The 1st International Digital Transformation Conference: Empowering Digital Future (IDTC)

Under the auspices of His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas

The International Digital Transformation Conference (IDTC) aims to explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in digital transformation and to provide a platform for government officials, universities, education institutes, private sector firms, and international IT companies to exchange ideas and insights.

Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the conference aims to empower the digital future, inspire innovation, drive growth, and promote sustainability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape..

idtc.aaup.edu

AAUP’s Closing Statement for the First International Conference on Digital Transformation

The First International Conference on Digital Transformation, with official local, regional and international participation and international experts, recommends the need for cooperation among all parties and sectors to advance progress and investment by promoting the use of modern technology in all walks of life and the need to develop policies and strategies which regulate the process of digital transformation.

AAUP’s Closing Statement for the First International Conference on Digital Transformation
Ramallah - Palestine - The First International Conference on Digital Transformation was successfully concluded being held under the auspices of His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas on the AAUP campus in Ramallah on 20 and 21 June, 2023. The conference was organized by the Arab American University in partnership with the Palestinian government represented by the Ministry of Communications and Technology Information, with major support from the Bank of Palestine Group, Quds Bank, the National Bank, and Ooredoo. The conference brought together international experts, policy makers, government officials and representatives of various sectors to discuss the transformative power of digital technologies in today's rapidly evolving world.

The conference stressed the strategic tendency of the State of Palestine in devoting the digital capabilities of government and advancing digital transformation in all sectors, as well as the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors, academic institutions and civil society in supporting and implementing digital transformation strategies.

During the conference, the speakers discussed various topics, including the future of education in the digital age, ways to benefit from digital technologies for sustainable development, and the advancement of digital government initiatives. The sessions dealt with four main themes: digital inclusion and bridging the digital gap, digital security and privacy, the institutional role in advancing digital transformation, the role of universities in the future of employment in the digital age. The sessions were concluded with a discussion on the future of education in the digital age.

The conference highlighted the importance of bridging the digital gap and ensuring equitable access to digital technology and educational opportunities. Efforts to reach out the marginalized communities, rural areas and underserved populations, and provide them with equal opportunities to benefit from digital developments, were emphasized. The participants unanimously agreed that innovation, entrepreneurship and contemporary education are the key engines of digital transformation, and that they need supportive ecosystems which enable startups and small and medium enterprises to grow and contribute to the digital economy.

During the conference, the participants recommended that future measures should be directed towards effective digital transformation, including strengthening partnerships between the public, private and academic sectors as they are crucial for the advancement of digital transformation, with the need to focus on exchanging experiences, resources and best practices to jointly develop innovative solutions and promote digital initiatives. The participants stressed the importance of investing in education and research institutions to promote the culture of digital innovation, including providing the educational institutions with the necessary resources, encouraging multidisciplinary research, and establishing centers of excellence for digital transformation.

The participants and specialists also stressed the importance of developing frameworks and policies to address the ethical, legal and security challenges associated with the digital age, in addition to setting clear guidelines to ensure the responsible and ethical use of digital technologies preserving privacy and data protection.

Looking ahead, the conference identified several steps, the most important of which are the need to form a national team for digital transformation that includes all relevant sectors and forming specialized task teams that include representatives from various sectors to advance the implementation of digital transformation strategies, exchange knowledge and pay efforts to enhance continuous cooperation between the relevant authorities. This includes creating a community platform for digital transformation, holding regular conferences, workshops, and seminars to facilitate learning, continuous communication, and knowledge transfer, with an emphasis on the need to develop a solid framework for monitoring and evaluating the impact of digital transformation initiatives, measuring progress in implementing digital transformation at the national level, and identifying areas for improvement and development in addition to sharing success stories in group learning and advance digital transformation practices.

Due to its absolute belief in the importance of digital transformation and the role of educational institutions, including universities, in supporting national efforts in this regard, the Arab American University announced the establishment of the National Center for Digital Transformation to contribute to achieving the goals of the Palestinian digital agenda.

It is noteworthy that the first international conference on digital transformation served as a platform for constructive discussion, valuable recommendations, and tangible actions towards advancing the digital transformation process to complete the shaping of the digital landscape in Palestine and the region.

