Distinguished colleagues, esteemed members, and dear friends of our global IIAS family,

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

The journey of leadership is not measured in years, but in transformation. When I look at where we stand today compared to where we began, I see not just an organization renewed—I see a clear path towards our vision within the turmoils of BANI global landscape.

While moving forward and sometime falling forward, I learnt from the wisdom and stupidity, learnt from the patience of leaders and from the villain radicals, learnt from the good governance and the bad governance practices of world known scholars, practitioners and pracademics. Learnt that our world is brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible. Yet, learnt that goodness will always prevail during our lifetime, which is very short, or the lifetime of goodness, which is eternal till the judgement day.

Throughout these six years spanning my two terms, we've faced profound losses. Professor Fouchet, Professor Rosenbaum, Professor Blue, Dr. Maron, and Dr. Albaradei—brilliant minds and cherished friends—are no longer with us. Their absence leaves an intellectual and personal void that deeply affects our community and me personally. Yet their legacy continues through our responsible sacrifices. Our collective work, which should enhance the quality of life for all humanity through improved public administration.

We lost dear friends. Others worldwide lost thousands of their kids, wives, husbands, parents, brothers, and sisters in brutal wars and by bloody hands. Despite the daily atrocities we witnessed, we refrained from instrumentalizing IIAS to advance state positions that would not align with certain segments of our global community. This decision was driven by our unwavering principle of neutrality, which is the cornerstone of our collective action. In a subsequent tragic incident, one of our sub-entities disregarded the established rules of engagement and took a stance on a conflict. While we initially objected to this action on grounds of neutrality, it appears that we have been targeted since then by those who question the organization’s inclusivity.

At the conclusion of 2017, few power thirsty individuals held the belief that the situation was insurmountable. IIAS was in a state of severe financial distress, structural fragmentation, and profound spiritual anguish. We were confronted with a substantial deficit of 440,000 Euros, and there were calls for filing for bankruptcy. If we had opted to these calls, we would have been unable to fulfill our financial obligations. Ms. Hafida Elouaghli, who had dedicated 30 years of service, or Dr. Maron, who had nearly two decades of experience, would have been left without any financial compensation, as all of their contributions had been squandered due to poor governance and management. It is paradoxical that this occurred within an organization that was widely regarded as the global champion for good governance.

In addition to the financial challenges, the incumbent Director General (DG) assumed office in 2017 seconded and financed by my country, the Kingdom of Bahrain, amidst a state of conflict. These conflicts encompassed disputes between the President and the previous DG, the President and a staff member resulting in a legal case, and internal conflicts among staff members. Despite these obstacles and the dire financial situation, the DG successfully navigated these challenges and established robust foundations both on the financial and human fronts. Upon my assumption of the presidency in 2019, we accomplished significant achievements together. It perplexes me that individuals who have consistently opposed the recovery of IIAS are now making accusations against me and the DG. These accusations lack substantiation and are characterized by hollow rhetoric, potentially indicative of racial profiling.

The path forward seemed obscured by overwhelming challenges. But we refused to surrender to bombarding sounds of pessimism.

Today, we stand on the shores of safety, not just recovered but triumphantly having emerged victorious from the battles and won the war. Currently, IIAS holds approximately 700,000 Euros in cash and investments. Staff leave indemnities are secured, and financial troubles are a distant memory. All staff salaries, including that of the Director General since 2021, are paid by IIAS. If we consider this additional revenue, our cash position would double its current value. This serves as a testament to the remarkable achievements we’ve accomplished despite enduring constant denigration from ill-intentioned individuals who were vehemently opposed to our success. These individuals either fail to comprehend the broader collective perspective or have misconstrued their personal gains as the ultimate objective.

IIAS has achieved remarkable success over the past two mandates and the eight years of the current DG, extending beyond financial recovery to encompass almost every aspect of the organization. The conferences have consistently surpassed our planned arrangements, and this year’s EGPA conference, with the full and direct involvement of the Secretariat, promises to set a new record for participant attendance. Over 900 abstracts have already been submitted, surpassing the 600-strong attendance recorded in last year’s Athens conference, despite the 100 submissions rejected due to challenges posed by organizational capacity. I am optimistic that we will reach the 1000-abstract mark next year during the 2026 EGPA conference, which we will hold. Happy 50th anniversary, EGPA!

The IIAS and IASIA conferences have experienced significant growth in both their program offerings and the number of participants. In terms of publications, we have strengthened our renowned Palgrave book series while launching another in-house open access series that has been publishing at an impressive rate of two books annually.

However, our historical journal IRAS faced a daunting challenge when it was threatened with a 40% reduction in revenues due to alleged negative changes in the scientific publishing industry. Despite the pressure from some insiders to accept the initial offer from the publisher, our skilled negotiating team, led by Steve and Sofiane, managed to secure an extraordinary deal that actually resulted in increased financial resources for the organization. Remarkably, our negotiation strategy was even leaked to the publisher, putting the interests of IIAS at risk! I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the contributing scholars, Prof. Andrew Massy, Prof. Paul Joyce, and all those who have made invaluable contributions to these remarkable achievements.

Besides IRAS, we have launched a new open access online journal, Developments in Administration (DinA). However, I must admit that it still requires time and resources to gain traction. We must remain steadfast in our belief that it will be a resounding success, just like every other project we have initiated. The improvements extend to our communication channels, including our newsletter, annual report, website, and various forms. One area where we may have fallen short is in terms of membership, which is a result of the complex interrelationships between the entities involved. Nevertheless, we have accomplished numerous achievements throughout our journey. Today I’m delighted to welcome a new member, the Royal Academy of Management from The Sultanate of Oman in the Arabian Gulf.

