The Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel have collaborated to create a digital learning platform to help public sector officials in 56 countries use emerging technologies.
The online training course aims to educate senior officials across the Commonwealth about artificial intelligence (AI) and raise awareness about its potential applications in various sectors, given the current needs and digital readiness of respective countries.
The course, called ‘Digital Readiness for Public Sector Leaders’, contains use-case examples, international best practices and frameworks that will enable learners to develop strategies, scalable solutions and action plans for digital transformation in their communities. It covers topics such as digital governance, technology, infrastructure and inclusivity.
The programme was launched at the Commonwealth Headquarters in London, with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, stating: “This course is a new and important milestone achievement, which the Commonwealth has developed for our member countries in close collaboration with Intel.
“It provides a unique opportunity for public sector workers and leaders in member states to be trained in the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The course will lay the foundations for trust in these technologies, and confidence in our capability to use them effectively and responsibly.”
The Vice President of Intel, Sarah Kemp, added: “Digitisation drives benefits for governments and their citizens, including GDP growth, job creation, social inclusion along with improvement of services, as well as governance with increased participation, more transparency and efficiency.
“For countries to remain competitive in the global economy, it is important for them to invest in expanding digital readiness for all and upskilling current and future workforces for an AI-ready world.”
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The event also announced the Commonwealth Secretariat’s vision to develop a platform to assist Commonwealth small states to build domestic transformative technologies and AI capacity to strengthen their economic resilience, mitigate climate change and upskill their workforces.
The digital economy is expected to play a key role in achieving the target of $2 trillion worth of trade amongst member countries by 2030, as reflected in the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda. However, there is a widening gap between those who have access to digital connectivity and AI technology and those who do not, with those living in developing nations and small states more likely to be affected by a lack of digital readiness.
Therefore, the Commonwealth is working towards bridging this gap to ensure that all member states can benefit from the digital economy.
