World Summit of Governments
A roundtable on e-government was held during the third day of the World Summit of Governments in Dubai, in which experts from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) participated.

Where they reviewed their efforts to support innovation and Digital progress in the Arab region, and discussed some of the important topics including the use of the Internet, massive data, cybersecurity, commercial use of ICTs and empowerment of citizens throughout the Arab world.

Participants discussed the impact of the Digital Economy on men and women in the Arab region and identified the use, impact and gender-related gaps as challenges that governments should address as part of the digital transformation.

The meeting addressed the existing regulatory frameworks to support technological innovation that would enable the Government, the education and business sectors, as well as to contribute to the creation of an enabling and conducive environment for investment and considered that cooperation and coordination throughout the region was a key factor in supporting the growth of the region’s digital economy.

“We are committed to helping establish and support effective frameworks through which e-government services can be deployed effectively as part of a broader ICT strategy, which is well-led by the United Arab Emirates,” said Karim Khalil, ESCWA Secretary. And we are honored to work with her government in this regard, but that methodology does not fit all at the same time, as every country in the Arab world goes through with his government at a different stage in the process of adopting the digital economy effectively.

“We will host open government training courses in Tunisia in the coming months, as well as in the various GCC countries. Leading experts will provide us with advice on developing policies and tools to measure success effectively. Our cooperation with Member States is critical, It helps us to accurately define and understand the national needs of each country. The most important thing to ensure that the Arab world is moving forward is to create a more equal space on the digital scene. In this respect, Dubai and the UAE in general are ahead of most of the regional economies We would like to see the rest of the other Arab countries quote from their approach and take concrete steps to narrow the digital divide. ”

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), based in Beirut, provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies in member countries, provides a forum for meetings and coordination, and a forum of expertise and knowledge.

It is one of five regional commissions operating under the administrative directives of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations to promote the economic and social development of Western Asia through the regional and subregional cooperation and integration of the 18 Arab member States of ESCWA.