Baghdad: Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed the importance of digital transformation in providing direct service, reducing costs and fighting corruption.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement from his media office reported that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated the Digital Transformation and Automation Center at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Al-Sudani toured the center, reviewing the new mechanism for adopting automation and ending paperwork, in line with the government’s vision for administrative reform, simplifying procedures, and eliminating bureaucracy.

During the opening, Al-Sudani highlighted the significance of digital transformation, automation, and the adoption of modern technology, which commenced with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This initiative aims to provide advanced solutions and models involving scientists, innovators, professors, and competencies. He also mentioned the formation of the Supreme Committee for Digital Transformation, chaired by the Prime Minister and including the concerned ministers, to ensure effective decision-making rather than isolated steps. Based on a technical committee’s study, the establishment of a National Center for Digital Transformation and a National Center for Cybersecurity was decided.

Al-Sudani emphasized that all interactions, from student applications to dealings with employees and citizens, are moving towards digital transformation. This shift includes 2,500 employees at the ministry’s headquarters and represents a significant achievement for the ministry. He noted that converting citizens’ requests to electronic forms will simplify processes across various applications.

He stated that the current government is a government of service, directly linked to digital transformation. Al-Sudani insisted that digital transformation should not be a mere media spectacle, but citizens must experience tangible changes in the services they receive. Within three years, the goal is to establish an independent body or a ministry dedicated to digital transformation and cybersecurity.

Al-Sudani explained that ministries are encouraged to proactively improve their services through digital transformation to enhance service delivery to citizens. He argued that digital transformation overcomes procrastination in citizen-employee interactions, providing direct service, reducing costs, and combating corruption.

He added that improving and facilitating services for citizens aligns with the government’s commitment to service and progress. He stressed the importance of electronic transformation and keeping pace with global scientific advancements.

Al-Sudani highlighted the potential of young students with capabilities and readiness to contribute to development, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. He emphasized the need to select specializations that prepare human capital for the digital transformation process in the labor market.