Page 1 March—April 2024 Volume 8, Issue 1 Prepared by Devon Rowe & Trudy Waterman I - Page 5 n February and March 2024, the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD) collaborated with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) to conduct a webinar series titled, “Innovation, Digital Government, and Changing Mindsets for Public Sector Transformation”. Devon Rowe, Executive Director, CARICAD and Trudy Waterman, Programme Implementation Officer, CARICAD. The recent webinar series could not have been more timely. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) takes centre stage in discussions about the future of work, employment, efficiency, and effectiveness, it is crucial for Caribbean public services to adapt and evolve. In 2015, CARICAD introduced a new paradigm for transformation — the Charter for Caribbean Public Services. Endorsed by member states in 2017, this charter provided a roadmap for reimagining public services in the region. But mere awareness of concepts and paradigms is not enough; true transformation is an ongoing journey, not a fixed destination. Traditionally, public services have been rule-bound, emphasising strict adherence to procedures. However, to drive meaningful change, we must shift our mindset. The focus should be balanced: not just on rules but equally, on results. This transition is essential for continuous improvement in public service performance. - Pages 6-8 To achieve sustainable goals — whether organisational objectives or those aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — we need to address behaviours and organisational cultures. Mindsets play a pivotal role: they drive behaviour, which in turn impacts performance. • Continues on next page
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