King urges showing tangible results of public sector modernisation

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday stressed the importance of showing the public tangible results of the implementation of the public sector modernisation roadmap, highlighting seriousness in moving forward.

During a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah was briefed on progress in implementing the roadmap, and he stressed the need for clear and measurable performance indicators to follow up on and evaluate implementation, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty said human resources are pivotal in public sector modernisation, stressing the need to carry on with specialised programmes that hone the skills of public servants, in partnership with the private sector, universities and local and international institutes.

In addition, the King highlighted the need to set a mechanism to transfer knowledge and training among employees in the workplace, with additional focus on training new employees.

Speaking at the meeting, HRH Crown Prince Hussein pointed to the importance of ensuring a speedy, serious and successful implementation of public administration modernisation plans, and the overall modernisation process, which also covers political and economic areas.

Crown Prince Hussein highlighted the importance of coordination among institutions and ministries for implementation, stressing the need for dedication to achieve positive results that are tangible for the public.

For his part, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh gave a briefing on progress in public administration reform, including areas of services and relevant laws.

He also outlined progress in 51 priority areas for 2023, noting that it is in line with the set timeframe, and that implementation in some areas is proceeding in partnership with international donors.

Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of State for Public Sector Modernisation Nasser Shraideh said the government will endorse its human resources strategy 2023-2027, which is based on four main pillars and seeks to empower public servants who can improve the quality of services.

Minister Shraideh added that the strategy includes creating a flexible digital system to manage and empower human resources in a manner that guarantees a motivational working environment, encourages productivity, and promotes a culture of dedication and accountability, as well as ensuring the centralisation of planning and policymaking, but the decentralisation of implementation.

He highlighted a proposal to establish a commission for public service and administration, which will commence operations early next year, to build the technical and administrative capacities of its staff and then to build capacities at other public entities.

Shraideh also reviewed progress in a programme to build the capacities of public sector employees, which concluded its first cycle in March with 1,576 trainees, with the second cycle set to start in May.

Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan and Minister of Government Communications Faisal Shboul attended the meeting.