Ethical Leadership in Public Service: A Seminar to Remember

[su_dropcap style=”flat” size=”5″]O[/su_dropcap]n 16 November 2024, the Miyuji North campus in Dodoma, Tanzania, was the setting for an event that saw esteemed leaders and academics gather for an enlightening seminar on ethics in public service. The event, hosted by the College of Planning’s ethics club, provided a much-needed source of guidance for those attempting to navigate the often complex and challenging landscape of public governance.

Setting the Tone for Ethical Governance

The seminar commenced with an inspiring address by Mr. Kipacha, Tanzania’s Secretary for Moral Development. He initiated the proceedings with a compelling discourse on the significance of ethical governance, emphasizing that “ethics is not a burden, but the foundation of effective leadership.

” The appeal was met with a profound response from all those in attendance.

The Role of Ethics in Public Policy

Mr. Godrick Ngolly, representing the College, delivered a compelling speech in which he emphasised the importance of integrating ethical considerations into the planning and execution of public policy. His discourse painted a vivid picture of a future where ethics is at the heart of governance.

He stated that “without ethics, public policy is just a house of cards waiting to collapse.”

Exploring Challenges and Opportunities

Ms. Jasmin Awadhi, Assistant Secretary of the Office of the President, Secretariat of Ethics of Public Leaders Central Region-Dodoma, contributed to the discussion with her insights into the challenges and opportunities of fostering an ethical culture within public institutions.

Her address provided a welcome perspective, offering practical solutions to the ethical challenges that public servants encounter on a daily basis.

“The creation of an ethical culture may be likened to the baking of a cake,” she posited. “One requires the appropriate components and a considerable degree of patience.” Her use of humour and wisdom was met with appreciation by the attendees, who participated actively in the brainstorming session, generating strategies that could be implemented.

Best Practices and Inspirational Insights

The seminar constituted a comprehensive and multifaceted exploration of shared experiences, exemplary practices, and methodologies for navigating the intricate terrain of public service ethics. The event served as a poignant reminder that ethical leadership extends beyond mere rule-following. Rather, it encompasses the ability to inspire trust, transparency, and integrity.

A Call to Future Dialogues

In light of the growing interconnectedness of our world and the intensifying public scrutiny to which it is subject, the message conveyed by the seminar was unambiguous: ethical leadership is not merely a desirable quality, but rather an indispensable prerequisite for the long-term sustainability and legitimacy of public institutions. The discussions held at Miyuji North campus have established a rigorous standard for future dialogues on the creation of environments wherein ethical decision-making is the norm, rather than the exception.

The College of Planning’s ethics club is to be commended for its role in organising this pivotal seminar. It is hoped that the momentum generated will result in tangible improvements in the moral compass guiding public leadership in Tanzania and beyond. It must be acknowledged that the path to ethical governance is a collective endeavour, and events of this nature serve as vital checkpoints in reaffirming our commitment to this noble pursuit.

Tanzania Media