First GCC eGovernment conference opens with call to increase speed of progress to create a truly Gulf-wide knowledge society

Opening the conference with a keynote address, H.E. Mohammed Nasser Al Khasibi, Chairman of the Information Technology Authority (ITA) explained that the stage was set for the GCC to rapidly build on the astonishing progress that all six nations have already made in the field of eGovernment.

Addressing the international delegates at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel in Muscat, His Excellency spoke about new technology trends and the significant impact it has on today's society.

"Science and technology systems are the most important issues of concern to the world in this age. The importance of this conference comes from what we are witnessing in the GCC of the constant development and achievements in the implementation of eGovernment plans," he emphasized.

One of the world's acknowledged experts in eGovernance, Mr. Seah Chin Siong, the head of IDA International in Singapore, was among the opening speakers at the conference. In his address he outlined the need for an integrated government that includes the shift from eGovernment to iGovernment establishing the underlying foundation to serving citizens and customers better. He focused on the successes and challenges that eGovernment faces in order to improve services. He also enlightened delegates about Singaporean eGovernment processes and eServices that would ultimately overall improve eServices in the GCC.

Addressing the delegates he said: "The need for an improved integrated government will connect citizens by improving services and enhancing relationships. More resources will be able to reach out to those who prefer eChannels becoming the online medium of choice."

Other key speakers on the opening day included ITA's CEO, Dr. Salim bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi; H.E. Mohammed Obaid Al Mazroui, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs; and H.E. Bader Al-Dafa, Executive Secretary United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA).

Commenting on the first GCC Conference in Oman, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs, H.E. Mohammed Obaid Al Mazroui said:

"The GCC countries are moving rapidly and growing in the eGovernment sector. Thus the idea of conducting such a conference was ignited to discuss all the related issues and latest technologies. We wish to host such an event every year so we can continue to discuss and review other GCC countries improvement and positive impacts."

The inaugural conference will create a platform for GCC eGovernment authorities to share their experiences, discuss the challenges of implementing eGovernance, agree on the priority eServices to provide in the GCC, and explore ways of linking eGovernment portals of member states.

The quality and importance of the conference has attracted CEOs from every eGovernment authority in the Gulf to be among the high profile speakers who will also include leaders from some of the world's ICT organizations, in addition to academics from select institutions at the conference to being held over the next three days.