Reimagining public service
In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began its relentless spread across the globe, my office’s role within the Peruvian Ministry of Economics and Finance took on a new, critical dimension. As part of the Budget Office, we were tasked with directing funds to overwhelmed hospitals and essential public services. Each day, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, we faced the challenge of making crucial decisions on limited information. Our efforts were focused on ensuring the readiness of intensive-care units, securing oxygen supplies, and providing personal protective equipment for health care workers. This period not only pushed our capabilities to their limits but also highlighted the public sector's vital importance in serving the needs of the people. What’s more, it simultaneously revealed areas ripe for improvement.
The public sector is often associated with inefficiency and bureaucratic inertia. This disillusionment has eroded trust in government in a number of countries, posing a threat to the very foundation of democracy. In the United States, public trust in the government has plummeted from 62% in 1970 to a mere 16% by 2023. In Peru, ongoing political turmoil has left less than 8% of the populace satisfied with democracy, the lowest in Latin America. Such statistics are alarming, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with public institutions and a clear mandate for change.
The time for action is now. We must envision a new paradigm for public service that directly addresses citizens' concerns, steering clear of populist temptations. The journey toward revitalization can begin within public institutions. By nurturing a culture that values innovation, responsiveness, and accountability, we can attract and retain passionate individuals dedicated to public service. This shift can catalyze significant improvements in how public institutions operate and are perceived, laying a stronger foundation for democratic values and trust in government.
I had the opportunity to work in the Peruvian public sector for the past three years, during which the country experienced five distinct presidencies. A new administration usually means new personnel and policies. Some people left the government—or the country—and may never return. Moreover, these transitions impacted the provision of public services. For instance, the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines was delayed, with vaccines arriving in Peru several months after they became available in the U.S. These delays also meant that public schools remained closed for two years, one of the longest periods globally, directly impacting children's learning and social development.
However, not everything in the Peruvian government was negative. During these years, I encountered numerous individuals dedicated to serving the public interest, working tirelessly without seeking political gain. Their diligence illuminated the potential of motivated and ethical civil servants and their critical role in providing stability to public policies amid challenging political landscapes. This commitment has enabled Peru to maintain internationally recognized economic public institutions, safeguarding fiscal stability, controlling inflation, and upholding one of the world's most stable currencies amid the political unrest.
Indeed, history demonstrates the strong correlation between robust civil service and enduring economic prosperity. The ascent of Asian economies in the 20th century highlights the critical role of efficient public institutions: Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) along with highly professional bureaucracies in South Korea and Singapore exemplify this. In these countries, skilled public servants played pivotal roles in crafting and executing long-term public policies, significantly contributing to their nations' economic expansion. The COVID-19 pandemic also exposed the differences among governments’ effectiveness: In the first three months of the crisis, South Korea had fewer than 300 deaths, while the U.S. (which is only seven times bigger) had 70,000. This successful demonstration of public service underscores the urgency of reimagining our approach to governance—a mission that has become a cornerstone of my current academic journey.
Now, as a Knight-Hennessy scholar at Stanford University pursuing a master’s degree in international policy, my experience continues to enrich my perspective on reimagining public service. Immersed in an energetic multicultural, multidisciplinary community of scholars, I am gaining deeper insights into the different challenges that countries around the world face and how innovation and technology can enhance the work of public servants. Effective civil service reform means not just a commitment to change but a willingness to learn from others’ experiences and perspectives. It requires patience and a continuous effort to bridge gaps across sectors, convincing others of the importance of human capital in the government.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 crisis, it is evident that the pandemic highlighted the crucial role of the public sector and the need for reform. This experience should inspire us to view public institutions not as obstacles but as allies in progress. Let's encourage innovation and collaboration with local and federal governments to improve their efficiency and responsiveness. By working together, we can ensure that the public sector is better prepared for future challenges, serving as a foundation for resilience and positive change.
Santiago Paz Ojeda (2023 cohort) is a Knight-Hennessy scholar pursuing a master’s degree in international policy at Stanford. He believes that strengthening civil service is critical for enhancing public institutions and preserving democracy and aspires to build fresh relationships between the government and citizens and to promote youth participation in public policy.
Knight-Hennessy scholars represent a vast array of cultures, perspectives, and experiences. While we as an organization are committed to elevating their voices, the views expressed are those of the scholars, and not necessarily those of KHS.
