In this exclusive interview, newly elected IIAS President Voruganti Srinivas outlines his vision, priorities, and plans to shape the Institute as a future-ready, inclusive, and globally connected institution.

The International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) has entered a new chapter with the election of Mr. Voruganti Srinivas as President for the 2025–2028 term. Representing India and bringing over three decades of high-level public service experience, Mr. Srinivas envisions an IIAS that is not only rooted in academic excellence and institutional unity, but also ready to lead on the global stage through innovation, inclusivity, and digital transformation. In the following interview, he shares his strategic priorities, proposed initiatives, and personal reflections on what this role means to him and to India.

What is your vision for IIAS during your mandate?

On behalf of the Government of India and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), I thank the International Institute of Administrative Sciences for electing India to the Presidency of the Institute for the period 2025-2028. This is a historic occasion, a significant moment for myself, DARPG and India’s partnership with the IIAS which has grown stronger, closer and more dynamic than any time in the history of our membership to the IIAS. 

The Indian Presidency’s vision for IIAS is to strengthen its role as a global knowledge institution of public administration. As the Institute approaches its centenary in 2030, we renew our commitment to academic freedom, comparative research, and capacity-building while adapting to the realities of the 21st century.  India envisages an IIAS that is digitally agile in how it connects with the world, publications-rich in knowledge creation, and resource-strong in supporting reform across regions.

“Our goal is to make IIAS more inclusive, more innovative, and more impactful.”

Our goal is to make IIAS more inclusive, more innovative, and more impactful—engaging diverse voices from the Global North and South, bridging academia and practice, and empowering the next generation of governance leaders. The Indian Presidency will focus on preserving institutional unity, enhancing digital transformation, and building long-term sustainability. We look forward to working with the global community to ensure IIAS remains relevant, resilient, and respected on the world stage.

What will be your main priorities in the first months of your presidency?

In the initial months, the key priority areas for the Indian Presidency will be to ensure a smooth and inclusive transition while setting a clear strategic direction for the future. I aim to streamline the IIAS Secretariat and the Council of Administration for strengthening institutional unity. We will focus on enhancing digital engagement and revamping through publications and knowledge dissemination tools to reflect a more connected. These early actions will lay the foundation for a presidency that is collaborative, strategic, and forward-looking. 

Are there any specific initiatives or programs you would like to launch or strengthen during your term?

Yes, the Indian Presidency plans to focus on several initiatives that align with the strategic aspirations of a Digitally Agile, Publications-Rich, and Resource-Strong IIAS. We will work to establish a Global Digital Governance Hub within IIAS, aimed at researching and sharing best practices on digital transformation, citizen-centric platforms, and public sector innovation. 

The Indian Presidency will also aim to enhance the regional representation in our publication streams to make IIAS more inclusive and globally accessible. Finally, there will be renewed focus on strengthening IIAS’s South-South cooperation efforts by actively involving countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America in IIAS programs and leadership. 

What do you see as the major challenges currently facing IIAS, and how do you plan to address them?

Indians follow Gandhian values and place a great deal of emphasis on multilateralism and democracy. Institutional unity, will be addressed through established democratic processes of dialogue, transparency, and a shared commitment to the IIAS mission. Devolution of resources in a structured manner between the Institute and Affiliates will be pursued. As President, I will work closely with all stakeholders to rebuild trust and unity.

“As President, I will work closely with all stakeholders to rebuild trust and unity.”

IIAS must remain relevant in a fast-evolving global landscape. The challenge of sustainability, both financial and organizational shall be dealt by diversifying funding sources, attracting new partners, and strengthen operational capacity. Lastly, IIAS needs to become more inclusive, reflecting the voices of underrepresented regions and professionals.

What do you believe makes IIAS a valuable organization for both current and future members, and how would you like to see our membership evolve during your presidency?

