Public and political leaders have been a major actor in modern society’s greatest achievements: health care, education and childcare, access to water and sanitation, energy, communication, response to disasters, science and technology, among others.

Public and political leaders contribute to policy development, oversee the investment of public funds in essential services collectively needed by communities, uphold the rule of law, and ensure fairness and equality in society, public servant leaders also deliver many goods and services, at times during critical events or crises, or when markets fail to do so. All of this underlines the fact that a professional, capable and responsible, ethical, accountable public leadership is a fundamental driver of citizens’ trust in public institutions, and nation building.

Just like any other sector, the context and challenges of public leadership and nation building are changing at a fast pace, and the capabilities of public leaders and those who are elected to lead nations are required to be equipped and empowered for sustainable nation building.

Recent research by public leadership experts highlights the need for right leadership attitudes, values, skills and competencies needed in a high performing public and political service, and the kinds of human resource management policies, systems and practices needed to attract, retain, develop and lead a highly skilled public workforce.