Ethics and values in public sector reform are focus of Commonwealth seminar in Samoa

A Commonwealth seminar on leadership and ethics in public sector reform for senior executives is taking place in Apia, Samoa, from 10 to 14 March 2008.

The seminar is being conducted by the Commonwealth Secretariat, with the support of the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation, in association with the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management, and the Public Service Commission, Government of Samoa.

Some 30 participants drawn from across the public service are attending this event aimed at developing leadership and ethics in public administration.

“This seminar looks at the use of core ethical values as the basis for human resource management and leadership development in the public service,” said John Wilkins, Public Sector Management Adviser at the Secretariat.

“These values are vital for public sector transformation, effective performance management and citizen-focused service delivery.”

He pointed out that the participating chief executives and middle managers are critical cogs in the machinery of government who are called upon daily to lead by example and manage the processes and relationships that contribute to good governance.

“The seminar will expose these public service leaders to values and ethical considerations that underpin reform measures that can be instrumental in curbing corruption,” stated Mr Wilkins.

This event was specially designed to meet the needs of Samoa’s public sector reform programme.

Secretariat Links:

• Country Profile: Samoa
• Governance