I am deeply honoured to lead an institution that, for nearly a century, has stood as a global pillar of thought leadership, inclusive collaboration, and continuous innovation in the field of public administration.
Since its founding in 1930, the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) has remained steadfast in its commitment to academic freedom, the advancement of comparative governance, and the promotion of administrative excellence across nations. The Indian Presidency would seek build on the strong institutional foundations of academic excellence, multilateralism and contemporary administrative theory. As we move closer to the Institute’s centenary in 2030, we must celebrate the rich institutional legacy marked by academic excellence and also prepare boldly and strategically for the future.
This preparation demands that the IIAS develops into a futuristic institution with focus on the following values:
I am deeply honoured to lead an institution that, for nearly a century, has stood as a global pillar of thought leadership, inclusive collaboration, and continuous innovation in the field of public administration.
These are global challenges—ones that IIAS is uniquely placed to help address.
My vision for IIAS is to serve as a knowledge institution for academia, governments, civil servants, researchers, and practitioners navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.
As President, with 37 years in Indian Administrative Service and 25 years in multilateralism including 7 years on the Council of Administration of the IIAS, I envision an IIAS that is:
We must embrace cutting-edge innovations in governance, develop frameworks for anticipatory public policy, and foster a space for open, cross-regional dialogue—especially between the Global North and the Global South.
India’s model of governance, shaped by the principle of “Maximum Governance, Minimum Government,” offers a contemporary template for transformative public administration. At its heart lies the belief that citizens must be at the centre of all administrative action, and that technology must act as a bridge and not a barrier between people and public institutions.
India’s success in deploying digital public infrastructure for inclusive service delivery, mirrors the aspirations of IIAS. We seek to bring this experience into our work at the Institute, contributing to a future where public administration is not only efficient, but also empathetic, ethical, and equitable.
At this important juncture, we also recognize that IIAS, like many international organizations, is navigating internal complexities. Let me reaffirm India’s unwavering commitment to work collaboratively with all IIAS bodies. I shall strive for more autonomy and bonding with the regional entities of IIAS. The Council of Administration shall seek to preserve the institutional unity, neutrality, and integrity that has long been the foundation of this organisation.
We will work toward ensuring that IIAS remains an apolitical, professionally credible, and globally respected platform—one that brings together diverse traditions, schools of thought, and regional experiences to build resilient institutions for tomorrow.
As IIAS approaches its 100-year milestone, we must reimagine its role and relevance in a changing world. The path ahead requires bold thinking and bold partnerships. We must cultivate a new generation of governance thinkers, institutional reformers, and administrative scientists who can lead with vision, values, and a deep understanding of global interdependence.
The future of IIAS must be built on:
I extend a heartfelt invitation to member states, academic institutions, public administrators, practitioners, young scholars, and global citizens to engage actively with IIAS. Explore the work, contribute to research, participate in the discussions and above all, help it shape the public institutions the world so urgently needs.
Together, with conviction in our purpose, compassion in our process, and excellence in our pursuit, let us lead IIAS into its next century.
Voruganti Srinivas
IIAS President
Over the years, we have built on our strengths and developed our means to better serve by developing strong evidence-based discourses around public interest and equity throughout the world. The aim is to influence administrative practices through value-based practices of rule of law, good governance, transparency, etc. Being a professional organization entails that we stay committed to inclusiveness and leaving no one behind. We are professional academics and practitioners within the overall realm of administrative sciences.
Despite facing huge logistical and financial challenges like many other international organizations, we find ourselves at the end of 2022 ever stronger with a robust financial situation and renewed dynamism across the network. Indeed, while others were struggling to cut losses during the pandemic, we managed to generate a surplus during the two Covid years (2020 and 2021) and almost back to a normal level of activity for 2022. This was possible thanks to the strong leadership of the Council of Administration and the industrious planning and diligent implementation of the small but strong secretariat. Administrative agility backed by strong financial accountability were key to enable us to cruise through the crisis.
Moving forward, we are revisiting our regulations, governance structures and our services to be more client oriented. Our 5-year strategy, currently in preparation, will take us to the 100th year anniversary which we will celebrate in 2023. We value our past, but we have to plan for a different future. We have an ongoing dialogue within our large community to spur diverse thinking and manage our vulnerabilities innovatively. The aim is to develop new ideas, innovations, better services, and a new future.
Dr. Ra’ed Ben Shams
IIAS President
