UN official urges civil servants to adopt people-centric approach

ISLAMABAD: Civil servants need to adopt a people-centric approach and explore partnerships with international institutions and organizations.

This was stated by the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Pakistan and Senior Strategic Planner (UN System Pakistan) Afke Bootsman while addressing a seminar under the “KUN Societies” (Khidmat-ul-Nas) programme launched for 244 civil service probationers at the Pakistan Civil Services Academy.

Talking about the “Consociates” public service programme, Ms Bootsman told the probationers that we cannot face challenges until we think differently. The role of the United Nations is to support governments and societies, but unfortunately, the world has become very complex and there is no easy solution to anything, she said.

Addressing the probationers, Federal Secretary of Food Security Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry said the Khidmat-e-Nas programme of “Consociety” is a new example of training at the Academy. Chaudhry said that civil servants face big challenges as they are required to bring change to the lives of people and achieve results. Chaudhry said that it is necessary to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Later at a panel discussion organized by the Interfaith Society of the Civil Services Academy, eminent academician Dr Sajid said reforms in the curriculum are necessary to bring together the common points of all religions. Another prominent academician, Dr. Aftab, said Hindus, Sikhs Christians and people of other religions should also be included in the interfaith dialogue. He described the role of civil services in interfaith dialogue as very important.

Air University, Islamabad, Director Dr. Yasir Usmani said that he had worked in Egypt for a long time. There are 45 percent Christians in Egypt, but it is difficult to differentiate a Muslim from a Christian. Dr. Yasir Usmani said we must think as Pakistanis and not Muslims alone. He said the books of other religions should also be included in the curriculum. in his address, Federal Secretary of Religious Affairs Syed Bilal Haider said the National Commission for Minorities Act 2024 is an important milestone for the rights of minorities. The National Commission for Minorities Act 2024 has reached the president for his assent and it is expected to be signed soon.

Special Secretary Establishment Division Miss Sarah Saeed congratulated Director General Civil Services Academy Farhan Aziz Khawaja for starting “Consociates”. She said the new civil officers spending personal money on people welfare projects has increased their respect in the eyes of the people. She said the civil servants need to win the trust of the public to get their support and said if you give importance to people, people will come forward to help you.