Page 3 • Continued from Page 2 digitisation of public services are lack of education about technology, digital literacy, inadequate financial and human resources, and the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. A key finding of the survey is that innovation can happen anywhere – as evidenced by Saint Lucia and Grenada, which have made significant strides in their e-Government arrangements, demonstrating that size and wealth are not obstacles to development. These success cases provide an opportunity for learning valuable lessons for other states. In the day’s final presentation, Mr. Vincenzo Aquaro, Chief, Digital Government Branch, Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government, noted that although E-Government development had improved globally between 2020 and 2022, the digital divide persists. To promote greater inclusion, a whole of society approach must be taken, integrating “multilevel, multisectoral and multidisciplinary strategies”. The theme for the third webinar was Innovation in Public Service Delivery, with a special focus on the conditions for successful innovation in digital transformation in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In her presentation entitled, Reinforcing AI and Digital Transformation Competencies in the Public Sector, Dr. Marielza Olivera, Director, Division for Digital Inclusion, Policies and Transformation, Communications and Information Sector, UNESCO, identified several digital transformation challenges, including “digital divides and inequalities” and “lack of transparency, accountability and openness”. Dr. Olivera then introduced ROAM-X — UNESCO’s approach to digital transformation. The presentation further emphasised the importance of taking a global and multistakeholder approach to the challenges faced, while identifying the competencies required by civil servants for artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The session ended with a set of recommendations on the way forward. Dr. Cristina Rodriguez-Acosta, Inter-regional Advisor at the Digital Government Branch of DPIDG/UN DESA, emphasised that while governments worldwide are increasingly adopting digital technologies for operational efficiency, decision-making, and service delivery, many countries still face challenges in fully leveraging these technologies to provide accessible, reliable, and inclusive services. Dr. Rodriguez-Acosta outlined five key principles for innovation in public service delivery: Access, Quality, Inclusion and Responsiveness, People-driven and Personalized Services, and Transparency and Accountability of service delivery. She then provided essential steps for designing a roadmap to foster innovation and digital transformation. Gregory McGann, Programme Management Assistant at DPIDG/UN DESA, concluded the presentation by sharing insights into the emerging AI regulatory landscape. Ms. Prudence James Townsend, Director of Business Development and Communication at the Management Institute for National Development (MIND) in Jamaica, wrapped up the session by introducing the Public Sector Learning Framework (PSLF) utilised by MIND. The final webinar in the series featured Country Experiences on Changing Mindsets, Innovation, and Digital Government. Mr. Mahammadali Khudaverdiyev, Director-General for International Affairs in Azerbaijan, underscored the critical role of political will in public sector transformation. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s ASAN project, which streamlines public service delivery by consolidating information in a central registry. Currently, ASAN service centres • Continues on next page Dr. Cristina Rodriguez-Acosta Mr. Vincenzo Aquaro Dr. Marielza Olivera Mr. Mahammadali Khudaverdiyev
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