Successful conclusion of the XIII Edition of the Governance, Policy Management, and Public Management Program in Venezuela

With the support of CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, and the academic advice of the George Washington University (GWU), the Governance, Policy Management, and Public Management Program, executed by the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (UCAB), trained 129 public officials and leaders of the Venezuelan Civil Society. 

In her speech at the graduating ceremony held at the UCAB's headquarters in Caracas, Daniela Velasquez, outstanding graduate of the XIII graduating class, stated that these types of initiatives promote the development of state capacities that are essential for the region. Participants in the closing ceremony included Francisco José Virtuoso, President of the UCAB and Benigno Alarcón, Director of the Center for Political Studies. Representing CAF was Christian Asinelli, Director of Institutional Development.

In his closing words, the President of the UCAB highlighted the trajectory of the Governance, Policy Management, and Public Management Program in Latin America, especially in Venezuela. For Virtuoso, the development of this last edition evidences the political will of a generation that is willing to work for a real change in the system. He stated, "The tools acquired during the past six months guarantee, in the short term, the execution of policies and strategies that are in synch with the needs of the Venezuelan population". 

At the same time, Asinelli highlighted the commitment of the participants and invited them to remain true to the values and principles obtained during the Program. I want to tell you that you are not alone, that in the region there are thousands of people like you, who have dedicated their weekends to achieve a comprehensive education by acquiring new knowledge regarding governance and public management, and today they are consolidating a new style of political leadership in Latin America".  The theoretical-practical training of public officials constitutes an increasingly accepted strategy in our region, which has meant an increase in the demand for these types of programs, especially in the quality of their execution. 

The 16-week course included theoretical learning sessions on subjects related to the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of public policies, decision-making, and coordination of common strategies to guarantee the sustainability of the institutions. It also included the development of practical activities, where the response capacity and the level of political organization of the participants were tested. In this respect, the organization of a role simulation activity as a final evaluation of the program was especially noteworthy. This exercise enabled the practical application of the knowledge acquired during the semester. 

The Governance, Policy Management, and Public Management Program has been implemented for 15 years in 10 countries of the region, graduating more than 16,000 participants. In Venezuela, the UCAB has promoted its execution since 2003, involving 10 states in the country and more than 60 municipalities, to become a solid public training alternative for local and regional officials.