International Conference on Digital Transformation highlights Syria’s digital strategy
The first session of the 3rd International Conference on Digital Transformation, which was opened in Damascus on Friday, has emphasized that digital transformation is very important and necessary for countries as it reflects positively on these countries’ economic and social development. Participants in this session reviewed Syria’s digital transformation strategy, current capabilities, obstacles to digital integration, change management, opportunities of investment in digital transformation, the economic and financial impacts of digital transformation and its role in enhancing the purchasing strength of the local currency and the obstacles that hamper this transformation.
In an online presentation from Beirut, Dr. Nawar Al-Awa, the Regional Adviser on Technology for Development at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), talked about digital transformation in the Arab region (policies and indicators). He stressed the importance of technology as an essential element to achieve sustainable development, establish a link for building peace and justice as well as strong, effective and transparent institutions, ensure a comprehensive, responsive and participatory policy and secure universal access to information in accordance with national legal frameworks and agreements.
On her part, Assistant Minister of Communications and Technology Fadia Suleiman said that the ministry has started to work on the draft for transformation into electronic government services (post-war Syria). She clarified that this step is not only a computerization process, but a strategy to change the way of thinking, invest in thought and encourage creativity and innovation in work, pointing out that this draft document will be put forward for discussion during the conference.
In a dialogue session supervised by economist Talal Abu Ghazaleh, the Miniter of Communication Eyad Al-Khatieb said that digital transformation needs a will for change and a specified time to implement this process and follow up its progress through several stages towards digital Syria in 2030. He also stressed the need to ensure necessary funding, environment and qualified staff.
He pointed out that the basic communication infrastructure in Syria is good enough to build on despite the destructive terrorist war on the country, affirming that the ministry is working with a plan to achieve digital transformation in Syria in 2030.
Hamda Mustafa