In a week-long visit to South Africa spanning from November 20 to 27, the Director General of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), Dr. Sofiane Sahraoui, actively engaged in various academic events, solidifying global partnerships and contributing valuable insights to ongoing discussions on public governance and accreditation.
One of the key highlights of Sahraoui's visit was his participation in a day-long workshop on accreditation at the University of South Africa (UNISA). The workshop served as a platform for stakeholders to delve into discussions on accreditation processes, emphasizing the vital role of maintaining high standards across academic institutions.
At the PAM@100 conference hosted by UNISA, Dr. Sahraoui took center stage by delivering a keynote address, focusing on the International Commission on Accreditation of Public Administration Education and Training (ICAPA) Standards of Excellence. His contribution added depth to the ongoing discourse surrounding the elevation of academic benchmarks on a global scale. The IIAS Director General also dedicated time to engaging with officials from the University of Pretoria, reflecting the commitment to resolving and enhancing the quality of academic programs.
Sahraoui's visit explored potential collaborations with South African universities, with visits to the University of Johannesburg and the University of the Free State. The primary focus was on evaluating these institutions as potential hosts for the 2024 and 2025 conferences of the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA).
"The visit not only strengthened ties with academic institutions in South Africa but also underscored IIAS's commitment to fostering global partnerships", stated Dr. Sahraoui. The proactive participation and involvement of IIAS in these events reflect the institute's dedication to improving public governance research, education, and practice worldwide.