The meeting began with a round of introductions, allowing various stakeholders to get to know each other better. This was followed by presentations on the project scope and objectives, the assembly and mandate of the steering committee, and the prioritization of topics to be addressed in the WeLearn component of the project. This component will include several learning events aimed at skills and capabilities development.

During the meeting, the importance of candidates’ motivation to remain involved in the project activities throughout the entire process and managers’ support in this regard was repeatedly emphasized. These elements were identified as critical to the success of the project and will be closely monitored and addressed as required. Participants also expressed a keen interest in remaining informed about the ongoing recruitment process of candidates.

After a vote, the steering committee identified the following priority topic areas for the WeLearn component: Managerial Accountability and Professional and Personal Integrity, Leadership Styles and Their Applications, Foresight and Complexity Management, Public Institutions as Learning Organizations, Participative Governance and Listening at a Bigger Scale, and Digital Transformation and its Interrelation with public financial management and public administration reform. 

Overall, the meeting was highly productive, and the steering committee looks forward to continuing to make progress on this essential project.