In 2022 and 2023, the AfDG convened a series of dialogues, in partnership with the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), to provide an impartial and independent forum in which frank discussion on the capability of the state and measures to enhance could take place. In these roundtable discussions, the AfDG acted as conveners and thinking partners. Attendees included former and current DGs and senior civil servants, former and current SOE executives and board members, city and municipal managers, academics engaged in the field, and other partners in building the capacity of the state. We aimed to create a deep and meaningful debate on topical capability issues with critical players, in order to develop a nuanced understanding of these challenges and to develop innovative and fresh solutions.
Five dialogues were held, on the following topics:
- Energy and the just transition
- Freight and public transport
- Policing, security cluster and wider criminal justice system
- Water security and urban governance
- A final synthesis discussion, on building state capacity and professionalising the public administration.
The dialogues followed a roundtable format. A facilitator, usually a former DG, posed questions to the panellists and moderated the discussion with participants. We were fortunate that many sectoral experts and leaders attended the dialogues, which made for lively and constructive discussions based on a variety of experience and expertise.
The attached reports are summaries of each dialogue. They have been anonymised to respect the Chatham House rule, which was employed to ensure open and frank engagement at the events. These documents highlight the key debates at each dialogue and draw out the major points that emerged from the discussions. The summaries reflect a multiplicity of viewpoints; readers will discern some active debate and disagreement on some points of discussion. They are therefore not meant to be taken as positions adopted or proposals made by the AfDG. Rather, they present critical material to engage with, which can assist in developing our understanding of the challenges facing the state, and inspire creative solutions. The dialogues were held last year, and thus some circumstances may have changed since the discussions. Indeed, some of the ideas discussed at these events have been taken forward. Nevertheless, the insights and analyses generated at these discussions remains relevant and important.