Reflection on Public Administration in South Asia in a Post-pandemic Context through a Sustainable Development Lens

This concluding chapter offers a reflection on public administration in South Asia in a post-pandemic context illustrating its connections to the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). Drawing from the chapters in the book, it highlights the recent trends and initiatives undertaken in public administration in South Asia, identifies the challenges faced in this process, and suggests a way forward for effective public administration in the region to achieve the SDGs. The chapter argues the need for a systemic approach, rethinking the role of civil servants, effective and transparent institutions, multisectoral partnerships, and leveraging technology for actions to pursue the SDGs. Findings provide implications for the ‘South-South’ transfer of knowledge for pursuing sustainable development in the region with the potential for ‘South-North’ learning.