The dawn of the new millennium brought renewed focus to the course of political development, economic modernization and social change in the Arab world. Recent debates in the region have gradually given way to a near consensus on the necessity of fundamental changes in public policy. Numerous areas of reform have been identified as priorities for achieving sustainable growth and development in the future, including private sector development, integration into the world economy, economic diversification, educational restructuring, leadership development, gender equality and natural resource management.

At the core of these proposals for reform is the challenge of institutional change or better governance. In this regard, it is becoming clear that enhancing governance extends beyond improvements in bureaucratic performance to encourage private investment. It includes greater transparency, the deepening of rule of law, and the accountability of policy making. And as public opinion in the Arab world has consistently reaffirmed, it includes the expansion of civil liberties and freedom of the press, as well as new opportunities for increased participation in political life.

We at the Dubai School of Government are committed to promoting good governance by enhancing the Arab world’s capacity for effective public policy. Building on our proximity to issues that most concern the publics in the region, we intend to create and disseminate productive knowledge, while educating the next generation of leaders in the Arab world.

Tarik Yousef
Dean, Dubai School of Government