The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showcased its innovative approaches in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and assistive AI to enhance governmental services and improve institutional efficiency during the Global AI and Digital Transformation Summit in Seoul, South Korea. Organised by the World Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Science, Technology, Information and Communications, the summit attracted government officials, experts, international leaders, and private sector representatives from around the globe.
Promoting International Collaboration
The UAE’s participation aimed to bolster international cooperation and the exchange of expertise in AI and digital transformation fields. It also served to highlight the UAE’s pioneering experience in service development and enhancing government efficiency. Additionally, discussions focused on opportunities for utilizing advanced technologies in government services to expedite achievements and simplify processes, thereby enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and improving the experience for individuals and businesses.
Insights from Mohammed bin Taliah
Mohammed bin Taliah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Government Knowledge Exchange, participated in various discussions at the summit that addressed the future of AI and digital transformation, as well as the role of international partnerships in government work and the exchange of successful experiences. He emphasised the UAE government’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange, aiming to expand partnerships that harness AI potential and advanced technology to achieve tangible improvements in community life.
Reimagining Government Processes
During his address, bin Taliah stressed that the true benefit of AI goes beyond adopting new technologies; it involves reimagining government processes, enhancing services, and simplifying procedures to improve efficiency while saving time and effort for individuals and businesses. He underscored the importance of global cooperation and the sharing of successful experiences to accelerate the development of effective technical solutions.
Ministerial Meeting and Round Table Discussions
Bin Taliah participated in the ministerial meeting on AI and digital transformation, which examined global trends in employing digital technologies to support development. The meeting emphasised the need for collaboration between governments and development partners to enhance services and streamline institutional performance.
Additionally, at a high-level round table on bureaucratic simplification, bin Taliah presented the UAE’s experiences with its programme aimed at eliminating redundant procedures, steps, and requirements. The goal remains to redesign government services and processes to enhance efficiency and flexibility, making life easier for individuals and supporting the business environment.
AI for Development Session
Bin Taliah also participated in a session titled “AI for Development: Unlocking Global Partnerships to Amplify Local Impact,” focusing on the role of international partnerships in leveraging AI for development and broadening the impact of innovative solutions. He highlighted the critical need for effective partnerships that bring together governments, development institutions, and the private sector to translate AI and assistive AI into actionable, scalable solutions that meet real needs and promote sustainable development.
Strengthening UAE-Korean Cooperation
Alongside the summit’s proceedings, bin Taliah held bilateral meetings with several ministers and officials from partner countries in the Government Knowledge Exchange Programme, alongside officials from South Korea. These discussions focused on collaborative opportunities and the exchange of experiences in AI and government development initiatives.
Bin Taliah met with Ha Jong-woo, Vice President of the Presidential Council for the National AI Strategy in South Korea, to discuss knowledge transfer and experience sharing in developing and applying AI strategies in government work. The UAE’s participation in this summit aligns with its ongoing cooperation with the World Bank, building on a partnership established during the World Bank-International Monetary Fund meetings in April, aiming to utilise the Government Knowledge Exchange Programme to share experiences that support the modernisation of government administration, improve efficiency, simplify procedures, and enhance quality of life.