The Federal Government said the civil service must be at the forefront of championing solutions to 21st-century challenges often encountered in the public service.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, made this known during her opening address at the inaugural International Civil Service Conference, hosted by the Federal Government in partnership with the Global Government Forum UK on Wednesday.

Speaking to over 5,000 delegates from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and beyond, Walson-Jack described the conference as the launch of a movement — a movement of renewal, innovation, and accelerated public service delivery.

She said the gathering was a convergence of reformers, thinkers, practitioners, and doers, united by the belief that the civil service remains one of the greatest instruments of national development and global stability.

The HoCSF warned that civil services around the world, particularly in Africa, are at a crossroads.

She said the systems inherited were built for a different era, yet must now respond to climate shocks, digital disruption, pandemics, and growing calls for equity and inclusion.

According to her, the theme of the conference — Rejuvenate, Innovate and Accelerate — is not just symbolic but action-driven.

She stressed that rejuvenation means renewing the spirit, skills, and structure of the civil service through the attraction of young talent, building leadership pipelines, and empowering women and marginalised groups.

“The systems we inherited were forged in a different era, and yet, we are compelled to respond to 21st-century challenges, rapid urbanization, digital disruption, climate shocks, global pandemics, complex citizen demands, and now, the generational call for equity, inclusion, and climate justice.

“We must rejuvenate to renew the spirit, skills, and structure of the civil
service.

“This means attracting young talent, building leadership pipelines, empowering women and marginalised groups, and rekindling public trust through values-based service.

“Bureaucracy must not mean stagnation. We must rethink how policies are made, how services are delivered, and how data and technology are harnessed to serve the people better.

“Time is no longer a luxury; citizens are waiting, the climate is changing, and resources are limited. We must move from plans to implementation, from ideas to measurable change, and do so with urgency,” she said.