The role of ministers of education and health is pivotal to developing the human capital essential for sustainable economic development. These sectors together usually account for the lion’s share of the national budget, they are often the largest employers, and they provide critical frontline public services.
Yet the global commitment to universal education and health coverage has compelled many developing country governments to make commitments they can hardly afford, overloading already poorly resourced delivery systems and compromising prospects of better quality education and health care.
It is hard to be a visionary minister in the face of these challenges. And even if a minister can sustain an optimistic vision, it is harder still to implement transformative change in government.
There is no “school for ministers,” and no job that really prepares for the role. The Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program provides a unique opportunity for education and health ministers to step back from the pressure of their daily duties, to reflect on their purpose and vision, and to map the legacy they want to achieve while in office and how to get it done. Read the full article.