The Arab Forum for Public Administration anticipates the future of digital governance

The Mohammed bin Rashid College of Government is organizing the Second Arab Forum for Public Administration, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in partnership with the college, under the title “Public Administration in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence,” on October 28 and 29 in the Conference Tower of the Dubai World Trade Center.

The forum aims to study global trends and best practices in the digital transformation of public administration, and explore new frameworks that enhance the quality and sustainability of government services, in addition to enhancing regional cooperation, to accelerate the pace of adopting digital solutions, and achieving integration between sectors in supporting sustainable development paths in the region. It also addresses the role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in improving the provision of public services, and enhancing accountability and administrative efficiency. It discusses the ethical, legal and social dimensions of using artificial intelligence in public administration, and identifies strategies for building digital capabilities and developing infrastructure in the public sector.

Ohoud bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, said in her opening speech at the forum that the leadership of the UAE believes that adapting to a rapidly changing world is the secret of success and the essence of government transformation, and adopts this as a basis for its leadership thought and future directions, which is embodied in the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, that “survival is not for the fittest nor For the strongest, but for the most able to adapt to changes.”

She said that the Arab Forum for Public Administration represents a platform that brings together an elite group of decision-makers and experts to discuss a vital topic at the heart of the work of every government in the world, which is enhancing service delivery through digital transformation.

She added that digital transformation in the era of artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and machine learning represents a redefinition of the concept of government, in terms of its role, the way it works, its relationship with people, and a new language for productivity and innovation, noting that the first generation of digital transformation focused on efficiency, digitizing procedures, automating transactions, simplifying operations, and reducing time. The delivery of services, but the new generation is radically different, because it is the generation of artificial intelligence, predictive data, and proactive services.

She pointed out that on the Arab level, countries have made important steps in preparing their digital strategies, but only 10 countries exceeded the global average in the e-government development index, stressing that the biggest challenge is no longer in setting plans, but in implementing them quickly, boldly, and flexibly, and in reconsidering their readiness for an era in which technology moves faster than institutions.

Ohood Al-Roumi addressed three major questions that redefine the role of the government in light of the rapid transformations of artificial intelligence, related to the ability of governments to develop experiences that keep pace with the experiences of the private sector and the mentality and trends of new generations, providing qualified competencies to lead the new digital revolution, and moving quickly and flexibly without losing values. She emphasized that the new digital transformation is not a goal in itself, but rather the beginning of a comprehensive government transformation that redefines the purpose of government administration, and provides answers to the major questions facing the future of government work.

The head of the Governance and State Building Division at the United Nations ESCWA, Dr. Younis Abu Ayoub, pointed out that the strength of modern governments is no longer measured only by infrastructure, but also by their digital capabilities, as artificial intelligence technologies have become the focus of effective public administration. He stressed that its true value lies in enabling governments to predict the future and make proactive decisions, explaining that the goal of adopting it is not technical development. Not only that, but rather building governments that are more humane, just, and transparent.

In turn, the CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, said: “Technological transformations impose new thinking that redefines efficiency and transparency in public administration,” noting that the forum represents an intellectual platform for exchanging experiences and formulating visions that support the readiness of Arab governments, and reflects the UAE’s leadership as a global center for knowledge and innovative policies.

The forum, which is organized by the College’s Future of Government Research Center, brings together an elite group of officials, decision-makers, experts and academics in the fields of government administration, along with representatives of international organizations, the private sector and civil society, to anticipate the future of public administration in the Arab world and discuss ways to employ artificial intelligence in building more efficient, innovative and transparent governments. The forum also witnessed the launch of a regional report in partnership with Google.org. On the governance of artificial intelligence in the Arab region, he addressed the startup ecosystem in this sector, and the regulatory and economic challenges associated with it.

The forum’s agenda included sessions discussing digital transformation and innovation in the public sector, investing in big data, smart city experiences, user experience in government services, and ethical frameworks for digital governance, in addition to building leadership capabilities and promoting digital justice.

Rumi’s covenants:

• Digital transformation in the era of artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and machine learning represents a redefinition of the concept of the role of government and the way it works.