The IIAS-SEAPP conference entitled “Developmental States and Professionalization of Public Administration and Public Policy”, took place from the 6^th to the 9^th of February 2023 at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies in Qatar.  It provided a unique opportunity for exchanging experiences, sharing knowledge and fostering government action to address complex policy dilemmas and constraints. The conference questioned whether developmental states could contribute to holistic development in the 21^st century in the same way they contributed to economic development in the 20^th century.  The conference sub-themes ranged from “Cities and Global challenges” to “Skilling, Reskilling and Upskilling for Professional Development of Public Servants and Policy makers”.  

Conference attendees included South African government officials representing the National School of Government, SALGA and delegates from countries such as Poland, Brazil, Malaysia, Nigeria, Somalia, Kenya, Canada and Holland.  Four academic staff members representing the SPMA presented papers at the conference.  Dr Rozenda Hendrickse, presented a paper entitled  “Towards a South African Developmental State:  The Electricity Supply Commission (Eskom) – victor or villain in this endeavour”.  Prof. Natasja Holtzhauzen chaired a range of sessions and presented a paper on “ Growing Gauteng together- lessons learned from the economic hub of South Africa".  Dr Norman Nhede’s paper was entitled   “Social security in sub-Saharan Africa: Prospects and constraints” while  Prof. Adrino Mazenda presented a paper on  “Health poverty and social class inequality in the Gauteng City Region, South Africa”.  

The conference provided an ideal space for networking, particularly with counterparts from Africa.  Connections were made with academics who are open to collaborations including co-publishing academic work and academic exchanges. The conference ended on a high note, with a fabulous dinner at the amazing Fairmont Hotel.  An excursion to museums, the city centre and a local market ended off the last day of the event. 

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