Saudi Arabia’s Institute of Public Administration (IPA) and the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, have signed a strategic partnership agreement which will see the two organisations collaborate in developing people management capabilities within the public sector in the Kingdom.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in a ceremony at the IPA’s headquarters in Riyadh by His Excellency the Director General of the IPA, Dr Mushabab bin Ayedh Al-Qahtani and Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Al-Qahtani said: “We are delighted to be partnering with a reputable global body like the CIPD and look forward to further developing our collaboration to help develop human capital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This important partnership contributes to enhancing the effective role of the IPA in providing best global practices to developing government employees and building a professional ecosystem for the various sectors of human resources in the government.”

The MoU paves the way for stronger strategic collaboration between the two bodies in many areas across professional development, research and thought-leadership.

On behalf of the CIPD, Peter Cheese said: “These are exciting and changing times within the Kingdom as well as the wider world of work. The importance of supporting and developing people at all stages of their career has never been greater so it’s very encouraging to see IPA’s vision to professionalise and grow people management capabilities across public services within the Kingdom.”

“Our partnership with the IPA is an important milestone for the CIPD in the Middle East and we look forward to bringing our knowledge, frameworks, qualifications and thought-leadership to support their vision.”

The Institute of Public Administration is an autonomous government agency that was founded with the purpose of increasing the efficiency of public employees and educating them to support the foundation of Saudi’s national economic development.