Bahrain has become a gateway to administrative sciences in the Middle East, said an expert, highlighting the importance of public administration in shaping government policies with the aim of developing societies.

International Institute of Public Administration president Dr Ban Suk Kim was speaking during the official opening of the 29th International Conference of Public Administration at the Gulf Hotel in Bahrain, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

He said the world is in urgent need of leaders aware of the basics and advanced skills of the science of public administration.

The conference, which concludes on Thursday, is being held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who deputised Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa to open the event.

The event is being organised by the Bahrain Institute of Public Administration (BIPA).

BIPA director-general Dr Raed Mohammed bin Shams said they have been developing public administration and training in Bahrain's ministries and institutions which has contributed to the preparation and training of leaders and specialists.

"We have done this in accordance with the requirements of training, development, research and consultancy programmes to ensure upgrading of public administration and support plans for economic and social development," he said.

World Association of Schools and Institutes of Public Administration president Dr Michelle Ferris also highlighted the importance of public administration amid political crises, conflicts and wars in the region. – TradeArabia News Service