Međunarodni stručni seminar "Transparency in Administrative Processes"

Hellenic Branch of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (HIAS)

Forum title: Structures and processes for consultation: The advancement of transparency in increasing the quality of public administration.

Forum Venue:
Electra Palace Hotel
Thessaloniki, 13 - 14 June 2008

Participating countries (16):
Albania, BiH, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, FYR of Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, UN Administered territory of Kosovo

Participants' profile:
[1] Senior civil servants from any of the following
Ministries: Development, Economy, Environment, Finance, Interior, Public Administration, Public Works, Social Welfare; [2] Consultants / Advisors to the Government; [3] Jurists: Administrative Judges, lawyers, practitioners; [4] Academicians with relevant experience; [5] Civil Society Organisations


The notion of transparency of the functioning of the modern state is most often approached, both in administrative theory, and in practice, as a prerequisite for the fight against corruption. However, another dimension of the notion exists, perhaps less visible, but equally important for the quality of public administration. This dimension is directly related with the essence of the administrative phenomenon, the decision making task, and it refers to the publicity and consultation, which take place either prior or after the decision making process with regard to public policy.

Given the scarcity of resources, decision making in public administration, in the form of normative regulations, i.e., laws, decrees, ministerial decisions, etc, ought to ensure the best possible result. Thus, the contribution of competent actors, who benefit or are adversely affected by a certain regulation - directly or indirectly - as well as of other competent authorities becomes of special interest in the consultation process. Such a process involves the exchange of views, in order to ensure whether and to what extent the inherent contradictory interests of the affected interests have been balanced, resulting to a policy that it is the best possible choice for the society as a whole.

Furthermore, it would be interesting to explore whether the views of the interested parties, not only are recorded and considered, but they are also rationally processed, in order to determine whether they influence the decision, and if their input can potentially improve the quality of the regulation. Such elements determine the process and the corresponding structures of the consultation.

Furthermore, since the rightness of the regulation can be evaluated only after its issue, when the results of each application are effected, it is of great interest to evaluate the regulation not only by the public authority that had initiated its issue, but also by the persons that have been or continue to be influenced by its implementation. Such an evaluation is important since it is assumed that every regulation is subject to improvement (adjustment, replacement, abolishment), either because it missed its target, or because the social and economic environment, within which was formulated, has altered its characteristics.

Thus, it is worth examining, what the time frame is, within which the results of a regulation are objectively recorded, as well as whether the appropriate structures exist, so that the Administration may accomplish this task. It is also of considerable consequence to examine the extent to which local factors contribute to the decision making process in areas which concern local communities, as well as what are the most suitable methods from citizen involvement, individually and collectively, in this process.

Based on the ideas and thoughts, presented above, the Hellenic Institute of Administrative Sciences, which is a member of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences, is organising a Forum, aiming to advance the scientific dialogue of the extremely interesting subject of the administrative process of transparency as a contributing factor to the quality of administration. This public forum will be also the occasion for the presentation and evaluation of empirical findings, which will further analyse aspiring to reach some conclusions, which will not only be of theoretical value, but they will also comprise the basis for the design of appropriate administrative policy in this area.

It is of special interest to observe the existing political, administrative and social structures of consultation mechanisms, at the different levels of governance (central, regional, local) in the participants' countries of origin.

Indicatively, answers will be sought to the following questions:
- What are the real capabilities of local and social actors in expressing their views on matters that are of interest to them, not only within the framework of public policy implementation; but also within a rationally designed methodology for the decision making process. Furthermore, what assurances are provided, in the consultation process, so that the positions expressed by the participants are amply considered, leading to a rational and objective evaluation of proposals?
- What is the range of influence that the participants exercise in the public consultation process on the relevant decision making mechanisms, in the case of issues of local character, as well as of more general character ones (supra-local, horizontal, thematic, national, etc)?
- What specific consultation techniques have been utilised, on different occasions? What difficulties they faced in the implementation process and what was the outcome in relation to the quality of a regulation?
- Is the reconciliation of the opinions stated during a public consultation process possible, when such opinions originate from collective social entities, interest groups, civil society organisations, etc?
- What are the current trends and capabilities of electronically conducted deliberation and participation processes? Can they, effectively, support the different models of direct citizen participation in the p rocess, within the framework of policy planning, either at the local or central levels, which covers wide thematic policy areas, social groupings or population segments?
- What is the eventual cost or the challenging aspects and dimensions of the consultation process in terms of time, or from other side effects, and how are these confronted?

HIAS will cover all expenses related to participation, including costs of visas, full accommodation/board, and international and local travel expenses.

We are inviting you to propose names of (up to three) candidates from your country, preferably including their name, title/function and email address.
Due to a high level of interest from many countries in the region, HIAS has also asked that potential candidates submit their CVs, or alternatively, a short summary of their experience in the field of interest.

Contact:

Anne Caroline Tveoy
Public Administration Officer
Regional Centre for Public Administration Reform (RCPAR) Bratislava Regional Centre (BRC) / United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP)
www.rcpar.org
Email: anne.caroline.tveoy@undp.org
Mob: +30 6932296250