The Commission on Experts in Public Administration (CEPA), while having some brief early tensions, worked to find the right approach to topic one: Effective governance for sustainable development – putting principles into practice and reviewing outcomes. When reviewing the 11 principles of effective governance CEPA drafted, delegations vary on their exact approach toward effective governance but often agree that defining and coming to a common understanding of principles is a good starting point. Further, many States list transparency and accountability in government and public service as a significant priority, from management of finances to States’ work with the private sector. 

Member States also prioritize specific aspects of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), i.e. reducing poverty, increasing quality of education and healthcare, and increasing access to digital technologies and effective internet. Part of this focus has to include thematic work around COVID-19 and other pressing crises like climate change. While some States highlight the need to report on SDGs and strategies to related goals, this is no small task. And, likely a primary challenge for committee members will be to interpret implementation of SDGs in creative and transformative ways, with embedded program evaluation methods. 

Kazakhstan and Morocco worked together to promote the importance of sustainable development regional and national workshops. Workshops facilitated alongside peer-review processes and with other Member States, the UN and NGO expertise. While some early disagreement came about on a formation of a committee to address issues of oversight and the encouragement of providing funds toward endeavors, Representative Anneke Benthem of Egypt shared that ultimately, Member States found common ground and shared views. 

Egypt further reflects on the success of the African Union (AU), having several Member States as part of the 10 Member States that continued to track SDGs progress during COVID-19. This success counters common perceptions of the AU members, with experiences of success and variability in governance (just like other regions of the world) and emphasizes the importance of regional bodies. Representative Benthem further shared that the AU expertise strengthens Egypt’s voice internationally, and recommended “Following the African example, it is working quite well for CEPA.”