The recently concluded International Congress Respice Similia: Experiences and Lessons from the Global South, hosted by the Escuela Superior de Administración Pública (ESAP) in Pasto, Colombia, from May 12 to 14, 2026, served as a pivotal platform for redefining modern governance frameworks. Over three stimulating days, international scholars and public policy experts gathered to address the imperative of developing governance models tailored to the unique socioeconomic realities of the Global South. A central theme of the congress was the recognition that the next generation of public administration theories will inevitably emerge from these regions to address an increasingly interconnected yet fragmented world.
Delivering the Inaugural Lecture, Professor Rumki Basu explored the evolving dynamics surrounding “Public Administrations and the Global South: In Search of a Paradigm.” Basu highlighted how India is actively charting this path, offering significant contributions to this emerging paradigm through its robust governance model and resilient democratic framework. The presentation demonstrated how India’s public administration strategies balance scale, diversity, and democratic accountability, drawing broad appreciation from the international delegation and underscoring the country’s growing influence in global administrative discourse.
Beyond the inaugural session, the congress unfolded as a masterclass in comparative public administration. Leading scholars, including Óscar Oszlak of Argentina, Lizel Lues of South Africa, Edgar Varela of Colombia, along with Claudia Souza Passador and Tatiana Dias Silva of Brazil, tackled shared structural challenges across the Global South. Their deliberations spanned critical issues ranging from strengthening democratic institutions to developing sustainable frameworks for environmental protection. The final sessions further expanded the dialogue to address pressing systemic issues, with insightful contributions from Freddy Mariñez, César Páez, and Professor Ariel Ramírez on enhancing transparency, combating corruption, and navigating the administrative complexities of climate change.
The event concluded with a strong sense of institutional momentum and cultural appreciation. Host institution ESAP received praise for seamless organization, alongside the hospitality of Pasto, which was highlighted by a vibrant performance from the Pasitos del Sur dance group. Ultimately, the congress established a firm foundation for ongoing collaboration, emphasizing that sustained dialogue among global scholars remains essential to building stronger, more resilient public systems across the Global South.
