Latest news with #GoodGovernance
Al Bawaba
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
AUB Holds Panel Discussion on the Reform of Governance in Saudi Arabia
The Good Governance and Citizenship Observatory (GGCO) at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at the American University of Beirut (AUB) hosted a panel discussion titled 'Hawkama and Vision 2030: The Reform of Governance in Saudi Arabia.' The event featured Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University Bernard Haykel, a leading expert on the Gulf and Middle East. The conversation explored how institutional reform and regulatory change are advancing transparency, accountability, and sustainable development as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's broader transformation panel drew a distinguished audience, including Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Dr. Waleed Al-Bukhari; Spanish Ambassador to Lebanon Jesús Santos Aguado; Mexican Ambassador to Lebanon Francisco Romero Bock; Dr. Fadi Makki, Lebanon's minister of state for administrative reform; and former ministers. Also in attendance were Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president; Dr. Zaher Dawy, AUB provost; as well as university deans, senior administrators, and faculty of the Asfari Institute Lina Abou-Habib opened the event by welcoming the attendees and highlighting the significance and timeliness of the discussion, describing it as 'within the mandate of the institute, to discuss prospects, trends, and emerging initiatives that influence governance structures in the Arab region, particularly at this incredibly important moment of transition and instability.'Dr. Simon Kachar, GGCO founding and current director, and lecturer in political science at AUB, followed with opening remarks that placed the discussion in a broader regional and institutional context. 'In an era marked by rapid transformations and evolving global dynamics, understanding the nuances of governance reform becomes paramount,' he said. 'Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 represents an ambitious and far-reaching blueprint for economic diversification and social change, and at its very core lies the fundamental pillar of governance.'Kachar noted that the GGCO was established to foster critical thinking, encourage informed dialogue, and advance knowledge on good governance and active citizenship within Arab contexts. 'We believe that genuine progress and sustainable development are linked to transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance structures,' he emphasized that the panel provided an opportunity to examine how Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is being translated into practice and how governance reforms are reshaping institutions. 'Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a forward-looking nation, globally integrated and domestically resilient,' he Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, then delivered his welcoming remarks, highlighting the panel's regional and global relevance. 'Questions like how Vision 2030 is shaping Saudi Arabia in the region are extremely germane to what's happening in Lebanon and the entire region,' he said. He added that understanding what is happening in Saudi Arabia is essential—not only for neighboring countries, but for the international community as a whole. 'Saudi Arabia is a global concern,' he went on to commend the event's keynote guest, Professor Haykel, for his academic depth and candid insight. 'I feel fortunate that today at AUB, we have arguably the most insightful expert—and also one of the most honest experts in the region. Not just academically qualified, but more than happy to share careful observations from a place of objectivity and great knowledge,' Khuri panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Tania Haddad, associate professor of public administration and nonprofit management at AUB and member of the GGCO Steering Committee. She opened by framing the scope of the conversation: 'Over the past decade, the kingdom has undertaken one of the most ambitious state-led transformation agendas in the region. Anchored in Vision 2030, these reforms span economic diversification, bureaucratic modernization, social liberalization, and institutional restructuring. This panel aims to critically examine the governance dimensions of these reforms, including their origins, mechanisms, and implications.'Haddad then introduced Professor Haykel as a prominent scholar of the Arabian Peninsula, whose work focuses on the politics, economics, and history of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Yemen, and 'has critically engaged with questions of state reform, institutional change, and governance in the kingdom.'The discussion unfolded as a moderated, in-depth exchange, structured around four key themes central to understanding Saudi Arabia's governance reform trajectory. It began by examining the driving forces behind the reform agenda. Haykel traced the impetus to a growing realization among Saudi leadership—and increasingly, among the public—that the previous system of governance had become unsustainable.'The driver for reform in Saudi Arabia is a sense that exists among the leadership—but I think it's also prevalent in society—that the country, as it was functioning before the accession of King Salman in 2015… was unsustainable, and that the country needed to dramatically change,' Haykel said. He added that 'what's particularly distinctive about the kingdom, and you don't find it in other countries of the GCC, is the brutal honesty with which the leadership in the kingdom talked about this need.'The conversation then explored how reforms have reshaped the relationship between the state and its citizens, particularly through the strategic deployment of nationalism, identity, and new narratives of civic responsibility. It also addressed the institutionalization of accountability, transparency, and citizen participation, and concluded with a reflection on the broader regional implications of the Saudi reform experience. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session that invited reflections on the sustainability, implementation, and broader impact of the reforms.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Coalition govt's objective is inclusive devpt, says MLA
Thuggali (Kurnool district): Pathikonda MLA K E Shyam Kumar asserted that the primary objective of the coalition government was public welfare and inclusive development. Speaking on the third day of the 'Good Governance – First Step' initiative held at Marella village in Tuggali mandal on Monday, he emphasised the government's dedication to delivering transparent administration and welfare schemes at the grassroots level. As part of the programme, the MLA went door-to-door to personally explain the various welfare and development schemes being implemented by the coalition government. He enquired about the problems faced by each household and registered their grievances directly in the 'My TDP' app for swift resolution. He directed the concerned officials to address the complaints without delay. Addressing the public, MLA Shyam Kumar said the coalition government was committed to eradicating poverty and uplifting the underprivileged through enhanced support prices for crops, comprehensive crop insurance, free sand distribution, increased pensions, improved services under Aarogyasri, modernised PHCs, and initiatives like 'Talli Ki Vandanam' for students' mothers. He also highlighted reforms in school infrastructure, empowerment of women through DWCRA, free ration supply, enhanced women's safety, youth skill development, employment generation, drinking water projects, rural road development, and the creation of smart villages. He reiterated the coalition government's determination to accelerate the State's development over the next five years. The event saw active participation from TDP leaders, local cadres, and residents, reflecting the public's positive response to the initiative.