Themes

Digital Inclusion: Bridging the Digital Divide.
Digital Security and Privacy.
The Role of Government in Driving Digital Transformation.
Role of universities in future of Employment in Digital Era

Registration

Click here to register

Important Dates

The conference will be held on Tuesday, June 20^th, 2023

Location

Arab American University - Ramallah Campus

Agenda

Conference Day ( First Day )
20-06-2023

Opening Session Time: 9:00 – 10:00

Honorary Speakers

President of Arab American University
His Excellency Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology
His Excellency General Supervisor of the Palestinian Official Media
Main Sponsor - Bank of Palestine Group
Representative of President Mahmoud Abbas

Keynote Speakers

Mr. Stefan Embald - World Bank Country Director, Palestine

“Insights of Digital Transformation from a Global Perspective”.

His Excellency Mohammad Ben Omar - General Director of Arab Information and Communication Technology Organization.

“The Digital Transformation in the Arab World”.

Dr. Feras Milhem - Governor of Palestinian Monitory Authority

“Digital Transformation in Banking Sector, Reality and challenges”.

Mr. Mohamad Kateeb - International Expert, United States

“Empowering Financial Services: Unleashing Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Transformation”.

Session 1: Digital Inclusion: Bridging the Digital Divide Time: 10:00 – 11:00

Overview:

This panel discussion will focus on the importance of digital inclusion in promoting equitable access to digital technologies and services. The discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with bridging the digital divide, including issues around affordability, infrastructure, and digital literacy. The panel will also discuss the potential benefits of digital inclusion, such as increased access to education, healthcare, and financial services.

Topics:

The state of digital inclusion in Palestine and the region.
Strategies for promoting affordable and accessible digital technologies and services.
The role of public-private partnerships in promoting digital inclusion.
Best practices for promoting digital literacy and skills development among underserved populations.
The potential benefits of digital inclusion, including increased access to education, healthcare, and financial services.

Speakers:

Dr. Mohammad Nawar Alawa - Regional Advisor on Technology for Development at UN-ESCWA

“Developing National Digital Transformation Strategies and the GEMS Index”

Mr. Yacoub Saad- Digitalization Project Advisor for the GIZ's INDIGO project (E-governance in Palestine and the MENA region).

“Models in Transformation: E-Governance in Palestine and the MENA Region (INDIGO)”

Ms. Rania Abughaboush – Director of Science and Technology Statistics at the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.

“Towards Building National Guidelines in Digital Transformation”.

Ms. Rania Jaber - General Director of IT and Tech Innovation at Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology

National Policies in Digital Transformation”

Mr. Saeed Zeidan - National Expert in Digital Transformation

“The National Agenda of Digital Transformation”

Target audience:

This panel discussion will be relevant for government officials, policy makers, civil society organizations, educators, and anyone interested in promoting digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide.

Session 2: Digital Security and Privacy Time: 12:00 – 13:00

Overview:

This panel discussion will focus on the importance of digital security and privacy in our increasingly connected world. The discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with promoting digital security and privacy, including issues around data protection, cybersecurity threats, and online privacy rights. The panel will also discuss the potential benefits of digital security and privacy, such as protecting personal information and preventing identity theft.

Potential topics:

The state of digital security and privacy in Palestine and the region.
Strategies for promoting digital security and privacy in an increasingly connected world.
The role of public-private partnerships in promoting digital security and privacy.
Best practices for protecting personal data and preventing cyber attacks.
The potential benefits of digital security and privacy, including protecting personal information and preventing identity theft.

Speakers:

Mr. Ayman Takrori - Director at Microsoft Arabia

“Microsoft Cybersecurity Insight in the Age of Digital Transformation”

Amrith Nawoor – Oracle Director of Technology and Software Engineering

“Maximum Security Architecture”

Col. Samer Al-Hindi - Director of the Cyber Crime Department at the Palestinian Police

“Cybercrimes in Palestine”

Mr. Khaled Damra - Information Security Risk Manager At Bank of Palestine

“Cybersecurity in the Banking Sector & Fintech”.

Mr. Rabi’ Barakat – CEO CYSTACK

“Insights of Cybersecurity in Digital Transformation Era”

Target audience:

This panel discussion will be relevant for government officials, policy makers, civil society organizations, cybersecurity experts, educators, and anyone interested in promoting digital security and privacy in an increasingly connected world.

Session 3: The Institutional Role in Driving Digital Transformation Time: 13:00 – 14:00

Overview:

This panel discussion will explore the ethical and governance considerations associated with digital transformation, including privacy, security, data protection, and the responsible use of emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning.

Potential topics:

The role of government and industry in ensuring ethical and responsible use of digital technologies.
Best practices for safeguarding data and privacy in the digital age.
The social and cultural implications of digital transformation, including concerns around automation and job displacement.
The impact of emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning on ethical and legal frameworks.
Strategies for promoting transparency and accountability in digital governance.

