety nets and social insurance systems
- Employment, skills, and livelihood development
- Financial inclusion and digital payments for the poor
- Urban poverty reduction and informal settlements
5. Economic Governance and Empowerment Topics may include
- Fiscal policy and long-term investment planning
- Sustainable industrial governance
- MSMEs, cooperatives, and local value chain development
- Tourism, place-branding, and strategy for economic growth
- State-owned Enterprise, Public-Private Partnership, and infrastructure for productive economies
6. Human Resource Management and State Capability Topics may include
- Public sector leadership and talent development
- Workforce transformation and digital competencies
- Performance management and professional standards
- Human resource management in the civil service
- Employee wellbeing, burnout prevention, and hybrid work models
7. Global Governance and SDG Topics may include
- Disaster management, anticipatory governance, water and food security
- Wars, geopolitical rivalry, and multilateral crisis
- Democracy, polarization, and great-power competition
- Global health security and pandemic governance
- Humanitarian protection, human rights, and international accountability
- Sustainable development strategies and SDG localization