Qatar Leadership Centre’s (QLC) Government Leaders Programme participants recently completed their learning journey, focused on critical dimensions of public service with a week-long executive education programme in London, UK.
Designed in collaboration with the International School for Government, King’s College London, one of the top universities in social science and public policy teaching and research, the special programme explored issues in the field of government reform and public service development in the UK. It focused on professional insights and best practices, expanding the participants’ education in public service and government policymaking.
Dr Ahmed A al-Kuwari, general manager of QLC, said: “These participants belong to public institutions of great importance to Qatar. QLC supports these Qatari professionals by giving them the opportunity to absorb crucial lessons in governance and politics directly from renowned academics, policymakers and experts. This will help us bolster our own government institutions and aid their readiness in setting policies in accordance with international best practice.”
Participants engaged with high-level experts from academic and government institutions to examine current significant issues, such as Brexit as well as the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy, considering ramifications for the civil service and important lessons learned.
Nasreen Mohamed al-Malek, acting director of programmes at QLC, emphasised the value of the knowledge gained from these educational trips and the importance of undertaking them this year, considering the pressing global issues. “These trips offered vital lessons as leaders around the world faced various challenges in numerous fields,” she said.
In a visit to the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, the Qatari participants reviewed the Institute’s international programmes and research and its activities as a world-renowned think tank.
Several of the programme’s speakers discussed the political and economic challenges posed by climate change, as well as the framework of actions addressed at the UN Climate Change Conference. They also outlined the impact of artificial intelligence programmes on national security and the importance of advancing research in the field of defence and security, with participants learning about the UK's cyber security policies and overarching strategy.