Strengthening effective public governance for sustainable recovery

On April 29-30, 2024, key stakeholders from across the Arab region, including member states, academics, practitioners, and experts, convened in Amman, Jordan, to engage in the critical regional workshop titled "SDG 16 in the Post-Conflict Phase: How to Strengthen Public Governance for Sustainable Recovery." This regional workshop discussed the persistent challenges of conflict, fragility, and crisis that have plagued several Arab countries, severely undermining governance and hindering sustainable development.

The two-day workshop was structured around seven insightful sessions that examined rebuilding effective governance systems, socio-economic development, the impact of 'rebel governance' and erosion of statehood, public administration reform, the unique governance challenges faced by Palestine under occupation, and the integration of emerging technologies in state-building and reconstruction efforts. Each session provided a platform to discuss innovative solutions to restore stability, ensure equitable service delivery, and rebuild trust between governments and their citizens.

Key recommendations emphasized the necessity of national ownership and the core role of local actors in driving sustainable recovery and development. The discussions underscored the importance of transitioning from conflict through phases that remove obstacles to development, with a solid emphasis on good governance, national reconciliation and the fair and equitable redistribution of national wealth and resources to address the root causes of conflict and prevent conflict relapse. Additionally, experts recommended the creation of a network of regional specialists and encouraged ESCWA to lead regional coordination efforts, leveraging its expertise to foster effective and accountable governance practices across the region.

This regional workshop not only shed light on the complexities of governance in post-conflict settings but also charted a forward path that prioritizes accountability, technical and systemic approaches to governance reform, and strategic use of emerging technologies for the collective good and wellbeing. These concerted efforts are vital to achieving SDG 16, the enabler of all other SDGs,  and ensuring peaceful, just, and inclusive societies across the Arab region. This event marks an important step towards fostering collaboration and driving impactful governance reforms necessary for sustainable and peaceful development in the region.