Prof Gerald Karyeija has woken debate about cultural sensitivities in public Governance at the Kosovo (PAR 2024) Conference. Culture in Public Administration brought crucial insights into the intersection of governance and cultural diversity. Gerald Karyeija’ s session was moderated by UMI Director General Dr James Nkata from the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), the panel featured notable experts Gerald Kagambirwe Karyeija (UMI) and Michiel De Vries (Radboud University).

De Vries opened the discussion by addressing the lack of cultural sensitivity in global governance. “It’s a pity that people in powerful positions think everyone should adapt to their culture without understanding differences,” he emphasized, advocating for inclusive policymaking that considers local traditions.

Karyeija built on this, stressing that globalization should not erase societal values. “We can’t lose the original values of societies,” he noted, urging for a balance between modernization and preserving cultural identity.

The panel examined four key administrative traditions: Anglo-American (decentralization), Napoleonic (centralization and legal codes), Germanic (efficiency and hierarchy), and Scandinavian (participation and welfare). Each tradition highlights the need to tailor governance to cultural contexts.

Panellists also addressed modern challenges such as corruption and cultural shifts, urging public administrators to embrace modernization while respecting societal values.

The discussions underscored the importance of culturally sensitive governance in an interconnected world. As global leaders navigate these challenges, the message from Kosovo PAR 2024 was clear: only by embracing cultural diversity can truly inclusive governance be achieved.