Ramallah hosts introductory event for SAPF

The event featured the presence of Dr. Nasser Al-Qahtani, Director General of ARADO; Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Finance Department; Dr. Azzam Al-Rmaili, Advisor to ARADO and Board Member of the Award; along with Hassan Basha, Advisor to the Award, who participated via Zoom. Representatives from public finance management, quality, and excellence organisations were also present, along with a group of experts and specialists in the public finance sector.

Ongoing Efforts to Promote Sharjah Award for Public Finance

In this context, Sheikh Rashid Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Finance Department and Secretary-General of the Sharjah Award for Public Finance, emphasised that the event is part of a broader series of initiatives designed to strengthen partnerships and advance skills in public finance. The initiatives show the Sharjah Award in Public Finance's commitment to fostering government excellence and attaining institutional distinction on both Arab and international stages.

Sheikh Rashid emphasised that the seminar is part of a series of initiatives within the award's strategy to promote and educate, aimed at improving skills and knowledge in public finance and budget management. This edition of the award has seen similar seminars conducted in Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Mauritania, and Yemen, featuring prominent experts and specialists in the field.

Specialised Sessions Highlight The SAPF

The event commenced with an official opening session that included welcoming remarks from Mousa Abu Zaid, Chairman of the General Personnel Council and President of the General Assembly of the Arab Administrative Development Organisation (ARADO), and Sheikh Rashid Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Finance Department and Secretary-General of the Sharjah Award for Public Finance. The speakers highlighted the importance of the award in improving the effectiveness of financial resource management within government institutions and its crucial contribution to fostering sustainable development.

The introductory sessions offered an in-depth review of the award's goals and categories, as well as the criteria for evaluation for both institutional and individual participants. Comprehensive insights into the registration and participation processes, utilising contemporary technological systems, were also shared.

The seminar featured an inspiring presentation by a previous award winner, who shared insights from their successful experience. The session provided participants with essential techniques and proven methods for securing meaningful and notable involvement in the award.

Workshop Focuses on Best Practices

A training workshop explored key aspects of state budgeting, including planning, implementation, and management. Sessions covered defining budgets, resource allocation, cost reduction strategies, and financial oversight tools. International best practices and case studies were also discussed to enhance transparency and resource efficiency.

Promoting Financial Sustainability

On the second day of the event, participants demonstrated notable engagement, actively exchanging ideas and presenting valuable proposals focused on improving financial performance within government institutions.

The meeting and workshop wrapped up with a set of recommendations highlighting the need to embrace global best practices to secure sustainable financial resources and meet developmental goals.

Creating an Excellent Knowledge in Public Financial Management

Since its inception in 2016, the Sharjah Award in Public Finance has effectively established an effective knowledge and institutional framework aimed at advancing financial sustainability across the Arab world. The award seeks to promote a culture of excellence in public financial management among institutions and individuals, fostering compliance with financial performance standards and requirements.

The latest edition of the award has introduced six new categories, increasing the total to 22, with a balanced distribution of 11 for institutions and 11 for individuals.

The award registration is open until February 2025, allowing plenty of time for institutions and individuals to get involved and highlight their accomplishments.