India Gazette
24-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Chandrababu should remember that all the vindictive politics the coalition has been playing will bounce back": YSRCP's Lakshmi Parvathi
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], June 24 (ANI): The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) on Tuesday expressed disagreement with the claims of good governance made during the completion of one year of the current administration in Andhra Pradesh, stating that several sections of society, including women, continue to face challenges. Speaking to the media here on Tuesday, YSRCP General Secretary Lakshmi Parvathi said the government must reflect on issues concerning women's safety and welfare schemes, and emphasised that strong corrective measures were necessary. 'Lokesh is being termed as a shadow Chief Minister, which is ridiculous as the greenhorn can barely speak out, and Chandrababu should remember that all the vindictive politics the coalition has been playing will bounce back in the coming days,' Lakshmi Parvathi said. 'There is no safety for women, and atrocities on even minor girls have been reported, but there is hardly any response from the government, and the Home Minister has no voice to speak as the accused are TDP cadre. Even Purandeswari, being the coalition partner, does not speak out, which shows that she has been endorsing every evil move of Chandrababu Naidu,' she added. She added that the welfare programmes implemented during the previous YSRCP-led government, particularly those focused on women's empowerment, were well-received and rolled out consistently. 'That was an example of good governance. Any deviation from that should be reassessed,' she added. Lakshmi Parvathi also questioned the public perception around certain leaders and urged all political stakeholders to rise above personal ambition to serve the state effectively. On Monday, the present state government marked the completion of its first year with a public event titled 'First Step in Good Governance', attended by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Minister for Education Nara Lokesh, and BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari. In a post on X CM Naidu wrote, 'Today's unique gathering, 'First Step in Good Governance' was dedicated to the people of Andhra Pradesh and our commitment to serving them. The GoAP came together in full strength to reflect on the progress made over the past year and to chart our path forward. We remain deeply committed to delivering transparent, accountable, and people-centric governance. With the support of our people of AP, we have begun to undo the damage of the past and lay the foundation for real, lasting development. I thank everyone who participated.' He added, 'Let's continue to serve our people and our state with full dedication and purpose.' (ANI)
United News of India
22-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
AP: Government to hold review meeting on completion of 1 year in office
Vijayawad, Jun 22 (UNI) To mark one year in office, the N. Chandrababu Naidu headed Andhra Pradesh Government will conduct a special meeting titled 'First Step towards Good Governance' on June 23 in Amaravati, near here. The event will be held on a specially arranged dais behind the Secretariat. Originally scheduled for June 12, the meeting was postponed due to the tragic plane crash near Ahmedabad. In tomorrow's session, the government will review administrative reforms introduced over the past year, changes implemented, welfare measures delivered, and efforts made towards the state's development. A key focus will be on how to realize people's aspirations and meet developmental targets over the next four years. The district Collectors, SPs, HODs, Secretaries, MLAs, Ministers, and MPs from all 26 districts will participate in the event being held in Amaravati. The Naidu headed coalition Government completed one year in office and steps into its second year, steering the State towards reconstruction after the financial and administrative chaos left by the previous regime. Alongside short-term development goals, the coalition has also drafted and begun implementing long-term strategies like the Swarna Andhra @2047 vision for a developed Andhra Pradesh. The AP government is making rapid progress on key fronts such as the Polavaram project, Amaravati capital development, attracting industries and investments, and creating employment opportunities for 20 lakh people. 'To assess the good governance delivered over the past year and outline the roadmap for the future, this special meeting is being held under the banner "First Step towards Good Governance." Discussions will also cover the objectives for the current year and the targets to be achieved. The meeting will present a report on last year's progress and deliberate on initiatives to be undertaken in the coming year,' sources said. UNI DP RKM
Khaleej Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE played ‘significant role' in reducing tension between India and Pakistan, says Sharif
The UAE played a significant role in reducing tensions between Pakistan and India during the recent military conflict, said Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The prime minister's remarks were made during a meeting with Abdulla Nasser Lootah, UAE's Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, and Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador in Pakistan, in Islamabad on Monday. The two South Asian neighbours engaged in a military conflict after India accused Pakistan of involvement in the Pahalgam attack, which Islamabad denies. Sharif recently visited the UAE and met President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, describing the meeting as 'very fruitful' and saying the UAE played a 'significant role in reducing tensions between Pakistan and India.' In addition to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the US also played a key role in reducing tension between the two nuclear nations. During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif said the UAE has positioned itself among the developed countries with its modern management system, and Pakistan was keen to benefit from its experiences. The prime minister underlined that Pakistan wanted to benefit from the experiences of the UAE to achieve good governance so that these steps could be made more effective to improve data-based decision-making. He added that Pakistan has taken steps such as digitisation and a paperless economy to improve its administrative structure. In addition, a faceless customs system has also been implemented. Sharif and Abdulla Naseer also attended the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in improving government performance by exchanging knowledge and mutual experience, guidance and development models in relevant fields. The MoU covers cooperation in areas such as good governance, development planning, public sector reforms, human resource development, urban planning, and science and technology, among others.
