Webinar: Demystifying the digital transformation notion in public sector

August 25, 2020

Background

What do we mean by “Digital Transformation”? For many of us, when we hear the word “digital” we think of a device, such as a laptop, smart phone, or mobile applications and websites. But digital is much more than technologies or hardware it runs on. It is a medium that helps us connect faster and perform better, it helps us make data-driven decisions and allows us to enhance service experiences. This is the reason why every sector, be it public, private, development, entertainment or academic is on a path to digitize the way it offers its services and interacts with its audience.

The “2018 Digital Nepal Framework” was an ambitious plan of the Government of Nepal to unlock Nepal’s growth potential through ICT. The Government’s vision of digitalizing all forms of public service delivery comes at a time when more than 63% of the total population in Nepal have access to internet but majority of them reside in urban cities and have limited digital literacy. So, given the precedents, what is the best approach for the government to sensitize and implement digital transformation framework on a national level? In the webinar “Demystifying the Digital Transformation trend in Public Sector” we want to bring together champions  from diverse public sectors of Nepal, India, Indonesia and Bangladesh who have used digital technologies in a transformative way , to debunk myths surrounding “Digital” and its many forms, what “Digital Transformation” is in its entirety and what it isn’t and give the participants evidence-based accounts of transforming public service deliveries both in local and national levels.

Objective:

The objective of the webinar is:

  • To have interactive discussion on “Digital Transformation”, what it is and what it is not!
  • To dissect both success stories and lessons learned from government-led digital initiatives, why some ideas work, and some don’t!
  • To encourage a two-way discussion between public sector and private sector/ beneficiaries about addressing challenges that rise from lack of digital literacy and increasing digital divide, expectation vs. reality!

Target Audience

  • Representatives from the public sector (ranging from local and provincial to central level government representatives from Nepal, India among other).
  • Representatives from private sector, academia, ICT institutions, Research institutions and Systemic entrepreneurs.

Expected Outcome

The expected outcome of the webinar:

  • Stories of success and failures on digital transformation shared by the public sector representatives to a diverse audience.
  • Virtual networking between diverse audiences.
  • An avenue for South-South cooperation.

Moderator:

Mr. Giulio Quaggiotto- Head of Strategic Innovation Team, UNDP

Panel Members:

Ms. Deshani Nisansala Senanayake- Gender Research and Experimentation, Citra Lab, Sri Lanka

Topic: Citra Lab’s support the PM’s office on Digital Innovation

Ms. Senanyake will be presenting on Citra Lab’s work on strengthening government capabilities and supporting government counterparts including Prime Minister’s office in digital transformation and digital innovation.

Mr. Dilip Pratap Khand- Mayor, Waling Municipality, Nepal

Topic: Turing Waling into a Smart Palika (Municipality)

Among the 753 local government units in Nepal, Waling Municipality comes under as one of the most progressive and referred “Smart” Municipality who is championing the digital agenda. One such initiative is the “Smart Waling” mobile application that connects the residents directly with the local government and paving the way for a digital tomorrow that leaves no one behind.

Mr. Sameer Unhale- State Joint Director, Municipal Administration, Maharashtra, India

Topic: Digital Community Connect Initiative

Introducing an innovative and path-breaking project that promises impactful development and enhanced service delivery. Ms. Unhale will also present on “DigitThane” with is Thane’s Corona Virus Emergency Management System.

Schedule

The program will follow the following format:

S.N.

Activity

Description

Time (PM)

Remarks

1.

Welcome Note

Welcoming and introducing all panel members and participants

4:45-5:00

Bernardo Cocco (DRR)

2.

Panel Discussion

The stories of success and failure of digital transformation in the public sector

Moderated by Mr. Giulio Quaggiotto, Head of Strategic Innovation Team, UNDP

5:00-6:00

Panel members:

-          Mr. Dilip Pratap Khan- Mayor, Waling Municipality, Nepal

-          Mr. Sameer Unhale- State Joint Director, Municipal Administration, Maharashtra, India

-          Ms. Deshani Nisansala Senanayake- Gender and Experimentation Lead, Citra Lab, Sri Lanka

3.

Q&A Round

Q&A from the participants to the panel members

6:00-6:30

Giulio Quaggiotto

4.

Thank you Note

Message from Ms. Ayshanie Labe, UNDP Nepal Resident Representative

6:30-6:45

Ayshanie Labé (RR)

Registration Link: https://undp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XrO-5Q6nSJ2H1DW2g9AOoQ