May 24, 2018 |
The Council of Arab Economic Unity signed a joint memorandum of understanding with the Digital Government Services Sector of the UK Prime Minister’s Office. This agreement falls within the framework of the Council’s efforts to support the Arab economy, particularly in the areas of economy and digital transformation.
Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed Al-Rabee, Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity at the League of Arab States, stated that this agreement aims to provide and exchange the best international expertise and practices in the field of digital government and the digital economy. He noted that the Council has recently established the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, which includes a number of prominent Arab figures with academic and practical experience in the fields of digital and smart applications. He added that this federation will be primarily tasked with establishing scientific foundations and global standards for governmental, administrative, commercial, and economic practices based on maximizing the use of modern digital and smart technology, which will transform the world in the next ten years. This is something we must prepare for now, so that we can serve the Arab people who aspire to global status and contribution to civilization.
The agreement was signed in London by a high-level delegation from the Council, headed by Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Khouri, Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity. The delegation signed the agreement with Kevin Connington, Director General of the UK Government’s Digital Services Sector.
Dr. Kevin Connington explained that the UK government established digital government services approximately seven years ago based on the needs of the average user, namely British citizens and visitors to the UK. These services are built on openness and transparency to enhance British citizens’ trust in government and provide the best digital government services. This transforms traditional methods of service delivery, leading to cost savings, supporting growth, and building the UK’s digital economy. He said he looks forward to working with the Council of Arab Economic Unity and the League of Arab States through this agreement to support efforts to develop smart service systems in the Arab world and in the areas of digital inclusion.
Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Khouri explained that the most important aspects of the agreement include cooperation in research and development in the field of economics and digital transformation, building digital skills in the Arab world, and launching a set of programs related to digital government and smart e-services.
Al-Khouri pointed out that, given the differences between Arab peoples in terms of economic, social, and technological conditions, this necessitates sound planning to direct resources and investments toward digital transformation and the adoption of digital and knowledge economy concepts and technologies. He noted that Arab governments are the primary entities responsible for leading this transformation, and emphasized the importance of their active role in guiding and supporting the private sector, particularly innovative companies, which are typically small and medium-sized. This is a key characteristic of successful global experiences in the field of digital transformation.
It is worth noting that the delegation participating in the signing visited the UK Cabinet’s Digital Government Services headquarters in the British capital, where it was briefed on the most important distinguished government practices and activities, both in terms of government procurement and contracting methods, which are being tested through a unified government platform, and in terms of methods for designing, organizing, and launching government services according to precise standards and specifications. It also highlighted methods for qualifying future employees and raising the level of digital integration for government employees, leaders, and specialists alike. The UK Digital Government Services Center has an academy for qualification and scientific research, and a data science center specializing in big data analysis to support decision-makers and provide accurate and reliable information on government services quickly and efficiently.
