Recent shifts in the international cooperation landscape are having far reaching impacts on countries across the globe. At the same time, governments are facing growing public aspirations and tighter fiscal, political, and capacity constraints, as well as global challenges such as climate change and disruptive emerging technologies. These trends underscore that collaboration around governance issues remain important. The need and demand for stronger cooperation on governance reforms continues, supported by approaches that are less aid dependent but leverage strong partnerships, coalitions, and relationships.
The World Bank’s Governance Department, in partnership with key governments and international organization partners, is planning the launch of a Future of Government Dialogue initiative to facilitate collaboration across stakeholders, bringing them together as equals to engage on real world problems in this space. It will be a member-led platform discussing policy and development priorities relevant to the current global context. The initiative will seek to encourage open exchange on what works to deliver needed reforms and to co-create practical solutions that translate to better services and outcomes for citizens.
Two consultations have been held in 2026:
Future of Government Dialogue: Delivering Reforms from
the Center of Government
On May 27, the Coalitions for Reforms Global Program held the second session of the Future of Government Dialogue, organized by the World Bank in partnership with FCDO. The session brought together governments, donors, and partners to explore how center-of-government agencies can drive reforms that are effective, accountable, and inclusive. A moderated panel featured three distinguished practitioners: Aziza Umarova, who leads the Zero Bureaucracy and Innovation Office under the President of Uzbekistan; Gillian Dorner, Deputy Director of the Public Governance Directorate at the OECD; and Ray Shostak, former head of the UK Prime Minister's Delivery Unit and co-author of The Center of Government Revisited. Drawing on their experiences, panelists converged on several key themes: the critical role of shared, depoliticized data in driving performance, the need for outcome-based, whole-of-government approaches that break down ministerial silos, the importance of embedding citizen engagement into governance systems rather than treating it as an add-on, and the value of piloting and iterative learning. Participants also explored how development partners can better support center-of-government reform through longer time horizons, coordinated country strategies, and investment in digital infrastructure and institutional capacity.
Read more:
+ Future of Government Dialogue: Proceedings of the Consultation Call held on 27th May 2026 (PDF)
+ Video: Replay the Consultation
Future of Goverment Dialogue Initial Consultation
In the initial consultation held on February 10, 2026 in partnership with FCDO, government leaders and participants came together to explore how governments can drive meaningful public sector reforms. Through an opening panel discussion and open exchange, participants shared ideas, connected with partners and stakeholders, and provided input to shape the Future of Government Dialogue agenda going forward.
Read more:
+ Future of Government Dialogue: Proceedings of the Consultation Call held on 10th February 2026 (PDF)
