During the session of “Digital Renaissance: Government Administration First,” on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that the administration plays an important role in the transition from an old traditional system to a new one based on digital technology.
Aboul Gheit added that the Arab administrations are capable of adopting digital technology to develop its working methods, to build knowledge societies and develop the digital economy.
He explained that Arab countries, believing in the importance of digital transformation, have all adopted national strategies, aiming at building infrastructure, developing education, spreading the use of technology on a large scale and developing the necessary legislative and legal frameworks for the work of digital companies.
“The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ report ranked 12 Arab countries as “high or good” according to the Digital Government Development Index, which is based on the quality of Internet services, communication infrastructure and human capital.”he added
Looking at the reality of the digital transformation in the Arab region clearly reveals the disparity between its various countries, while some Arab countries occupy advanced positions in the areas of digitization of government services, he said, adding that “other countries are still at the beginning of the road, and bridging this gap requires Arab action to enhance the preparedness of administrations and build their capacities to serve and develop societies.”
Aboul Gheit called for intensified cooperation to help countries that are experiencing delays in developing their services or have not yet completed some of their services through the exchange of expertise, support and advice.
“Some countries rely heavily on digital technology to limit the effects of climate change, as technology plays an important role in clean energy production, reducing greenhouse gas production, rationalizing resource use and increasing predictability and preparedness for disasters,” he said.
Aboul Gheit confirmed that the Arab League has paid attention to the issue of digital transformation by preparing an Arab strategy in this regard. He referred to the Arab strategy for cybersecurity prepared by the Arab Organization for Communication and Information Technology, an Arab organization affiliated with the Arab League.