Speakers:

Mr. Rasem Suwan - Projects Director at Belgian Development Agency - Enabel

“Digital Transformation Programs at the Organizational Level in Palestine”

Mr. Andrius Pleckaitis - European Union Expert Government of Lithuania

"E-Governance in Lithuania"

Mr. Mohammad Atallah - Director of Research and Monetary Policy in Palestinian Monetary Authority

“Financial Inclusion Strategy in Palestine”

Eng. Rami Jaber -Director of Consultancy Department in E-GOV General Directorate at the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology

“E-Government Services in Palestine”

Target audience:

This panel discussion will be relevant for government officials, policy makers, legal experts, academics, and anyone interested in the ethical and governance implications of digital transformation.

Session 4: Role of Universities in Future of Employment in the Digital Era Time: 15:00 – 16:00

Overview:

This panel discussion will focus on the evolving role of universities in preparing students for future employment in the digital era. The discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their future careers. The panel will also discuss the potential role of universities in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

Potential topics:

The changing job market and the skills required for future employment in the digital era.
The role of universities in preparing students for future careers.
Strategies for developing curricula that meet the needs of the evolving job market.
The role of universities in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
Best practices for connecting students with employment opportunities.

Speakers:

His Excellency Mr. Mousa Abu Zaid - Chairman of General Personnel Council

“The Future of Government Employment Transformation

Dr. Moamar Shtweiwi - Director of Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission

“The Strategies of e-Learning and Accreditation Standards”

Dr. Adli Saleh – Arab American University Advisor for Planning and Development

“The Future of Employment and Universities Role in Digital Era”

Mr. Saro Nakashian - General Director for Education for Employment- EFE

“Education for Employment in Palestine”

Target audience:

This panel discussion will be relevant for educators, university administrators, policy makers, employers, and anyone interested in the evolving role of universities in preparing students for future employment.

Panel Discussion: Future of Education in Digital Era Time: 16:00 – 17:30

Overview:

This panel discussion will focus on the future of education in the digital era, exploring how technology is changing the way we learn and teach. The discussion will examine the potential opportunities and challenges associated with the digital transformation of education, including issues around access, equity, and quality. The panel will also discuss the potential role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, in transforming education.

Speakers:

His Excellency Prof. Mahmoud Abu Mwais- Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
His Excellency Dr. Amjad Ghanem - the Secretary General of the Palestinian Council of Ministers.
Mr. Mark West - A UNESCO Education Sector member.
Prof. Waleed Deeb - Academic Advisor of the Board of Directors of the Arab American University

Potential topics:

The impact of technology on the future of education.

Strategies for promoting digital inclusion and access to quality education.

The role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, in transforming education.

Best practices for integrating technology into teaching and learning.

The potential benefits and risks of the digital transformation of education.

Target audience:

This panel discussion will be relevant for educators, policymakers, researchers, students, and anyone interested in the future of education in the digital era.

Technical Day ( Second Day )
21-06-2023

Meet the Technology Gurus

Affiliation	Lecture and Topics	Speaker	Time
Microsoft	The New Microsoft Microsoft Digital Transformation Framework Microsoft Solution Assessments Cybersecurity Assessment as an example Solution Assessment Tools Microsoft Product Groups Microsoft Clouds	Mr. Ayman Takrouri	First Session 10:00 am
International Strategic Advisor	Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation of Banking Services Understanding the Digital Transformation in Financial Services. Unleashing the Potential of AI in Financial Services. Real-world Applications of AI in Finance. Addressing Challenges and Best Practices. Future Trends and Outlook.	Mr. Mohamad Kateeb	Second Session 11:00 am
Break 12:00 – 12:30
Oracle	Oracle Maximum Security Architecture Authentication and Authorization. Data Encryption. Data Masking and Redaction. Auditing and Monitoring. Database Firewall, Vaults, Secure Application Development.	Mr. Amrith Nawoor	Third Session 12:30 pm
Entrepreneur in Banking Sector	Banking as a Computing Problem: In the past decades, we have seen the emergence of multiple digital solutions for banking, from online banking apps to e-wallets and neobanks, to blockchains. In many of these instances, technology was used as a replacement for existing parts of the system, but not as a rethink of what a digital-native solution would look like. In this talk we will look into the following questions What does Banking mean at its core? How do existing solutions satisfy the requirements for banking or fall short? How can the future look different?	Mr. Abdullah Abu Hashem	Fourth Session 13:30 pm
Lunch 14:30- 15:30