UAE: DSG conducts training course

Dubai School of Government (DSG), a teaching and research institution focusing on public policy, organized a three-day training course on public financial management for Zayed Future Leaders of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program (SZHP). Held between 3 - 5 June, the training was delivered by financial expert Jamal Ibrahim Abu Seif, Director of Fiscal Studies in the Department of Finance, Dubai Government. The program introduced participants to the Dubai government's legislative framework for financial management. In addition to examining the mechanisms used within various government units, the training was designed to offer a better understanding of the latest methods used in the preparation of public budgets. Chairman of the Excellence Committee at the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program Mohammed Abdel Azziz Jasim said: "The training is part of a larger program that prepares future leaders through enhancing their knowledge of public financial management and enabling them to identify best practices." Executive President of Dubai School of Government Tariq Hilal Lootah said: "The Public Financial Management Training is one of the most important programs that develop the capabilities of finance personnel in the UAE government departments. Given the rapid changes in the global economy, acquiring such skills is an absolute imperative. The curriculum has been designed to give participants an understanding of the issues facing their departments. We believe that education and awareness are the first steps towards finding relevant solutions." Day-one of the training looked in to the effective management of public finances in light of the global financial crisis. The sessions on the second day focused on government financial management, public revenues, resource development, public expenditure and rationalization. Issues related to the protection of public funds and the budgets were tackled on the third day. The outcomes of the training are evaluated through specific measurement mechanisms that help identify the extent of progress made by participants and the level of familiarity gained one ach topic. The participants' application of the class-room learning is further assessed through monitoring their competency in finding solutions for challenges in government departments and their contributions to collective decision-making, particularly public budget affairs.