University of Georgia Leads Ethical Leadership Initiative in GIZ Public Administration Reform Project

Building an Academic Network for Ethical Leadership in Public Administration

The University of Georgia (UG) has positioned itself at the forefront of ethical governance by actively participating in the Ethical Leadership Initiative of GIZ’s regional project on Public Administration Reform in the Eastern Partnership. This collaboration, held in The Hague from 8–12 December 2025, brought together scholars and public sector representatives from Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The initiative’s goal is to strengthen ethical leadership training and create a robust academic network that supports sustainable public administration reforms across the region.

Why Ethical Leadership Matters in Public Administration Reform

Ethical leadership is the cornerstone of transparent, accountable, and effective governance. In the context of public administration reform, it ensures that policy changes are implemented with integrity, that public resources are managed responsibly, and that citizens’ trust is maintained. The University of Georgia’s involvement demonstrates how academic institutions can influence policy by providing evidence‑based research, expert training, and a platform for cross‑border dialogue.

Key Components of the GIZ Initiative

• Training Cycles: The project includes multiple training sessions designed to equip public officials with ethical decision‑making tools.
• Academic Network: A collaborative framework that connects universities, think tanks, and government agencies to share best practices and research findings.
• Policy Recommendations: Participants develop actionable policy briefs that can be adopted by national governments to accelerate reform.

How the University of Georgia Contributes

Director of the Law School, Ana Khurtsidze, and Professor Ana Phirtskhalashvili led the UG delegation. Their expertise in legal ethics and public policy has helped shape the curriculum for the training cycles. UG’s ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications underscore its commitment to quality and information security—critical factors when handling sensitive public data.

Actionable Steps for Public Administration Professionals

1. Engage in Continuous Learning: Attend workshops and seminars offered by the academic network to stay updated on ethical governance practices.
2. Implement Ethical Decision Frameworks: Adopt structured decision‑making models that incorporate transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement.
3. Collaborate Across Borders: Leverage the network to share case studies and lessons learned with counterparts in neighboring countries.
4. Advocate for Institutional Reforms: Use evidence from the initiative to push for policy changes that embed ethical standards into public administration processes.

Benefits of Joining the Academic Network

Membership in the network offers access to exclusive research, peer‑reviewed publications, and a platform for influencing regional policy. It also provides opportunities for joint grant applications and collaborative research projects that can elevate the profile of your institution or organization.

Next Steps for Stakeholders in Georgia

Georgia’s public sector can capitalize on the momentum generated by the GIZ initiative by integrating ethical leadership modules into existing training programs. Universities can partner with the University of Georgia to co‑develop curricula that align with international standards.

For more information on how to participate in the academic network and access training resources, visit the University of Georgia’s official page on the initiative: Ethical Leadership Initiative Details.

Call to Action

• Submit your application today to join the University of Georgia’s public administration program and gain access to cutting‑edge ethical leadership training.
• Schedule a free consultation with our admissions office to learn how our curriculum can support your career goals.
• Have questions? Write to us at [email protected] and we’ll respond promptly.
• Share your experiences in the comments below and join the conversation on ethical governance.
• Explore our related articles for further reading on public administration reform and academic collaboration.