Bahraini Parliamentary Delegation Concludes Participation in UN Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh
Riyadh, Dec. 19 (BNA): Bahrain’s parliamentary delegation concluded its participation in the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2024) Parliamentary Track, held in Saudi Arabia, from December 16-18, organised by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the Saudi Shura Council.
The delegation was led by Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council; and included Munir Ibrahim Suroor, Member of the Council of Representatives; Abeer Al Obaidly, Director of Information and Communications Technology at the Shura Council’s Secretariat; Yaqoob Al Yasi, Head of Operations Technical Support in the Council of Representatives; and Mubarak Janahi, Information Security Officer at the Shura Council.
The delegation participated in specialised sessions discussing the latest developments in modern technology and artificial intelligence applications, as well as the rapid global digital transformation. Discussions also addressed the legislative, technical, and administrative requirements needed by public and private institutions to keep pace with technological advancements. The delegation explored ways to advance the legislative framework to ensure optimal technology use and minimise misuse.
The delegation highlighted Bahrain's efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and adopt digital transformation to deliver exceptional services to citizens and institutions. They referred to the government’s e-Government Strategy, which aims to guide government entities in developing services, streamlining procedures, and improving the quality of life for citizens and residents. The delegation also reviewed the notable progress achieved under this strategy.
Furthermore, the delegation focused on the legislative authority’s role in developing national laws and regulations related to technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. They emphasised the integration of technology into various development and construction paths, as well as their participation in events and forums to enhance knowledge and skills, improving the quality of legislation. The delegation stressed the importance of involving the secretariat staff of both councils in digital transformation conferences, given their vital role in supporting legislative outcomes.
On Wednesday, the delegation participated in the parliamentary roundtable discussions held during the forum’s plenary session under the theme, “A powerful collective force for change: Parliamentarians for a prosperous global digital future" which reviewed the importance of global digital cooperation amid the growing integration of technology into all aspects of life. The session highlighted the need for countries to collaborate to ensure equitable access to digital advancements, with parliaments playing a key role in developing such cooperation.
Discussions addressed international collaboration among parliaments, particularly concerning the cross-border impacts of digitalisation on citizens. Topics included cybersecurity, data privacy, and combating online misinformation, which require joint efforts to develop solutions that protect citizens and promote inclusivity in the digital sphere.
Participants shared experiences on cooperative initiatives tackling emerging digital challenges, such as cyber threats, data privacy, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. The session also explored efforts to align digital legislation across countries, particularly in establishing consistent laws regulating data privacy, digital transactions, and e-commerce.
The session underlined the role of digital innovation in advancing economic growth and social development while addressing the digital divide to ensure equitable access to digital resources. Participants emphasised that parliaments have a crucial role in shaping the digital future through international collaboration and comprehensive legislation, helping them create a secure, fair, and interconnected digital environment that benefits all citizens regardless of geographical location or socio-economic status.
