-IIAS Governance Index to Assess Performance of Public Institutions Worldwide; Detailed Findings to Be Presented in Seoul in November
-Calls for Stronger Global Research Networks, Greater Participation from Developing Countries and Institutional Reforms Ahead of IIAS Centenary in 2030
Jaipur, October 2026 : Rajasthan Chief Secretary and President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), V. Srinivas, outlined a roadmap for strengthening global public administration through research, institutional collaboration and knowledge. Addressing the IASIA Board of Management meeting in Athens, Greece, on Monday during the IASIA-2026 International Conference, V. Srinivas emphasised the need to strengthen international networks and prepare public institutions for emerging governance challenges.
Highlighting the IIAS Governance Index as a major initiative under the Indian Presidency of IIAS, V. Srinivas said it would provide a global reference for assessing the performance of public institutions and identifying areas for improvement. He informed that an initial preview of the Index would be presented at the Athens Conference, while its complete methodology, findings and country comparisons would be presented at the upcoming IIAS Conference in Seoul in November 2026.
The Chief Secretary proposed establishing an IASIA Practice Network to connect universities, civil service academies and government institutions, enabling academic research to contribute directly to administrative reforms. He also called for more active international working groups, stronger research collaborations and greater participation from developing countries, particularly the Global South.
Referring to India's leadership as the first IIAS Presidency from the Global South, V. Srinivas recalled the successful IIAS Conference held in New Delhi in 2025, attended by 758 delegates from 58 countries. This was followed by successful EGPA conferences in Glasgow and, most recently, Rome. He said that the forthcoming Seoul Conference is also receiving an encouraging and immense international response, reflecting the growing global relevance of IIAS.
Looking ahead to the IIAS centenary in 2030, V. Srinivas envisioned the institution as a leading global centre for administrative education, research and innovation. He emphasised that stronger institutional partnerships, ethical leadership and continuous learning would be essential for building future-ready public institutions. He said that the principle of 'Nation First, Citizen First' must remain central to public administration, ensuring that governance ultimately serves the needs of citizens.
During the meeting, V. Srinivas congratulated IASIA President Prof. Dr. Liezel Lues on her leadership and acknowledged the distinguished nine-year contribution of IIAS Director General Dr. Sofiane Sahroui. He expressed confidence that the IASIA-2026 Conference, themed 'Rethinking Governance for a Changing World,' would provide fresh direction to global administrative cooperation.
