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. The event was organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the Saudi Shura Council.
The delegation, led by Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council, 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.
During the forum, the delegation participated in specialized sessions focused on technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and the global digital transformation. They discussed the legislative, technical, and administrative measures needed by both public and private institutions to keep pace with technology and ensure its responsible use. The delegation emphasized the importance of strengthening the legislative framework to optimize the use of technology and minimize misuse.
The Bahraini delegation highlighted the country’s efforts to enhance its digital infrastructure and adopt digital transformation to improve services for citizens and institutions. They referenced Bahrain’s e-Government Strategy, which guides government entities in enhancing services, streamlining procedures, and improving the quality of life for citizens and residents. They also acknowledged the notable progress achieved under this strategy.
The delegation also focused on the role of Bahrain’s legislative authority in developing laws and regulations related to technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. They discussed integrating technology into various development initiatives and emphasized the importance of involving both councils’ secretariat staff in digital transformation conferences to better support legislative outcomes.
On the final day of the forum, the delegation participated in a parliamentary roundtable discussion under the theme, “A powerful collective force for change: Parliamentarians for a prosperous global digital future.” The session explored the importance of international collaboration in the digital era, highlighting the need for countries to work together to ensure equitable access to digital advancements. The session also discussed cybersecurity, data privacy, and combating online misinformation, which require joint efforts to protect citizens and foster inclusivity in the digital space.
The roundtable emphasized the role of parliaments in driving global digital cooperation, addressing challenges such as cyber threats, data privacy, and AI development. Participants shared experiences in tackling these emerging challenges and discussed efforts to align digital legislation across countries. This includes creating consistent laws around data privacy, digital transactions, and e-commerce.
The session also emphasized the critical role of digital innovation in driving economic growth and social development. It underscored the importance of addressing the digital divide to ensure equitable access to digital resources for all citizens, regardless of geographical location or socio-economic status. Participants agreed that parliaments play a crucial role in shaping the future of the digital world through international collaboration and comprehensive legislation.
