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Involving women in peace deals reduces chance of a conflict restarting by up to 37%
Twenty-five years ago, on October 31, 2000, the United Nations unanimously adopted its landmark security council resolution 1325 (WPS 1325). The resolution on women, peace and security reaffirmed “the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction”. It also stressed the “importance…
Additional $420bn a year needed to achieve gender equality, UN says
There is a US$420bn annual shortfall in the funding needed to achieve gender equality under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, according to UN Women. To address the gap, UN Women set out four recommendations to accelerate progress for women and girls and towards the Sustainable Development Goals at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for…
From period pain to heart disease, the gender health gap is real – here’s how to close it
For decades, women’s health has been chronically underfunded and under-researched. The consequences of this neglect are widespread and deeply damaging. Millions of women live with avoidable pain, delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatments and poor access to care. The ripple effects reach far beyond individual health: they impact families, workplaces and the wider economy. In recent years,…
Women’s Network news round-up: from gender equality roadmaps to South Africa’s call for women leaders
International Women’s Day took place this year on 8 March and there have been a flurry of stories from all corners of the world to coincide with it – from renewed pushes to advance gender equality globally and announcements of gender-focused government policies, to discussion around flexible work in civil services and provisions for public…
Is DEI a spent force, or could it be revived by merit?
‘As governments worldwide face increasing scrutiny over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, how should they react, and could a merit-focused approach offer a more sustainable DEI future?’ ask Andrew and Nada Kakabadse, professors of leadership and governance at Henley Business School The recent executive order by US president Donald Trump to dismantle DEI policies…
Is gender equality under threat? An International Women’s Day conversation with Julia Gillard and Bridget Phillipson
Those involved in the women’s liberation movements in the US and Europe in the 1960s would be dismayed to learn the results of a new report, which shows that young men have more negative views of gender equality than those of previous generations. In an event ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, former…
Building diverse public service workforces that reflect the communities they serve
Organisations with diverse leaderships are better able to meet citizens’ needs and expectations – but how can civil service bodies broaden the range of people who make it to the top? At the Global Government Summit, national leaders shared their experiences. “A year ago, Cyclone Gabriel caused real devastation across some of the more remote…
Facing the future: exclusive interview with UK Treasury chief Cat Little on how to navigate uncertain times
The second permanent secretary to the UK Treasury and head of the Government Finance Function tells Global Government Forum about navigating headwinds, productivity plans, and the imperative for government decision-makers to be representative of the populations they serve Taking on one of the most senior roles in a department as central to the government…
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Empowering Public Servants to Make Confident, Informed Decisions with Data and AI
Governments around the world are working hard to extract – and act upon – the insights held in their vast data stores, and to embrace AI and the promise it holds for innovation and transformation. At the same time, economic pressures and constrained budgets are compelling public servants to do more with fewer resources, while governments are called to respond quickly and effectively to complex challenges.
Against this backdrop, data and AI can help those working in government both to streamline their workflows and make fast, informed decisions. This in turn drives efficiency and can unlock productivity gains – and ultimately lead to improved performance and better services for citizens.
Global Government Forum surveyed over 600 civil servants worldwide to understand how data and AI are being used in government decision-making and where there are further challenges and opportunities.
Read this report for insight into how governments are using data and AI in decision-making today and the potential for the future; the major challenges to using data and AI in decision-making and how to overcome them; and how AI agents can be used in decision-making.
The report includes examples of data and AI in decision-making from countries including the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, Singapore, the US, and more.
(Published September 2025)
Making Government Work: Five Pillars of a Modern, Effective Civil Service
Around the world, governments are dealing with substantial challenges – from economic stagnation to the transition to net zero, military conflicts and cyber threats. Governments are also grappling with shifting geopolitics and the rise of populism – and all of these factors are set against the emergence of new technologies, including generative AI, which have the potential to fundamentally transform every aspect of society, but which also pose huge ethical, security and regulatory questions for the public sector.
The Making Government Work: Five pillars of a modern, effective civil service report was undertaken to help identify the key characteristics needed in a modern public service, with priorities ranging across leadership, digital service delivery, workforce development, cross-departmental integration, and citizen trust.
This report has been covered by publications around the world including the Financial Times, BBC Radio 4’s PM programme, Ottawa Citizen, Fed Manager, the Mandarin and the i newspaper.
(Published August 2024)
The Future of the Finance Ministry
From setting tax rates and financial regulations that create the ground rules for national economies, to allocating – and tracking – spending for public services, finance ministries occupy an essential role at the centre of government. Geopolitical crises have reinforced the importance of finance ministries, as they tackle both immediate shocks and long-term trends such as ageing populations, the digital transition, and the impact of moves to net zero.
Against this backdrop, this global research explores what the future finance ministry looks like and how to prepare for it.
Based on interviews with 10 senior leaders from finance ministries – led by John McCarthy, chief economist in Ireland’s Department of Finance, working with Ian Hall, editor, Global Government Finance, and Richard Johnstone, executive editor, Global Government Forum – the study identifies four key themes: the evolving role of the finance ministry in response to uncertainty; the shift to more flexible finance systems that support outcomes; digital transformation and the growth of AI; and the battle for talent and trust.
(Published May 2026)
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