eGovernment Authority signs two MoU's with Talal Abu Ghazaleh Organization

The two agreements were signed by Talal Abu Ghazaleh, President of the Strategic Council for the Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID), part of the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), and eGovernment Authority CEO Mohammed Al Qaed.

The first MoU entails the establishment of a regional GAID office in Bahrain, in partnership with the eGovernment Authority, which will serve all GCC countries.

The office will work specifically on developing and advancing the ICT sector, and enhancing various ICT-related economic activities across the region. Moreover, the office will work closely with neighboring countries to achieve the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals through practical strategies.

The second MoU involves creating joint programs in Bahrain aimed at promoting eLiteracy and narrowing the digital divide through training programs in organizational development, information management, network management, and ICT strategies. In addition, the programs will provide a series of specialized curricula in various IT disciplines, leveraged by Talal Abu Ghazaleh Organization's vast international experience in IT and in partnership with with leading international organizations such as the UNDESA.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Abu Ghazaleh expressed his delight with Bahrain's involvement, noting the Kingdom's long standing commitment to excellence and advancement of the local society as a whole.

"I felt the earnest desire of both the esteemed leadership of the Kingdom and the eGovernment Authority in investing in and enhancing ICT in Bahrain and rest of the Arab world. I consider this partnership the first of many steps intended to exchange knowledge and expertise in this field," he said.

"This marks the dawn of a new era of cooperation that will benefit Bahrain and the region," said Al Qaed, commending Talal Abu Ghazaleh Organization's efforts in improving eLiteracy and awareness of ICT.

"Nobody can deny the central role that modern ICT technologies play in economic and social growth. Our partnership with Talal Abu Ghazaleh Organization is one of many initiatives that the eGovernment Authority is taking to encourage the usage of modern technologies. We are moving forward with our vision of providing a more convenient way of life for citizens, residents, and visitors of Bahrain, in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030" he concluded.

Mr. Al Qaed recently attended GAID Strategic Council's annual meeting, held last September in Monterrey, Mexico, where he met with Mr. Abu Ghazaleh. The two discussed potential partnership avenues between the Kingdom and the Council to promoting the utilization of modern ICT technologies to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals and facilitate development in various sectors, as well as examining the potential role that Bahrain can play in the Arab world in the ICT industry.