The Latin American Group for Public Administration (LAGPA) is the regional branch of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) dedicated to fostering dialogue among scholars and practitioners on Public Administration in Latin America and the Caribbean. Formally established in August 2010 during a Founding Meeting in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico, LAGPA provides a platform for sharing regional experiences, trends, and challenges in governance. It contributes to the development of an administrative culture aligned with democratic values, promoting collaborative research and addressing the unique governance issues faced by Latin American countries. Through LAGPA, experts and institutions work together to advance public sector innovation and effective governance across the region.
The Latin American Group for Public Administration (LAGPA), a regional entity of IIAS, was established in 2010 to promote the capacity of governments committed to the democratic rule of law, which permanently seeks the welfare of societies in the countries of the region and promotes the administrative culture in government institutions and public servants in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to their features and educational and technological possibilities.
LAGPA is a network of academics, practitioners, and students, fully aware of the need for a regional platform to exchange perspectives, experiences, and practices, whether successful or not, and for an academic forum where specific topics can be expressed.
Our conference, gathers annually its members around a table of experts to discuss topics of interest to the region. Other outreach and growth activities carried out during this period of mandatory lock-down included webinars called "Conversatorios". Within the academic activities of LAGPA, it should be noted that the Journal of Public Administration RAP-GLAP, which the editorial board is working on its indexing.
We invite you to become a key promoter of administrative culture at the regional level and contribute to furthering the values and activities of IIAS.
The LAGPA Steering Committee determines the strategy, activities and programmes of LAGPA. It comprises the President of LAGPA, six members, two Honorary members, and the President of IIAS and Director General of IIAS (ex officio).
The General Assembly meets on the occasion of each LAGPA conference. It is open not only to LAGPA members but also to those participants in the conference who are interested in formulating its activities in general.
As the group still does not have a membership policy. Participants of LAGPA and its events, whether individuals or institutions are IASIA or IIAS members.
The LAGPA Annual Conference is a leading event that unites scholars, practitioners, and students from across Latin America and beyond, all focused on public administration and governance. Held in different countries within the region, the conference serves as a dynamic platform for discussing emerging trends, addressing challenges, and exploring innovations in public governance. Participants engage in a diverse program of activities, including plenary sessions, expert-led panels, and networking opportunities, all aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The structure of the LAGPA Annual Conference is designed to provide a comprehensive experience. The first day opens with a keynote session where prominent experts in public governance present insights into the region’s most pressing issues. This session sets the stage for the discussions and reflections that follow throughout the event.
On the second and third days, the conference features a series of specialized roundtable panels. These panels delve into critical topics within public administration, offering participants an in-depth look at current practices and future trends. By bringing together academics, policymakers, and practitioners, the conference creates a space for meaningful dialogue and thorough exploration of the governance issues impacting the region.
| Year | City – Country | Format | Main Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico | Founding Meeting | The Role of Public Administration in the Development of Latin American Countries |
| 2011 | Guatemala City, Guatemala | Regional Chapter | Strengthening Public Administration Institutions in a Rule of Law State |
| 2011 | Bogotá, Colombia | South American Chapter | Public Space Management: A Shared Responsibility |
| 2012 | Mérida, Mexico | Plenary Session (IIAS-IASIA Congress) | Developments and Trends of Public Administration in Latin America |
| 2013 | Lima, Peru | Workshop-Seminar (OLAP) | Creation of the Latin American Public Administration Observatory (OLAP) |
| 2013 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Plenary Session (FGV) | Creation of the OLAP |
| 2014 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Annual Conference | Strategic Planning; Institutional and Organizational Arrangements; Evaluation of Public Programs |
| 2015 | Cartagena, Colombia | Annual Conference | Entrepreneurial Governments; Public Policies for Equity and Inclusion; Digital Citizenship |
| 2016 | Cali, Colombia | Annual Conference | Public Policies and Economic Models; New Public Management and State Corporatism; Territorial Governance |
| 2017 | Lima, Peru | Annual Conference | Private Corruption Towards Public Sector; New Rights and Governance; Neo-protectionism |
| 2018 | Lima, Peru | Joint IASIA–LAGPA Conference | Corruption and Illegal Practices; Neo-populism and Governance; Trade Integration |
| 2019 | Quito, Ecuador | Annual Conference | Public Administration Initiatives for the SDGs; Migration and Public Policy; Innovation in Public Management |
| 2020 | Bogotá, Colombia (Virtual) | Annual Conference | COVID-19 Responses; Governance & Technology; Inequality and Inclusion |
| 2021 | San José, Costa Rica (Virtual) | Annual Conference | Post-COVID Policy Responses; Institutional Arrangements for Crisis; Poverty, Inequality & Exclusion; Regional Multilateralism |
| 2022 | Barranquilla, Colombia | Annual Conference | Contemporary Trends in Public Administration; Transparency and Open Government; Poverty and Inequality; Outsourcing in Public Policies |
| 2023 | Santiago, Chile (held Jan. 2024) | Annual Conference | Crisis of Democracy and Representation; Comparative Developments in PA; Specificities of Latin American Public Policy; Innovation in PA |
| 2024 | Mexico City, Mexico | Annual Conference | New Perspectives and Challenges of Democracy and Governance in Latin America; Technology in Public Management; SDGs; Regional Security |
| 2025 | Lima, Peru | Annual Conference | Governance, Democracy and Digital Government: Strategic Challenges for Latin American Public Administration. |