eGovernment Authority Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, who was one of four keynote speakers at South Korea 2nd Global eGovernment Forum, highlighted the steps taken by the Kingdom to keep abreast with the rapidly evolving digital landscape globally.
Al Qaed took part as a keynote speaker at the first session of the forum’s second day; together with Korea University Professor Moonsuk Ahn.
During the Forum attracted over 1,000 experts, including 40 ministers, the Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the eGovernment Authority (eGA), took part in the 2nd Global eGovernment Forum held in the Republic of South Korea.
The highly-esteemed event was organized by the Ministry of Security and Public Administration along with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), in conjunction with the Center for Electronic Governance at United Nations University- International Institute for Software Technology (UNU-IIST).
The forum discussed when and how public procurement can be leveraged for the development of a vibrant IT sector in developing and emerging economies. It was attended by 1,000 experts from all over the world; including 40 ministers, a broad selection of experts from all over the world, in addition to representatives acting on behalf of various international organizations such as the United Nations, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Al Qaed began by shedding lights on the eGovernment ranking from a global perspective by defining the concept of eGovernment and the utilized mediums in the provision of eServices. Furthermore, he clarified the significance of global eGovernment ranking based on measuring eReadiness compared to other countries, adopting a unified evaluation framework, discovering global trends in eGovernment and attaining global recognition for eGovernment practices. He also presented a comparative view of benchmarking indicators related to eGovernment and ICT sectors.
The CEO also gave a universal historical background on eGovernment ranking and categorization, compared and highlighted the differences between various surveys conducted on eGovernment and the challenges in this regard – focusing on ranking as a motivation factor while linking the concept with eGovernment strategies in several countries.
Al Qaed highlighted the experience of eGovernment in Bahrain and the current efforts taken to develop it through the National eGovernment Strategy 2016. Moreover, he applauded the cooperation of the eGovernment Authority with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) which resulted in organizing the United Nations Public Service Forum (UNPSF), Day and Awards Ceremony in the Kingdom of Bahrain during June this year.
It is worth mentioning that the United Nations commended the development of ICT in Bahrain and the exceptional organization of the UNPSF 2013 in Bahrain and showcased the audience a video covering the activities of the event.
Al Qaed stressed that the development of technological smart systems is associated with the development of the society, being the essential factor, partner and the targeted recipient of the benefits. He clarified that the eGovernment is keen to motivate eParticipation, expression of public views and aspirations through multiple channels of communication and services, pointing that the services provided by Bahrain’s eGovernment Authority had gained public trust and attracted interaction – a fact that evidently reflects the successful implementation of the authority’s strategic objectives.
Al Qaed continued that eGA has set its 2016 national strategy that encompasses ambitious objectives for the development of services as well as achieve next generation government excellence through encouraging innovation and cooperation among stakeholders. The authority is also keen to achieve smart government model transformation, based on the provision of services via smart devices. Based on the strategy, 10 new mobile apps will be annually developed for the top three mobile application stores in line with the global trend in mobile technology.
“We leave no stone unturned in the direction of attaining the highest levels of progress for our Kingdom, and we hold a steadfast belief to assume our responsibility to play a vital part in providing assistance and transferring Bahrain’s expertise to other countries. Our brothers in the GCC States joined this growing trend and announced during last June an initiative to create an information platform in order to promote the sharing of knowledge and regional expertise to several states across the globe, as well as enhance their ties with international organizations,” Al Qaed, said.
“The Global eGovernment Forum which has been a remarkable event assembling many countries to share their highly cooperative efforts in promoting as well as concretely employing Smart eGovernment and ICT technologies to bridge international digital gaps as well as achieve the Millennium Development Goals in a global level,” stated Al Qaed during his participation at a high-level roundtable.
“We are highly honored to take part in building and participating in the Global CIO Network. We strive to reach the highest level of advancement and transformation not only for our nation but to build and play an active role in assisting and transmitting our experiences to other countries,” he added.
Al Qaed invited the attendees to a study tour at the Kingdom of Bahrain to learn more about the eGovernment Authority; exchange experiences and best practices; as well as provide expert level recommendations.