Reach of social media highlighted at World Government Summit 2016

Besides all things education, technology and innovation, the fourth edition of the World Government Summit is also turning out to be a substantial exploration of the latest ways to shape future governments.

The gathering of world political, academic and economic figures is even more far-reaching thanks to an avalanche of social media interest being observed, online and from afar.

An example of the focus on the growing digital transformation of government this year at the summit is the Key-note address delivered via closed-circuit television on Monday to delegates by United States President Barack Obamam who commented on the myriad challenges facing many of the 125 countries in attendance.

Emphasizing the importance of social media, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is expected to engage his 10 million followers on social media platforms in a live conversation titled ‘Dialogue of the Future on Social Media,’ from 6.30pm UAE time.

Shaikh Mohammad will answer questions on his vision for the future of government, education, health, cities and top issues.

Government leaders will also tap the summit gathering to better gauge future electronic needs of the people in relation to morphing government digital services offered online.

A closed session meeting of e-government directors from across the Arab world will help better integrate cooperation as well as share new insights into the digitalization of services unfolding in recent years, especially in GCC countries where internet penetration is high and demand for online services is strong.

Digitalization of government services

Summit organizers, in cooperation with Deloitte Foundation, are set to survey roughly 1,200 government officials from 70 countries to collect views on the digital transformation of government. More than 140 delegates will also be interviewed for the survey.

Findings on the digitalization of government services from the sweeping survey will be released at the fifth World Government Summit next year.

During the first day, a keynote address titled ‘The Dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution was delivered by Professor Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.

A delegation of 50 MBA students from around the world is attending the World Government Summit. The students were brought together by Khalifa Al Hajeri, an Emirati MBA student studying in Barcelona, and will be sponsored by the Prime Minister’s Office in the UAE.

“Out of the 250 applications received, 50 MBA students were chosen to attend. Three of the students are also participating in one of the summit’s panels with the United Nations. Business schools are supposed to prepare students to bring innovation to the real world and the World Government Summit has the same goal. The MBA students will also never get a chance to witness such important speakers under one roof.”