TRA organises workshop on open data and e-participation

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, TRA, in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNDESA, and the Open Data Institute, ODI, is organising a workshop to introduce global trends and best practices in e-participation and open data.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, 19th September, 2017, in Dubai. It will be hosted by Richard Kerby, the Inter-Regional Advisor in UNDESA e-government, and a number of experts, leaders of smart transformation in government entities, managers of corporate communication departments, e-participation and smart data officials, and several stakeholders.

The workshop addresses the role of open data in enhancing the government’s approach towards strengthening the digital presence and smart services, in addition to the national efforts in enhancing the principle of economic sustainability. The workshop also explores the function of data in promoting the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

The workshop also presents the TRA’s efforts in launching the national portal for e-participation, ‘Sharik.ae,’ and implementing the governmental method of participation, as well as the contribution of government entities to this portal. Several government bodies will also have the opportunity to present their successful practices in this context. The organisers expect high attendance due to the important topics of the workshop and their impact on the future stages of smart transformation in the UAE.

Emphasising the importance of this workshop, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of TRA, said, "The open data and participation workshop comes at a time when the government is working closely with the leadership to shape the future of the post-oil-era, as the principles of sustainability, innovation and increased reliance on digital knowledge are firmly established. We, at TRA and the mGovernment, are in the process of enhancing co-operation with other government entities to focus on open data, in accordance with the global developments in this context.

"Open data and e-participation are important elements for enhancing the digital presence of the UAE government, in addition to increasing access to global leadership in smart government services, one of the National Agenda Indicators," he added.

Al Mansoori indicated that holding this workshop is part of the response plan to the directives of the UAE Cabinet to implement the government accelerators for achieving the National Agenda and the directives of the wise leadership to achieve the UAE Vision 2021.