This remarkable resurrection wasn’t a mere coincidence. It was the result of our unwavering determination to overcome despair, our commitment to unity over division, and our resolute action over mere rhetoric. This was all guided by selfless, industrious giving, principled leadership, and total transparency. We also ensured due process for developing new policies and governance bodies that were equipped with the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively. While we acknowledge that we didn’t achieve everything we set out to do, we remain determined in our efforts.

As you’ve just heard the evidence, we must all recognize Dr. Sofiane and his exceptional team. (CLAP) Their unwavering dedication has ensured financial stability and necessary work conditions, even amidst those who, behind closed doors, worked to undermine our progress while publicly professing support. True character is revealed not in words but in actions during challenging times.

The world around us doesn't measure our worth by lofty pronouncements. It judges us by the integrity of our actions. We've learned firsthand how personal ambition and territorial maneuvering can threaten the very institution we've sworn to elevate. Yet we've navigated these turbulent waters with professionalism, purpose and determination. The voices advocating for the bigger purpose, the collective good, will always prevail.

When our statutes required updating, the General Assembly overwhelmingly supported cohesive reform. When faced with calls to splinter IIAS into separate entities, we remained firm in our stance. Through reasoned dialogue, we upheld our fiduciary and legal obligations to safeguard what generations of dedicated members and individuals have built. The intentions for separation were already evident and publicly proclaimed. In response to the call for greater autonomy for our entities, we provided financial support for legal advice on that matter. However, no initiative materialized.

Recently, we discovered that a systematic process of asset spoliation through one of IIAS’s sub-entities had already commenced and was well underway. While I still support negotiations and discussions, I caution the new president and the council of administration against being swayed by the cynical tactics of those who have already decided to wreak havoc on our organization. Our past actions, whether positive or negative, shape our future decisions and actions.

As Past President, it is my duty to make it clear during the Council of Administration meeting later this afternoon that the failure to address this survival threat, which has become evident recently, is tantamount to complicity in the irreversible harm done to IIAS.

Despite the political turmoil and divisive rhetoric of those who weaponized concepts like academic freedom and democracy to silence divergent perspectives, we remained resolute in our commitment to true inclusiveness, actively listening to all voices, not just those that align with our own. This approach came at a significant personal cost for me, as well as for the Secretariat and, in particular, its director general. While we should celebrate his remarkable contributions to this organization, he is currently facing the most unethical insinuations and accusations that I have ever encountered in my four decades of work.

Our enduring lesson is that democracy lives in practice, not proclamations, inclusiveness thrives in actions, not announcements and ethics show in behavior not rhetoric.

The strength of IIAS has always been its global orientation. Born in Brussels, it now belongs to the world. Every region, every scholar, every practitioner deserves equal opportunity to shape its future—not through political calculations but through merit and commitment to our shared mission and practiced values. I am delighted to observe that our international organization has significantly expanded its global reach during my two-mandate presidency. The global south is collaborating effectively with both the western and eastern worlds.

I call upon each of you today to embrace this principle in your own leadership. Open your committees, research groups, and governance structures to qualified professionals who have dedicated themselves to building our institution, regardless of their region or background. This is how we transform rhetoric into reality.

The stakes could not be higher. Our collective expertise shapes not just abstract scholarship but the functioning of governments that serve billions of people. Our work influences continents, states, localities, communities—even our own homes. The administrative sciences aren't theoretical abstractions; they're the practical foundations of functioning societies.

As I conclude my presidency, I see before me not just colleagues but champions—individuals capable of extraordinary impact. The challenges ahead will test our resolve, but I have witnessed your brilliance, your dedication, and your courage... so I’m confident that you will stand strong against the voice of divisiveness, individually and collectively.

The time has come for each of you to carry this torch forward. When divisive voices rise, respond with unifying wisdom. When self-interest threatens our mission, remember the millions who benefit from our collective improved governance. When the path seems difficult, recall how far we've already come.

Our IIAS began as a dream of better public administration. Today, it stands as a global force for excellence, equity, and good governance. Tomorrow, with your stewardship, it will become the definitive beacon guiding administrative sciences worldwide.

The world is watching not just what we say, but what we do. Let us show them what truly unified, principled leadership looks like. Let us demonstrate that administrative sciences can transcend politics and transform societies.

This is our moment. This is our mission. This is our legacy.

Will you join me in ensuring that IIAS remains one entity, stronger, all for one and one for all, serving humanity without prejudice? Will you commit to making our world better for everyone through excellence in administrative sciences?

The future of IIAS is now in your capable hands. I have every confidence you will make it shine brighter than ever before.

During my inaugural day in Singapore, upon my election as the President of IIAS, I said that leading leaders presents the most challenges. Indeed, it was an intricate journey. Nevertheless, I have cherished every step of it. If given the opportunity to relive my experience, I would not alter any aspect of it. I express my gratitude to those who have provided unwavering support and assistance while falling forward and propelled us towards our mission. Conversely, I bid farewell to those who have already become forgotten in history, tarnished by their own self-degradation and succumbing to the muddy waters of personal interests and colonial hegemony.

Thank you for the immense honor of serving as your president. I extend my heartfelt wishes to my dear brother Shri Voruganti Srinivas for the success of his mandate. I can assure him of my unwavering support.

May Allah the Mighty bless you all! والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Dr. Ra’ed Ben Shams, IIAS Past President (2019-2025)