Organised by CESI on November 17 and 18, the event focused on the urgent need for resilient public services amidst multiple crises. Held over two days in Budapest, the event gathered key decision-makers and public service workers to address pressing issues.

The first day commenced with Péterné Boros’s opening remarks, stressing the importance of well-equipped public services. Sessions tackled topics such as the impact of inflation on municipal governments, the requisites of resilient societies, and the lingering effects of COVID-19 on the cultural sector and environmental protection administration.

The day concluded with the MKKSZ Youth national meeting, where Róbert Szokolai discussed the effects of inflation on Hungarian youth.

The second day centered on poverty alleviation strategies, with Tamás Boros presenting insights into the interconnected impact of COVID-19, inflation, and war on domestic poverty levels.

The conference underscored the imperative of equipping public service workers with adequate resources and support to ensure societal resilience. Insights gleaned are poised to inform policy decisions aimed at enhancing the efficacy of public services in Hungary and beyond.