The International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, successfully concluded the IIAS-DARPG India Conference 2025, held from February 10 to 14 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India. Themed “Next Generation Administrative Reforms – Empowering Citizens and Reaching the Last Mile”, the conference brought together over 750 delegates from 58 countries, alongside virtual participation from thousands of officials worldwide. Policymakers, academics, practitioners, and students engaged in discussions on transformative governance models, inclusive public administration, and other pressing public governance topics.

The five-day event was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, who lit the traditional lamp to mark the commencement of the conference. He also launched the landmark publication “Viksit Bharat@2047: Governance Transformed”, a 710-page volume published under the IIAS Public Governance Series. The book outlines India’s governance evolution and provides a strategic roadmap to achieve developed nation status by 2047. It will soon be available for free download, ensuring widespread access to its discussions and insights.

A Global Platform for Knowledge Exchange

The IIAS-DARPG India Conference 2025 featured a rich and diverse program, with 66 sessions and 7 plenaries exploring a wide array of public governance topics. The conference’s multiple tracks provided a comprehensive platform for discussing cutting-edge issues in public administration and governance, addressing both global and regional challenges while fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.

One of the key highlights was the Next Generation Administrative Reforms track, chaired by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Drechsler (TalTech RND), Prof. Dr. Suresh Misra (Indian Institute of Public Administration), and Dr. Steve Troupin (International Institute of Administrative Sciences). This track set the tone for the conference, emphasizing that future administrative reforms should prioritize greater civil society participation and public service delivery as a core state function.

Other notable tracks included:

• Minimum Government, Maximum Governance: India’s Policy Reforms, chaired by Suresh Misra, which explored India’s policy reforms under the theme of minimal government intervention and maximum governance efficiency.
• Public Administration in India: Public Governance and Public Policy, in Practice and Theory, chaired by Paul Joyce (University of Birmingham), which examined the practical and theoretical aspects of public governance and policy in India.
• Decolonial Public Administration, chaired by Scott Brenton (UCLouvain) and Kiflie W. Angaw (KU Leuven), which critically examined decolonial approaches to public administration.
• Exploring the Complex Landscape of BRICS-Global South Relations, chaired by Tamer Qarmout (Doha Institute of Graduate Studies), which delved into the evolving dynamics between BRICS nations and the Global South.
• Intergovernmental Coordination, chaired by Juraj Nemec (Masaryk University), which focused on the challenges and strategies of coordination between different levels of government.
• Navigating the Urban-Wild Interface: Rethinking Governance in the Age of Digitization and Citizen Empowerment, chaired by Itai Beeri (University of Haifa), which explored governance strategies for managing urban-wildlife interactions in the digital age.
• Governing Smart Territories: Navigating Innovation, Sustainability, and Emerging Challenges, chaired by Adel Ben Youssef (GREDEG-CNRS & University Côte d’Azur), which addressed the governance of smart cities and sustainable urban development.
• The Diffusion of Rules Governing Digital Platforms, Data, and Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Matti Ylönen (University of Helsinki), which examined the spread of regulatory frameworks for digital technologies.
• Civic Tech in Digitization Society for Next Generation Administrative Reform, chaired by Hiroaki Inatsugu (Waseda University), which explored the role of civic technology in driving administrative reforms.
• Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Legal Issues in Public Administration, chaired by Gabriella Racca (University of Torino) and Aristide Police (LUISS University), which analyzed the legal challenges posed by digital transformation and AI in governance.
• Public Policies and Good Governance of Industry 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Adel Ben Youssef (GREDEG-CNRS & University Côte d’Azur), which focused on governance frameworks for emerging technologies like Industry 4.0 and AI.
• IRAS Panel on Next Generation Administrative Reforms: From Crisis to Resilience?, chaired by Sabine Kuhlmann (University of Potsdam), which discussed how administrative reforms can help societies transition from crisis to resilience.

These tracks provided a platform for scholars and practitioners to share insights, present research, and engage in critical discussions on pressing global issues. The diversity of topics underscored the conference’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern public administration.

