On April 3, 2025, the National School of Public Administration (NSPA) in Warsaw hosted a horizontal debate as part of the nationwide Civil Servants' Development Forum. The discussion, titled "How to develop civil servants' competencies?", featured distinguished panelists including Anita Noskowska-Piątkowska, Head of Civil Service; Robert Bartold, Director General of the Ministry of National Education; Dr. Iwo Zmyślony from the ICAN Institute and University of Warsaw; and Professor Jarosław Kostrubiec, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Administration at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS).

Professor Kostrubiec was asked to share insights on understanding public administration leadership competencies from a higher education perspective. He also discussed curriculum changes being implemented to better prepare students for careers in public administration.

The Dean emphasized that public administration programs have long focused on educating students in knowledge, skills, and social competencies. However, he noted a growing demand from students for more practical skills training. This approach aligns with the leadership profile cultivated by the National School of Public Administration. In response to this trend, the Faculty of Law and Administration at UMCS offers a legal and administrative program specifically designed to prepare students for public administration roles. Dean Kostrubiec expressed confidence that this program provides a solid foundation for future National School of Public Administration candidates.

Photos by NSPA