In line with the meetings of the UNGA in New York, the World Governments Summit (WGS) Organisation launched the “Future of Governance” report prepared in cooperation with PwC.

In line with the meetings of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the World Governments Summit (WGS) Organisation launched the “Future of Governance” report prepared in cooperation with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

The report features the results of the Global Ministers Survey, encompassing 50 ministers from different countries worldwide.

The launch of the report was attended by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Vice Chairman of the World Governments Summit; Rami Nazer, EMEA Government & Public Services Leader at PwC Middle East; and Nikhil Seth, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Executive Director, UNITAR.

The report aims to develop a common understanding of an efficient business model for future governments, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and based on four main pillars: data empowerment, innovation, inclusion, and new models of government work.

Omar Sultan Al Olama stated that the UAE government, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has established a proactive, agile, and technology-based future work mode.

The UAE managed to move swiftly from a service-based government model to e-government, then a smart government, a digital government, all the way to the future government model that anticipates needs and employs technology, digitization, AI and governance to improve government performance and enhance its flexibility, leadership and future readiness.

“Future governments can best employ advanced technology to achieve digital empowerment, enhance innovation in various sectors, and involve society groups, institutions, and entrepreneurs in designing plans, strategies, programs, and initiatives. Talents and skilled cadres are the cornerstone of the success of development strategies drawn by countries and implemented by governments,” Al Olama added, referring to the UAE’s success story, ranking first globally in the ability to attract talent according to the "Global Prosperity Index" 2023, and third globally on the Global Skills Index, based on the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2023.

The report, prepared by the World Governments Summit Organisation in cooperation with PricewaterhouseCoopers, is an important reference for leaders and decision-makers around the world to shape their visions and future trends for developing the government sector, shaping the future of government work, and striking a balance between the opportunities and challenges resulting from digital development and automation, while prioritizing data security and privacy, enhancing workforce skills, and amending regulations.

The results of the report highlighted the importance of investing in human resources by upskilling employees and developing the digital infrastructure to meet future challenges, in addition to focusing on digital empowerment and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance future governments.

Results have shown that 84% of the ministers surveyed stressed the importance of investing in technology and human capital as a top priority for governments, while 74% believed that the current global financial resources are insufficient for training and developing skills, and 60% confirmed that future government models will be participatory, enabling cooperation and partnership between the government and private sectors, whereas 68% of participants pointed to challenges in finding and retaining skilled cadres.

Rami Nazer, EMEA Government & Public Services Leader at PwC Middle East, stated, “Our Global Ministers Survey highlights a transformative vision for the future of government, emphasizing co-creation with citizens and the private sector, and leveraging new technologies and innovation in public service delivery. At PwC, we are committed to supporting governments in embracing this forward-looking approach, leveraging our expertise to foster inclusive and effective public policy and service delivery.”

The ministers participating in the survey agreed that future government models will be characterized by three main areas: innovation, digital empowerment, and social inclusion. These features will play a key role in policy-making, services provision, and enhancing trust and accountability.

More than three-quarters of participants said that governments have a significant role in shaping the future of societies and economies, noting the growing role of innovation and citizen inclusion in government work.

While the majority of participants confirmed that modern technology, primarily AI, will transform how governments deal with challenges, provide services, and interact with individuals and businesses, they highlighted that for fully harnessing new technologies, governments must invest in developing the digital infrastructure and human capital. Despite all challenges, the survey presented promising prospects for the future of governments committed to transformation, innovation, and shaping a better future that meets the needs of individuals and societies.

The report and the results of the Global Ministers Survey included a set of recommendations that emphasized the need to enhance government adaptation mechanisms to major challenges such as misleading data, cyber threats, climate change, and geopolitical instability.

The report recommended focusing on reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy, and driving international cooperation to face climate change. At the economic level, the report stressed the need to improve revenue collection processes, rationalize government subsidies, and develop the taxation systems in emerging, developing, and advanced economies.