Al Qaed Highlights Bahrain’s AI and Big Data Experience at 2nd WEF GovTech Network Meeting
08 Nov 2023
Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed participated in the second high-level World Economic Forum (WEF) GovTech Network meeting, which was held via videoconference. In line with directives of His Excellency Minister of Interior General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information & Communication Technology (MCICT), Bahrain’s participation follows a first meeting, which was held in Geneva last September and brought together policymakers and ministers.
During the meeting, Al Qaed highlighted the Kingdom’s digital transformation initiatives, including the sustainability of government services and systems including, , digital economy adoption, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). He underscored His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s role in ensuring the government’s success in these endeavors, which has led to enhancements in the Kingdom’s ICT sector.
He said that the directives of the MCICT, chaired by HE the Minister of Interior, encourages wider use of AI technology, adding that the Kingdom is looking forward to sharing its successful experience with the network’s members the comprehensive digital transformation of government services and systems, national shared systems, private sector partnership, and the success of IT governance in policy frameworks and ICT standards.
He highlighted a Royal Decree issued in September 2023, which instructed the creation of a Directorate of Innovation and Advanced Technology at the iGA, noting that it reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to keeping pace with technological advancements and adopting innovation, creativity, and a wider investment in technology across government sectors, with the aim of improving quality of life for citizens and residents through more efficient services.
Al Qaed discussed the results of Bahrain International eGovernment Forum 2023, its success in attracting local and international speakers who specialize in AI, and its role in showcasing the latest technology developments and applications across numerous fields.
Topics discussed in the meeting included the importance of GovTech Network, in addition to a presentation of GovTech Network priorities and methods of enhancing them. The meeting also reviewed an introductory note prepared to brief about the network and held an open session to receive initiatives and suggestions from participants.
The previous high-level GovTech Network meeting focused on emerging technologies such as Big Data, AI, and blockchain, and their role in providing government services that meet the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in line with Bahrain Vision 2030. The meeting also aimed to create a working group consisting of policymakers, data technology enthusiasts, international organizations, academia, and global research centers to enhance cooperation between governments worldwide in utilizing these technologies and formulating plans to accelerate the digital transformation of services.
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