On September 9, 2025, the China–Arab Network of Schools of Public Policy and Administration (CANSPPA) and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) held an online signing ceremony to formally establish their cooperation.

The agreement was signed on behalf of NASPAA by President Mohamad Alkadry of the University of Connecticut, and on behalf of CANSPPA by President Yijia Jing of the Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP). Dean Noha El-Mikawy of the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the American University in Cairo delivered remarks as a representative of the member institutions. The ceremony was hosted by NASPAA Acting Executive Director Martha Bohrt.

In his remarks, President Alkadry emphasized that the MOU embodies the shared commitment of NASPAA and CANSPPA to advancing global public service education and promoting community well-being. He highlighted that the essence of public administration is centered on people, involving the ethical, inclusive, and efficient delivery of essential services. He characterized the MOU as the starting point of a new journey toward collaboration, excellence, and shared responsibility.

President Jing highlighted the achievements of CANSPPA over the past six months. He praised the progress of existing collaborations, noting that CANSPPA was initially launched by twelve Chinese and Arab institutions with support from the China Association of Higher Education and the Arab Universities Association, and now encompasses nineteen leading schools in public policy and governance. He emphasized that NASPAA is a well-established international network contributing significantly to professional standards and the development of academic programs in public administration. President Jing stressed that cooperation with NASPAA will further enhance communication and collaboration across countries, civilizations, and institutional contexts, supporting the advancement of global public service and a better future for humanity.

   Professor El-Mikawy emphasized the significance of the MOU and expressed enthusiasm for this milestone. She noted that effective governance and public service delivery depend on both adequate resources and public trust, and that efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and justice are inseparable values in public service. She expressed hope that CANSPPA and NASPAA will collaborate on comparative research and educational initiatives, preparing students to address complex challenges while fostering a commitment to fairness and equality.

Members of NASPAA and CANSPPA attended the online event to witness the signing. CANSPPA representatives included Professor Alfred Ho, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at City University of Hong Kong; Associate Dean Wei Zhong of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University; Associate Dean Yi Liu of the School of Public Administration at Dalian University of Technology; Professor Sofiane Sahraoui of the Middle East and North Africa Public Administration Research Network; Associate Professor Shujun Jiang of the United Arab Emirates University; Acting Dean Logan Cochrane of the College of Public Policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University; Professor Chunqui Zhu of Fudan University and member of the National MPA Teaching Steering Committee; as well as Associate Professors Haoqi Qian and Ping Jiang, and Assistant Professor Xin Ye from IGPP.

The signing establishes a structured framework for collaboration between NASPAA and CANSPPA, providing institutional support for strengthened communication and joint initiatives. Both networks will collaborate to promote cross-border and cross-cultural development in public administration education, contributing to the advancement of a higher-quality global public service system.