IIAS’s value lies in its ability to bring together a diverse, interdisciplinary, and international community dedicated to improving governance worldwide. It provides a unique platform where academic rigor meets policy relevance, enabling members to exchange ideas, co-create solutions, and shape the future of public administration. For future members of lesser represented continents, the Institute must extend credibility, global networks, and access to high-quality research and events as available to the current members.  

During the Indian presidency, we hope to expand our membership to include more institutions from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, training academies, public service professionals, digital public innovators, NGOs, and citizen groups—to engage with IIAS, thus widening the impact and reach of our community.

Engaging younger scholars and early-career professionals is key to renewing the field of public administration. What are your plans to strengthen their involvement in the IIAS community?

Attracting and nurturing younger scholars and early-career professionals is essential for sustaining the vibrancy and relevance of the public administration field. To this end, the Indian Presidency intends to launch research fellowships, mentorship by senior scholars and practitioners, and opportunities for publication and global exchange. 

"Our goal is to make IIAS a space where early-career professionals don’t just participate—but lead."

We will work with academic institutions, national public administration schools and development partners to enhance youth engagement. We also plan to make IIAS more digitally accessible to younger. Our goal is to make IIAS a space where early-career professionals don’t just participate—but lead.

What role do you see for IIAS in addressing emerging global issues such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, and democratic resilience?

IIAS must position itself at the forefront of research and dialogue on emerging global issues that are reshaping the role of the state and public institutions. Whether it’s the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, the urgency of climate action, or the defence of democratic values, public administration has a central role to play.

"IIAS must not only respond to change—it must anticipate and lead it".

India sees the IIAS as a platform that can bring together cross-disciplinary insights and policy innovations on these fronts. Under the Indian Presidency, we will seek to launch thematic publications, global roundtables, and policy briefs on digital governance, AI ethics in administration and institutional resilience. IIAS must not only respond to change—it must anticipate and lead it.

How do you plan to position IIAS within the broader ecosystem of international organizations and academic institutions?

IIAS has a unique mandate that positions it at the intersection of research, practice, and international cooperation in public administration. Our Presidency’s goal is to strengthen ties with UN agencies, regional organizations, and public sector networks, as well as with leading academic institutions and think tanks. We must move beyond conferences and journals and become an active participant in global governance conversations, including those related to the Sustainable Development Goals, digital inclusion, and institutional reform. 

“We must move beyond conferences and journals and become an active participant in global governance conversations.”

We will also focus on institutional branding, digital storytelling, and showcasing member achievements. By building strategic partnerships and engaging more meaningfully in global debates, IIAS can become a thought leader, a convener, and an indispensable knowledge partner for public administration worldwide.

What does the presidency of IIAS mean to you personally?

I have had 37 years of experience in the Indian Administrative service, 25 years of experience  as India’s nominee in several Multilateral Institutions including the International Monetary Fund, the International Cotton Advisory Committee, the Commonwealth and SAARC, including 7 years experience in the Council of Administration of the IIAS. I have always envisaged the IIAS as a Knowledge Institution with the largest collective intellectual firepower to take global governance models forward.  As a senior Administrator, Academician and Institution Builder, I have strived to present the IIAS with a vision that is futuristic and forward looking. It is with a great sense of humility and responsibility, I accept the mandate given to me to lead the IIAS for period 2025-2028.

“This presidency is about serving a cause larger than oneself: the cause of better governance, stronger institutions, and empowered citizens.”

My election victory, marks a historical moment for our Nation’s public administration institutions, government, policy makers and academia. It is a moment of rare honour to serve the IIAS to the best of my capacity in this new role. I see this role as a chance to uphold the legacy of IIAS while shaping its future—to be both a custodian of tradition and an architect of renewal. It allows me to bring India’s experiences in digital governance, citizen-centric reforms, and inclusive service delivery to a global audience. I also view this position as a bridge—connecting diverse regions, generations, and governance traditions. Ultimately, this presidency is about serving a cause larger than oneself: the cause of better governance, stronger institutions, and empowered citizens. I will discharge my responsibility with unwavering commitment.