Enhancing Digitalization and E-Governance in IsDB Member Countries: A Key Enabler for Inclusive Recovery and Enhanced Sustainable Development


1 June 2022; 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Venue: Tonino Lamborghini International Convention Center Sharm El Sheikh (Sinai Hall)



Overview:

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust the vitality of digitalization as a key enabler for quick and effective action in response to an unexpected event of such grand scale and wide-reaching ramifications. Prior to the pandemic, many governments across the world, including the member countries of the Bank, have in place digitalization strategies, which also included offering various public services to citizens to the digital domain through e-government platforms. Countries with well-established information and communications infrastructure were able to establish these platforms rather well, while those without the necessary infrastructure and ecosystem in place have fallen behind. In spite of the challenges, many member countries have, steadily, established their e-government systems and are providing various services to their citizens. The lessons learned over the last couple of years particularly in the area of digitalization and e-government can be very useful and instructive to countries that are in the process of enhancing their digital infrastructure and e-government systems.

In this context, the Bank’s Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI) Department and the Economic and Social Infrastructure Department (ESID) are collaborating to organize a side-event entitled “Enhancing Digitalization and E- Government in the IsDB Member Countries: A Key Enabler for Inclusive Recovery and Enhanced Sustainable Development” during the upcoming 2022 Annual Meeting of the IsDB.



KEY ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED:

  1. What are the challenges concerning digitalization and e-government systems in the IsDB member countries from a regional perspective?
  2. What are the main factors for having a successful ecosystem for setting up and implementing e-government services?
  3. What is the role of public and private sector in establishing successful e-government systems and services? What are the ways for promoting the private sector’s contribution to the field?
  4. How can digitalization and e-government role in supporting inclusive and effective socio-economic development for citizens?
  • Speakers
    • Amer Bukvic

      Acting Director-General of Global Practice & Partnerships,IsDB. He leads IsDB’s product organization and strategic direction in partnerships, public and private financing, co-financing, and knowledge products. Mr. Amer also previous served as the CEO of Bosna Bank International for 15 years. 

    • Dr. Sherif Farouk

      Dr Sherif Farouk is the Chairperson of Egypt Post, he has over 29 years of banking experience, having previously been involved in the restructuring of banks and financial institutions. This comes in addition to his work in developing human resources in the banking sector and in private banks. He was previously CEO and Managing Director of the Nasser Social Bank (NSB).

    • Mr. Jeyhun Salmanov

      Mr. Jeyhun Salmanov is theDeputy Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan since March 2019. Previously, he held the roles of Advisor to the Chairman as well as the Head of Strategic Research Sector Department of the same organization. Mr. Salmanov has dual Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Information Systems and Digital Innovation Management.  

    • Abossé Akue-Kpakpo

      Director of Digital Economy, West African Economic and Monetary Union

      Mr. Abossé is the Director of digital economy at the WAEMU (West African Economic and Monetary Union) Commission. He has a long experience with a telecommunications operator in the sub-region before joining the WAEMU Commission in 2009.

    • Hassan Nasser

      Vice President International Cooperation, Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) with HQ in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

      Hassan currently serves as the Vice-President for International Affairs and Membership at the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Hassan Nasser was previously Apple's Head of Government Affairs for Africa.

    • Safa Uslu

      Head of Department for International Relations, Digital Transformation Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey

      Safa has been serving as Head of Department for International Relations of the Digital Transformation Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey since December 2021. He is also a Board Member for National Petroleum Pipeline Company (BOTAS).

  • Moderators
    • Shaharyar Jawaid

      Senior ICT Specialist, Islamic Development Bank Group

      Shaharyar is a Global Technology for Development Expert and has over 14 years of professional experience and learning in International Development, IT/Telco industry, Investment Advisory, and successfully leading, developing, and managing programs in over 20 countries across 5 continents.

    • Ahmed Faruk Diken

      Senior Technical Cooperation Coordinator, MENA & Europe, Islamic Development Bank Group 

      Ahmed Faruk is a Senior Technical Cooperation Coordinator for MENA & Europe in the Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI) Department of the IsDB. He is involved in the formulation and implementation of technical cooperation and Reverse Linkage interventions.