El International Institute of Administrative Sciences como una plataforma mundial para la administración pública

Abstract

The purpose of my contribution is to introduce the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) as a Worldwide Platform for Public Administration, providing its historical background, objectives and future strategy. In the introduction, the paper draws attention to the fact that the IIAS is an International Association with Scientific Purpose and that its Membership is largely open - geographically, scientifically and professionally. The IIAS is represented in more than one hundred countries belonging to all regions and cultures of the world. Its official purpose is to promote the development of the administrative sciences, the better organisation and operation of public administrative agencies, the improvement of administrative methods and techniques, and the progress of international administration.

The IIAS has recently redefined its strategy with a view to offering a new platform for practitioners and scholars, connecting theoretical research and practice, providing its members with adequate services. The new orientation given to the IIAS strategy aims to transform the Institute into a real Platform for Public Administration.

In addition, this paper puts into perspective the role of IIAS in a globalizing world. Because interdependencies among countries have become increasingly obvious, it must be noted that with globalization, all governments and peoples have a direct interest in how effectively others govern themselves. On the other hand, global governance is being challenged by new emerging issues that must be examined. The world fashioned by our forefathers has become outdated; it must be transformed. Globalisation has certainly brought about a diversity of cultures, points of view, interests and beliefs - but it has also brought with it new disparities. Resolving these new global problems and issues means taking into account diverse differences, needs and interests; a new rationale must underpin the design, structures and modus operandi of global governance. A debate has begun at IIAS on this topic: Global Governance: the human factor.

IIAS is also presented as a forum in which dialogues are forged between academics and practitioners concerning critical governance issues (CGI). As governance issues become more complex, so do the challenges for those involved in public administration. The IIAS has already started to identify the CGI. However, this process must be more fully developed by mobilising, analysing and confronting the respective arguments of its members, stakeholders, conference participants - theoreticians and practitioners.

Globally, the IIAS and its specialized/regional associations centre their activities on different levels, from local to global. Indeed, this is the reason why IIAS intends to develop different forms of professional dialogue - to promote a genuine platform for sharing best practices. The ultimate goal is to share knowledge across generations and cultures and to provide our members and stakeholders with new tools for future challenges. Our relationship with CLAD is aimed at developing the bigger picture!