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Below are Dr. London's comments to the conference attendees.
Good afternoon, everyone! Thank you for joining us here today.
When we kicked off the PPCA here on Monday morning, I was excited to see so many people from across so many countries assembled here in Washington. It is very encouraging to see such a strong interest in the development of public procurement as a profession, as an efficient government function, and as an opportunity for collaboration across the Americas.
I believe – as I hope you do too – that the past three days have been both productive and enjoyable. I for one will be leaving here with lessons learned and many new ideas for the future of public procurement.
What are some of the things we have learned during this year's PPCA?
We have learned that there is much enthusiasm and a strong commitment from procurement professionals throughout North, Central and South America to improving procurement at all levels.
We have learned there is a strong need and desire to institutionalize public procurement as a profession. One complete with training and educational programs. And to establish a formal certification, codes of conduct and professional standards.
As a government function, we have learned that every country wants to have an effective and reliable public procurement system. One that is known for its professionalism and integrity.
There were four themes that emerged from our sessions. First, that transparency (good governance) in procurement is a necessity. The procurement process must incorporate accountability and deter corruption at all stages. Second, that technology is an enabler. It facilitates networks of knowledge, opportunity and governance. And it reduces the costs, time and problems of conducting business with the government. Third, we learned that sustainability is a driving principle and emerging as a leading procurement criterion in the future. As the executive leader of this year's PPCA, Lupe Rodriguez, reminded us in yesterday's PIA newsletter, "The actions of governments as buyers and businesses as suppliers have far-reaching consequences." They are social, economic, political and environmental. And finally, progress in procurement will happen through vision with impassioned leadership. Hopefully, those of you who have been with us this week have been inspired here with ways to transform public procurement in your countries.
As an opportunity, it is clear that the countries of the Americas have a strong interest in conducting business across borders. One comment I have heard repeatedly here is that Latin American countries are very eager to do business in the U.S. And that anything that could be done to simplify and help them do business with U.S. would be highly valued. David Drabkin? Perhaps this comment should be directed to you?
And by developing a cadre of procurement professionals, utilizing technology tools and systems, and incorporating principles of good governance and sustainability, we will see many more opportunities for increased supplier participation in government contracting.
These goals will only be achieved through ongoing collaboration and cooperation among the procurement community, across all countries of the Americas. It will take a lot of hard work. But through constant dialogue, including conferences like the PPCA, we will better understand each other – and work together for a brighter future.
To this end, the Procurement Institute of the Americas has been established. I was very honored to have been asked to make the announcement at last night's gala – which, by the way, was a lot of fun! The Procurement Institute of the Americas will be organizing future PPCAs. In addition to these and other events, the PIA will bring together procurement professionals from North, South and Central America in an effort to promote best practices, expand markets and share efficient methods and standards for acquiring goods and services within the Americas. Please be sure to visit their new website – www.piamericas.org – for the latest news and events. And congratulations again to our colleague, Jose Nino, for being named PIA's first President and CEO.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to recognize everyone who helped put this year's Public Procurement Conference of the Americas together. First of all, I want to recognize our colleagues who inspired the PPCA.
Thank you to all of our sponsors and partners who made this event possible. They are listed in your conference materials. That includes our host, the Capitol Hilton, who has provided us with a delicious lunch today.
My appreciation also goes to our event organizers – WG Scorpion, led by Lupe Rodriguez. In particular, kudos to Ligaya Figueras and her team in making sure this event was a success!
I also want to thank all of our keynote speakers, panelists and moderators. You have enlightened us with your experiences, ideas and commentary.
Finally, this year's PPCA would not have been a success without all of you – our conference attendees. Thank you all for coming from near and far, and contributing to our discussions. You are the future of procurement. Congratulations!
So, I hope to see all of you and more of your colleagues next year when we meet again here in Washington, DC. Please note May 10-12, 2010 on your calendars for the next Public Procurement Conference of the Americas!
Thank you again! And have a great day!