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Usama Khan
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Equality Investment Stewardship Sustainability

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Usama Khan is a passionate advocate for social justice, sustainable leadership, and good governance. With a keen insight into pressing global issues, Usama seeks to inspire action and foster positive change through informed dialogue.

E-governance: Enhancing Public Service & Business in Developing Nations
E-governance: Enhancing Public Service & Business in Developing Nations
The 2022 UN E-Government Index Survey revealed that every country with an E-Government Development Index (EGDI) below 0.25 is considered a developing nation. Short for electronic governance, e-governance uses ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) to gather and deliver information to a nation’s administrative services. This method of communication has the potential to be a much more effective, productive, and transparent solution to challenges faced by developing nations. E-governance: What is it and Why Does it Matter?Out of the world’s 193 countries, 173 use the Internet to communicate government affairs. All such governance activity in the public sector communicated over the medium of ICT comes under the umbrella of digital governance. E-governance focuses on aspects such as delivering public services, business operations, and communication with a nation’s citizens.So, why is e-governance crucial?● Bridges the communication gap between a country’s citizens and its leaders● Cost-effective solution that plays a central role in improving many administrative issues of developing nations● Enhances the creation of government tools● Decreases corruption and fraud● Improves citizen’s trust in authority● Increases the effectiveness of delivery of services. The Impact of Digital Solutions on Public ServiceFrom ID card issues to tax collection, public services are at the core of any government’s responsibilities. Developing governments that employ traditional methods to deliver public services face increased pressure, lack of transparency, and mismanagement. By adopting digital solutions, governments can see a positive impact on the quality of their public service delivery. On average, physically managed public services are 74% slower and 95% more expensive than those digitized. In addition, it can make bribery and dishonesty accessible. In fact, in 2017, one in three Latin Americans reported having to pay a bribe for access to public service. A 2016 study in India found that the country’s use of smartcards for employment and pension programs resulted in a faster and less corrupt payment process. How E-governance Streamlines Business OperationsThe interaction between government agencies and businesses can be a painstaking ordeal, filled with extensive paperwork and lengthy processing periods. E-governance has the potential to streamline business operations through electronic handling of all operations. It does this by:● Simplifying procedures: businesses can electronically submit administrative and financial documents such as applications, permits, renewals, regulatory forms, and tax paperwork.● Reducing time: online submissions and automated procedures cut out the time needed for both physical office visits and approval processing.● Increasing transparency: businesses can view application and regulation statuses in real-time. This enhances the government's image by ensuring accountability.● Reduced costs: using electronic communication eliminates the overhead costs associated with transport and processing found in face-to-face operations, reducing expenses for both businesses and the government.● Enhancing data security: highly secure systems maintain the confidentiality and privacy of data through authentication and encryption tactics. This is in contrast to a paper-based system, which is much more vulnerable to falling into the wrong hands. Challenges and Opportunities in Developing NationsWhen it comes to developing nations, their main setback lies in the fact that they are, well, developing. These countries are still grappling with economic instability, social injustice, and corrupt administration. Sometimes, these issues are so deeply rooted that promoting any kind of change can be a challenge. Issues include ICT policy-making, financial setbacks, data privacy, and leadership. There are challenges on the social side as well. The lack of education and prevalence of poverty in these nations results in a population that is unfamiliar with the internet as a part of their daily life. This can make the adoption of digitized solutions challenging as there will be resistance to change.However, there is potential for opportunity. Mobile services are rapidly growing in developing nations, with an increasing number of ICT institutions and awareness. The youth is also much more vocal with their social concern. Over a million Brazilian residents rallied on the streets to protest the corruption of the government in 2016, with many other similar demonstrations in neighboring countries since. E-governance represents more than just technological advancement; it's a transformative shift towards transparency, efficiency, and empowerment for developing nations. By embracing this digital revolution, countries can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future, bridging the gap between citizens and their governments.
0 Comments   11/2/2023
The Rise of Public-Private Partnerships: A Transformative Approach to Infrastructure Development
The Rise of Public-Private Partnerships: A Transformative Approach to Infrastructure Development
As populations rise, efforts required for the successful advancement of a nation have become tenfold.  As a result, even the most developed nations like the US have joined hands with business leaders of their countries to further development. By joining into contractual agreements dubbed Public-Private Partnerships, governments can distribute their load while also generating monetary value for the private sector. The effectiveness of such a mechanism is greatly endorsed by The World Bank, which has administered the initiative “The Public–Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF)” for developing nations all over the world.  In this article, we will use their insights along with many others to educate on the components of PPPs, the challenges and opportunities they bring forward, and key considerations to keep in mind for their successful implementation.Navigating the Complex Landscape: Components and Structures of PPPsAlso referred to as P3 or PPPs, Public-Private Partnerships can be loosely defined as an alliance between a government agency and a private entity to further developmental goals. Examples of projects where PPPs may prove useful for infrastructure development are the building of airports, public transport systems, and telecommunications operators.  Each of these schemes requires a significant amount of expertise, resources, and funds. Private corporations can fill these gaps by providing their assets in exchange for a share of the profit received from taxes. The components and structure of a PPP may vary greatly depending on the type of project being carried out. However, for the sake of understanding, we can refer to a simplified structure presented by the United Nations ESCAP in one of their online courses.The diagram above displays how a typical PPP operates. The private entity in this arrangement may be an SPV which enters into a concession agreement with the government. Sponsors, Shareholders, and Experts all guide the company as the infrastructure project is developed. Payment is made through taxes paid by citizens utilizing the service which reaches the business through an escrow agent and then financiers. Opportunities Towards Growth: Examining the Pros of PPPsAccording to a report released by the International Monetary Fund, PPPs have spread across the globe quite rapidly in recent years, with over 134 developing countries implementing new PPP projects in the infrastructure sector alone. The number of PPP projects globally has also increased, estimated to have grown to over 6.4 million between the years 1984 to 2020. This upward trend in the popularity of Public-private partnerships for furthering development can be linked to several factors.  