Manama: Bahrain will be the first country in the Middle East to host the United Nations Public Service Awards and Forum.
“Bahrain is the fourth country in the world and the first in the Middle East to host and organise such a forum outside the UN premises in New York since its launch ten years ago,” Mohammad Ali Al Qaed, eGovernment Authority (eGA) CEO, said after signing the agreement with United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOG) Director Haiyan Qian in New York City.
Set to take place in Manama on June 24-27, the forum is expected to attract more than 700 leaders, policymakers, high-level official delegations, practitioners and innovators in governance, representatives on behalf of international and regional organisations, the academia, non-profit organisations and the private sector from more than 80 countries.
“The event is designed to celebrate the value and virtue of public services delivery in the community and the rewards of such services,” eGA said. “Its core focus is to shed light on the contributions of public services in the development process, assess the duties of public servants and encourage youth to pursue careers in the public sector.”
The celebration event grants the recognition of projects which assist beneficiaries to gain easy-access to services worldwide.
“It is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in the area of eServices as it rewards public service institutions, fosters participation and utilises eGovernment in the delivery of services as well as institutions who utilise unique and innovative approaches,” eGA said.
The awarding ceremony was launched in 2003 to reward public service institutions that are distinguished in categories of Preventing and Combating Corruption in the Public Service, Improving the Delivery of Services, Fostering Participation in Policymaking Decisions through Innovative Mechanisms, Advancing Knowledge Management in Government, and Promoting Gender Responsive Delivery of Public Services.
“Holding one of the key global events of the UN agenda would enable Bahrain to occupy a leadership position in the public service and eGovernment field at a global level and contribute in achieving the eGovernment strategic goals,” Al Qaed said.
“Bahrain will play a significant leading role in discussing and proposing projects as well as public service standards, in particular the eGovernment’s role. The kingdom has a key role to play in mobilising support, cooperation and coordination between various countries, stakeholders, private sector, governmental bodies, and a significant number of other concerned parties,” he said.
According to eGA, hosting the United Nations Public Service Awards and Forum 2013 reflects Bahrain’s keenness and ability to attract regional and worldwide elite decision-makers as well as specialists.
“Additionally, this event will support business tourism and enhance Bahrain’s position in organising international events and conferences; as it will occupy more than 3,000 accommodation nights in hotels, revive transportation services, shopping malls, as well as highlight the cultural side of Bahrain — for being the capital of Arab culture and showcasing its heritage and history to the participants and visitors of the forum,” eGA said.
