Public Administration in the Age of Populism, Polycrisis, and Technological Transformation: Dilemmas, Dynamics, and Directions

The full text of the opening remarks delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ba Chien, President of APAG of Viet Nam and Chairperson of the 70th EROPA Executive Council, is presented below.

Distinguished Prof. Dr. Ederson Tapia, President of the Philippine Society for Public Administration (PSPA),

Distinguished Prof. Dr. Alex Brillantes, Jr., Secretary-General of the Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration (EROPA),

Honorable leaders, distinguished speakers, colleagues, and all esteemed participants,

On behalf of the Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration, I extend my warmest welcome to all of you at the 2025 PSPA–EROPA International Conference, held under the theme: “Public Administration in the Age of Populism, Multidimensional Crises, and Technological Transformation: Challenges, Driving Forces, and Directions.”

We gather today in the beautiful city of Tacloban—a land that has endured great loss, yet risen with resilience to become a symbol of strength and faith. The “Tacloban spirit” truly resonates with the turbulent context we face today: transforming adversity into strength, turning crises into opportunities for innovation and cooperation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The theme of this year’s conference not only reflects theoretical debates but also captures pressing realities that directly affect communities and each individual.

As waves of populism rise, public administration faces the dual pressure of responding swiftly to social demands while safeguarding integrity, core values and long-term public interest. This challenge reminds us that every sustainable governance system must be grounded in justice, accountability, and public service ethics. Maintaining balance and checks on power thus becomes a fundamental pillar. No institution can endure without people at its core, guided by ethics and accountability. In turbulent times, public sector leadership must inspire, restore trust, and guide collective action.

When multidimensional crises—ranging from climate change, pandemics, economic instability, to security threats—intertwine, public governance cannot stop at immediate responses. It must also build foresight, resilience, and the connective strength to heal social fractures.

When technology and artificial intelligence surge, opportunities for efficiency and transparency come hand in hand with profound questions of equity, ethics, and security. The essential question is not merely “How do we apply technology?” but more importantly, “For whom do we apply it, and for what purpose?”

This year’s conference is also an occasion to reflect on the progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It reminds us that every innovation and reform, ultimately, must place inclusive, equitable, and people-centered development at its heart. Inclusive governance and cooperation are the keys, for no single nation can tackle alone the global challenges that manifest within every community and impact every citizen.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In an uncertain world, public administration is, at its core, not merely about systems and policies, but about the bond and commitment between the state and its people. The capacity to self-reflect and adapt—while upholding human values and the mission of public service—will pave the way for new standards in training and developing civil servants: professionals who are not only competent but also creative and steadfast in their service to the people.

We deeply recognize that our community of scholars and practitioners in public administration carries both an urgent and noble mission: to safeguard the integrity of governance, to strengthen institutional foundations amidst disruption, and to harness the power of innovation in service of the people. Like the bamboo in Eastern culture—flexible in storms yet un breakable—public administration must be adaptive, creative, and resilient, while remaining firmly rooted in its core values: citizen service, accountability, and the protection of human dignity.

I firmly believe that this conference will inspire wisdom through dialogue, courage through action, and solidarity through collaboration in shaping the future. This is also the mission that EROPA and PSPA jointly nurture: connecting cultures, linking nations, fostering ideas and innovative approaches to build modern, effective governance that serves the common good and advances socio-economic development for peace, security, and prosperity of peoples across nations, regions, and the world.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of the Philippines, the Tacloban City authorities, the House of Representatives of the Philippines, PSPA, the Civil Service Commission, universities in the Philippines, our partners, the Conference Organizing Committee, the EROPA Secretariat, and our PSPA colleagues for accompanying us in making this meaningful event possible.

I wish the PSPA–EROPA 2025 Conference great success, leaving behind profound dialogues, practical ideas, and enduring connections for the future.

Thank you very much.