Below are some of the advantages PPPs provide:Risk Sharing: Large infrastructure projects carry many risks in terms of delayed payments and unforeseen costs. By entering into a partnership, this risk is divided between the public and private sectors.Access to Private Capital: The funds required to initiate infrastructure projects are substantial. Private capital can help ease the burden on public budgets while improving project performance.Faster Project Delivery: With an increased number of resources onboard, citizens can benefit earlier as projects are completed without delays.Lifecycle Management: With private partners being involved in the operation of infrastructure projects over time, a focus on long-term sustainability and performance is ensured.Challenges Faced By PPPs in Infrastructure DevelopmentIn the context of infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, or PPPs, may encounter a number of obstacles that could hinder their effective execution. These include: Long Project Lifecycles: Political, economic, and social conditions may change over the project duration, leading to uncertainties and challenges in long-term planning and execution.Weak Regulatory and Legal Frameworks: Ensuring compliance with regulations and addressing legal issues such as disputes can be difficult, especially if they are not of good quality.Lack of Transparency:  Closed-door negotiations can create opportunities for unethical practices, favoritism, and the misuse of public resources for private gain. Building a Framework for SuccessThe PPP mechanism is no doubt a valuable tool for developing nations struggling with reaching their developmental goals. In addition to improving infrastructure, Public-private partnerships may be beneficial in sectors such as healthcare, education, energy, water, and many more.  By gaining an insight into the key components of PPPs, the possible opportunities they provide for growth, as well as any challenges related to their implementation, we may utilize this mechanism in its full capacity–creating a future where infrastructure becomes a catalyst for social progress and prosperity.
0 Comments   11/27/2023
Governing Urban Green Spaces: Pathways to Sustainable Cities
Governing Urban Green Spaces: Pathways to Sustainable Cities
The United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) 2016 drafted an action-oriented framework known as the New Urban Agenda, discussing the issues of urbanization and how to tackle them. One issue highlighted was that of the governance of urban green spaces, committing to promote their creation and maintenance. Today, Urban Green Spaces (UGS) are an integral part of any modern city, offering benefits to a nation’s sustainability and public health. Defined as open-space areas within an urban city filled with greenery, these landscaped parks serve as pockets of nature within some of the world’s busiest metropolises. As suggested by authors of the New Urban Agenda, discussing the governance of such a space is paramount to ensuring the well-being of our community.Urban Green Space Governance: Framework and ImportanceHistorically referred to as “the lungs of the city”, urban green spaces have proven to be a vital fixture for suburban areas–acting as a literal breath of fresh air among high-rise buildings and bustling marketplaces. They offer environmental benefits such as reducing the effect of greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating urban heat, and minimizing noise pollution, as well as physiological advantages to any citizens who frequent the space.  According to recommendations made by the World Health Organization, residents of any urban city should have access to at least 0.5 to 1 hectare of public green space within 300 meters of their home. Higher exposure to greenness is also associated with a reduction in mortality and improved cognitive health. Access to large public parks also promotes social interaction and physical exercise.  UGS also has the potential to boost the economic conditions of a city. These aesthetically pleasing parks may serve as tourist attractions and hubs for public activities such as cultural events. Small businesses may also operate within the space, boosting trade even more.  Urban green spaces serve as the intersection between three different sectors, providing improvements in residents’ physical and mental health, the environment, as well as the city’s economy. Hence, managing these spaces with a clear, effective system of governance is of utmost importance.Challenges in Managing Urban Green SpacesDespite being such an important asset to any metropolitan city, urban green spaces are not as common as one would think. A recent study analyzed 1,000 cities spread over 31 countries in Europe and found that over 62% of the population did not have access to green space as recommended by the WHO.  Even countries like New Zealand which are known for their sprawling gardens have witnessed a decline in the percentage of urban green spaces within the country. Between the years 1980 to 2016, green space per person fell by 30% in Auckland, and 20% in Hamilton, two of the country’s most urban cities. There are several challenges associated with managing Urban Green Spaces that may have contributed to these figures:A rising population results in the need for increased urbanization (housing, transport, etc)Managing the prevention of biodiversity loss when creating Urban green spacesThwarting potential social inequalities regarding the accessibility of Urban green spacesAligning views of multiple stakeholdersRecording and organizing mass amounts of data.Strategies for Effective Urban Green Space ManagementMany of the issues outlined above are ongoing and require a huge amount of time, money, and resources to solve. Below are some possible strategies to help tackle the challenges associated with governing Urban Green Spaces more simply and cost-effectively:Reserving urban green space on redeveloped sites Preserving existing green space from future urbanizationEnhancing the quality of existing urban green spaces to allow for more capacityMaking an effort to provide greenery on difficult sites such as narrow streetsExploring other modes of governance such as community service and public participation to get the job doneSustainability and the Future of Urban Green Space ManagementDespite the efforts made to strengthen the governance of urban green spaces, the management of these areas will only grow more difficult with time. According to the UN World Urbanization Prospects, over two-thirds of the global population will be living in urban areas by the year 2050–a whopping 14 percent jump from 2016. To make sure our systems are sustainable, we need to take action now. One of the most compelling ways to achieve this stability is to involve the community, particularly the youth. Public policy is first and foremost for the public, so gaining their insight into managing our urban green spaces may prove to be paramount.
0 Comments   11/6/2023
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