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Public-private partnership to come into focus at forum

DUBAI — The Microsoft Government Leaders Forum - Arabia, which opens on April 24 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai Hotel, will focus on public-private partnership in the region

Hosted by Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft Corporation, the two-day event that provides a discussion platform for government leaders from the pan-Arab region, will have Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Education, as a key-note speaker.

Several current issues and popular themes will be addressed through keynote presentations, practical case studies, and interactive panel discussions at the event. A distinguished selection of experienced leaders from developed and developing nations will offer diverse viewpoints to enrich the forum’s dialogue, according to the organisers.

Wide-ranging perspectives are exchanged on a variety of issues. These include building a favourable environment for new job creation, boosting productivity, and ensuring all citizens are able to participate fully in the information society. The forum provides an opportunity to bring together leaders to exchange experiences and best practices related to growth and economic development, governance and modernisation, and social development and education, as well as to examine the role that information and communications technology plays in achieving success in these areas.

According to Steve Ballmer, it is the eighth year that Microsoft has been engaged in hosting an event dedicated to the public sector. "The Dubai event is Microsoft's second forum devoted to the pan-Arab region. This forum will be distinguished by the exceptional caliber of presenters from around the world. Previous GLF speakers have included the United Nations Program Administrator; the Vice President and CIO of The World Bank Group; the President of Mexico; the Former Prime Minister of Canada, the Comptroller General of Panama; and many other high-ranking government and thought leaders. The agenda for GLF —Arabia promises an eminent group of presenters, panelists and facilitators to illuminate important trends and innovations in the use of technology in the public sector." The focal point of discussion will be public-private partnership. Speakers will explain how the traditional boundaries between public and private sector are shifting, with Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) proving to be one of the most popular mechanisms to achieve these new aims. The PPP is fast becoming a vital mechanism for fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to develop many different aspects of society in the Arab region, including economic growth, social welfare and even government policy.