• Mr. Mohamed Chernoun , Director General Service and administrative reform, Representative of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria,

• Representatives of ministries, institutions and public administrations,

• Ladies and Gentlemen Experts and Resource Persons,

• Distinguished Participants,

• Ladies and gentlemen,

Hello!!

1. It is a great honour and a real pleasure for me to speak today, on behalf of HE . Bankole Adeoye , Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission, on the occasion of the opening of this Technical Capacity-Building Workshop on the States Parties Assessment Tool (SPAT) to the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration, as well as on the procedures for the preparation and submission of implementation reports.

2. Before continuing, allow me to express, on behalf of the African Union Commission, our solidarity and compassion with the Government and people of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria following the fires that have affected parts of the country. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, the affected people and all the communities affected by this tragedy. We reaffirm the fraternal support of the African Union to Algeria at this difficult time.

3. I would like to express the sincere thanks of the African Union Commission to the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria for its constant commitment to good governance, the modernization of public administration and the strengthening of State institutions. We also thank the Algerian authorities for their warm hospitality and excellent collaboration in organizing this workshop.

Historical significance of the Charter

Ladies and gentlemen,

4. The African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration is one of the major standard-setting instruments of the African Union in the field of governance. Its development was born out of the common conviction of Member States that competent, professional, transparent, accountable and citizen-centred public administrations are essential for the achievement of sustainable development, democracy and African integration.

5. Following a lengthy process of consultations involving Member States, public administration experts, regional institutions and relevant partners, the Charter was adopted by the 16th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on 31 January 2011 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It entered into force on 23 July 2016 after obtaining the required number of ratifications by Member States.

6. It is particularly symbolic that this workshop is being held today in Algeria. Algeria played an important role in the discussions that led to the adoption of this continental instrument and demonstrated its commitment to its implementation by being among the first countries to ratify it. Its early support helped to strengthen the continental momentum that enabled the entry into force of the Charter.

7. Today, Algeria continues to exercise remarkable continental leadership in its capacity as President of the Conference of States Parties to the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration. Through this responsibility, it actively contributes to promoting the effective implementation of the Charter, encouraging the submission of national reports, fostering mutual learning among Member States and strengthening the culture of accountability and excellence in African public administration.

8. The African Union Commission would like to commend Algeria for this exemplary leadership and for its continued commitment to strengthening the African governance architecture.

The Charter's strategic role

Distinguished Participants,

9. The Charter recognizes that public service and public administration are at the heart of the transformation of our continent. They are the main vectors for the implementation of public policies, the provision of essential services to citizens and the realization of the aspirations of the African Union's Agenda 2063, "The Africa We Want".

10. The quality of public services directly influences citizens' trust in their institutions. Effective, transparent, and accountable administration helps to strengthen social cohesion, promote economic development, and consolidate the legitimacy of public institutions. Conversely, weak or underperforming institutions can undermine development efforts and erode public trust.

11. The Charter thus provides a common continental framework to promote the values of professionalism, ethics, integrity, transparency, accountability, civic participation, equality and excellence in the delivery of public services.

From adoption to implementation

Ladies and gentlemen,

12. The adoption of a legal instrument, however important, is only the first step. The true measure of its success lies in its effective implementation.

13. It is in this context that the African Union Commission has developed various mechanisms to support Member States in the implementation of the Charter and in assessing their progress.

14. Among these mechanisms is the States Parties Assessment Tool (SPAT). This tool represents a practical tool for States Parties to assess their level of compliance with the provisions of the Charter, identify good practices, measure progress, detect possible gaps and identify necessary improvement actions.

15. The SPAT promotes an evidence-based approach, strengthens informed decision-making, and helps institutionalize a culture of monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement in African public administrations.

The importance of the reporting mechanism

Distinguished Participants,

16.Equally important is the reporting mechanism under the Charter.

17. The preparation and presentation of national reports should not be seen as a mere administrative or compliance obligation. Rather, they are a strategic opportunity for States Parties to take stock of progress, identify challenges encountered, document good practices and share experiences with other countries on the continent.

18. The reporting system thus promotes mutual learning, policy dialogue and knowledge sharing between Member States, contributing to the continuous improvement of public administration systems at continental level.

Objectives of the workshop

Ladies and gentlemen,

19. This workshop has been designed to strengthen national capacities in three key areas:

- Deepen understanding of the Charter's provisions, values and principles;

- Strengthen technical skills related to the use and administration of the assessment tool (SPAT);

- Develop the necessary capacities for the preparation, validation and submission of quality national reports on the implementation of the Charter.

20. Over the next four days, you will benefit from interactive exchanges, technical presentations, case studies and practical exercises led by high-level experts with extensive experience in the fields of governance and public administration. I strongly encourage you to actively participate in the discussions, to share your national experiences, to ask questions and to make full use of the knowledge and expertise gathered in this room.

Conclusion

21. Before concluding, let me reiterate my sincere congratulations to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria for its distinguished leadership as President of the Conference of States Parties to the Charter, as well as for its continued commitment to the promotion of excellence in public service and good governance on our continent.

22. I remain convinced that the knowledge and skills acquired at the end of this workshop will contribute to further strengthening Algeria's capacity to effectively implement the Charter and honour its reporting obligations, while serving as an example for other Member States.

23. Ultimately, strengthening public administration is not just about improving institutions or procedures. It is above all about improving the lives of our citizens, strengthening their trust in public institutions and building states that can respond effectively to their legitimate aspirations.

24. On behalf of the African Union Commission, I reaffirm our commitment to continue to support Member States in the implementation of the Charter and in achieving the objectives of Agenda 2063. I wish you fruitful exchanges and a successful workshop.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Posted by Abraham Kebede

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