Executive training module launched

The Ministry of Finance and Industry and the John F. Kennedy School of Govern-ment, Harvard University, have announced the launch of the second module of the UAE-Harvard Executive Programme's prestigious leadership training course, "Creating a High Performance Government: An Executive Programme for the UAE."

The programme, which will be led by distinguished Harvard faculty members, will take place from May 21 to 30 at Harvard University and will be attended by senior officials from various ministries.

"The UAE Government has spearheaded many initiatives to transform the UAE government into a high performance institution," said Musabeh Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the ministry's Assistant Undersecretary for IT, Administration and Finance.

"This programme is an integral part of government innovation and provides an invaluable opportunity for government officials not only to enhance their leadership skills, but also to fortify the relationship between Harvard University and the UAE Government."

Andrea L. Anderson of the Middle East Initiative of the Kennedy School, said: "The UAE Government is taking a pro-active stance regarding creating a high performance government - responding to the need for change rather than reacting to issues - and we are very proud to be part of this transformation.

"The Executive Programme is very much a partnership whereby we provide expertise and training while the participants offer us a unique opportunity to understand local governance issues," she added.

The UAE-Harvard Executive Programme was initiated last year and is aimed at enhancing the leadership and management skills of present and future government officials. It offers participants an opportunity to expand their knowledge on substantive issues of governance while acquiring the tools to enact effective management strategies.

The second module of the programme addresses Public Sector Innovation and focuses on practical skill development in the areas of leadership, strategy, problem solving and decision-making.

It will build on the work completed during the first module that was held last summer and attended by a representative group of over 20 UAE government officials. This module covered issues related to change, policy analysis, negotiation and organisational management.

Module three of the programme focuses on Public Sector Skills Development, including executive skills in political and public management, human resource management, policy-making, organisational strategy, ethics and leadership.

Module four, the final component of the programme, will address Public Sector Performance and Management, in addition to defining key benchmark indicators.

"Throughout the programme we will build on earlier stages and consolidate the success of Module One," explained Anderson.

She noted that the first round of participants exhibited a profound commitment to managing change and were truly inspiring to the faculty.

Anderson said: "To date, the programme has been a mutual learning experience with the university gaining an insight into regional governance 'best practices' while the participants were able to benefit from the opportunity provided to think creatively about managing change."

The announcement coincided with the formal initiation of the UAE-John F Kennedy School Alumni Association of Harvard University which will provide a venue for graduates from Harvard programmes and Harvard affiliates in the UAE to share ideas, best practices and discuss how best to adapt lessons learned at Harvard to the local context.

Dr Mohammed Emir Mavani, Advisor on Public Sector Reform to the Ministry, said: "Dr Mohammed Khalfan bin Kharbash, Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs, will be the first Chairman of this Alumni Association.

"The association will have its first meeting in the next couple of weeks. It is open to all Harvard graduate residents in the UAE irrespective of nationality and anyone seeking further information should contact the ministry."