The Role of Public Administration Scholars in Addressing Global Challenges

Prof. Andrew Massey, Professor of Government, Emeritus, King's College London and former Editor-in-Chief of the International Review of Administrative Sciences (IRAS), delivered the prestigious Guy Braibant Lecture. He highlighted the challenges of reforming public services and underscored the importance of maintaining a citizen-centric approach. Quoting the late Christopher Pollitt, he reminded the audience of the critical role public administration scholars play in addressing pressing global issues:

The authority, expertise, and impartiality of civil servants are under attack on all sides, but what we see in academic PA is too often a retreat into scholasticism or, at the other extreme, a kind of highbrow management consultancy. Of course, we need both these types, but we also need a solid core of PA scholars who practice independent, high-quality critical analysis of big things which are happening now and will happen in the future (climate change, demographic change, migration). […] And – most importantly – (scholars) who communicate, not only in learned journals, but also on websites and blogs, radio and TV, and the press. Many citizens really are interested in why their schools are failing or their police are corrupt, and far less so in what celebrity politicians said to each other yesterday. We should be a respected voice addressed to that appetite.

A Venue That Inspired Collaboration

The Bharat Mandapam, with its modern facilities and spacious design, was widely praised as an exceptional venue for the conference. Delegates noted that the venue’s collaborative atmosphere fostered meaningful dialogue and engagement. The preliminary visit to the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) further enriched the experience, offering profound insights into best practices and innovative governance models. Many participants expressed interest in collaborating with the NCGG to advance public administration research and practice.

The social program, including visits to the Prime Minister’s Museum and a folk music performance, showcased India’s rich cultural heritage. The visit to Agra, featuring the Agra Fort and Akbar’s Tomb, provided a memorable cultural experience that strengthened the bonds of global collaboration.

The IIAS-DARPG India Conference 2025 was widely praised by participants for its exceptional organization, high-quality scientific program, and the depth of discussions. Delegates lauded the event as a transformative experience that fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Dr. Pooja Paswan, Chair of the PA Theory Network at Harvard Kennedy School, described the conference as “a platform for thought-provoking discussions and fresh insights on governance innovation.” She highlighted the lively panel on “Governing Smart Territories”, which explored innovative governance models and tactical urbanism strategies, as a standout feature of the event.

The energy in the room was electrifying, and the discussions were packed with bold questions and critical reflections.

Kedar Kulkarni, Assistant Professor at ADYPU, called the conference “a prestigious academic platform that brought together the who’s who of public administration from around the world.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present his research on “Digital Decolonisation” and engage with global scholars.

The feedback and discussions were invaluable, and the networking opportunities were unparalleled,”

Deval Kumar, a Junior Research Fellow at Pondicherry University, praised the conference for its focus on emerging technologies and inclusive governance.

Presenting my research on blockchain adoption and its implications for India was a highlight of my academic journey. The insights I gained from distinguished scholars like Dr. Rumki Basu and Prof. Inderjeet Singh Sodhi will undoubtedly shape my future work,”

David Xavier, Secretary-General at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Portugal, described the event as “a key milestone in global public administration.” He emphasized the importance of the discussions on modernization and innovation in public management.

The conference fostered enriching exchanges of knowledge and best practices, reinforcing the need for collaborative approaches to governance.”

Raminta Pucetaite, Professor at Kaunas University of Technology, highlighted the conference’s role in addressing pressing social issues.

The discussions on inclusive governance for marginalized communities were both inspiring and impactful. It was a privilege to share Lithuania’s experience and learn from colleagues across the globe,”

Shashank Shaurya Dubey, a Ph.D. student at IIT Delhi, called the conference “an enthralling experience.

Presenting my research on the risks of using generative AI in public financial services to such a distinguished audience was a career-defining moment. The feedback from panel chairs and global scholars was invaluable.”

Egle Butkeviciene, Professor at Kaunas University of Technology, shared her experience of chairing two significant sessions: “Education and Skill Development in Governance” and “Towards a Competence-Based Public Administration.”

The key takeaway was clear: to address the challenges of the 21st century, we need a dynamic, well-educated, and highly competent public administration workforce. The insights shared during these sessions will undoubtedly shape future educational policies and training programs for public administration.”

A Resounding Success

In his valedictory address, Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary of DARPG, highlighted the historic significance of the conference, marking a milestone in IIAS’s 100-year history. He noted that this was the first time the IIAS conference was held in India, a member of IIAS since 1998, and conducted on such a grand scale. 

The IIAS represents the largest collective firepower of professional academics and practitioners within the realm of administrative sciences, which can have immense benefits for global public good,”

As the curtains fell on this landmark event, delegates left with renewed inspiration and a shared commitment to advancing public administration for the betterment of citizens worldwide. The conference’s legacy will undoubtedly influence the next generation of administrative reforms, empowering citizens and reaching the last mile, while reinforcing IIAS’s mission of improving public governance research, education, and practice.