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AI DIGITAL COURSE TARGETS COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC LEADERS
The Commonwealth, in partnership with global chipmaker Intel, on Friday unveiled an online learning platform aimed at helping public sector leaders come to grips with artificial intelligence (AI).
The Commonwealth is an intergovernmental association of 56 member states, including SA, mostly former territories of the British Empire.
Named “Digital readiness for public sector leaders”, the online digital training course aims to demystify AI among senior officials across the Commonwealth and raise awareness of its potential applications in various sectors.
The course covers topics such as digital governance, technology, infrastructure and inclusivity.
It contains use-case examples, international best practices and frameworks that allow participants to develop strategies, scalable solutions and action plans for digital transformation in their communities.
The course is available in over 120 languages and is responsive to diverse abilities, such as visually impaired, dyslexia and ADHD. Once completed, participants will receive certification from Intel.
Professor Luis Franceschi, assistant secretary-general of the Commonwealth, speaking ahead of the launch, said the new tool is expected to do a “great deal of good” across the Commonwealth.
“The possibility for each member state to benefit from the development opportunities presented by new technologies is a key goal of the secretarygeneral,” stated Franceschi.
“Public sector leaders are at the helm of ensuring access to services like hospitals, schools, universities, etc. The public sector is responsible for delivering and it’s only logical that the private sector joins in to help with that delivery.”
Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland explained the launch follows a mandate set by the heads of government of the 56-member organisation, to address the divides in digital access and skills across the Commonwealth.
“This course is a new and important milestone achievement, which the Commonwealth has developed for our member countries in close collaboration with Intel.
“This self-paced online course on digital readiness for public sector officials provides a unique opportunity for the 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. It will help to advance our work towards a forward-thinking and fast-acting Commonwealth family.
“It will also help us to deploy digital skills across every single sector.”
Referencing statistics, Scotland revealed that AI global funding doubled to $66.8 billion in 2021, with 65 AI companies reaching valuation of over a billion dollars.
“As the technological revolution unfolds, AI and machine learning have become indispensable, not only for public sector leaders but in the private sector too.
“Therefore, it’s vital that our Commonwealth member countries have the tools they need to maximise its value, not only to improve governance and economic opportunities, but to build a brighter, smarter future for everyone.
“National digital readiness demands that we build the necessary competencies, fostering knowledge and confidence in capabilities of transformative technology.”
Speaking at the event via videostream, Sarah Kemp, Intel VP and GM for international government affairs, stated: “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.”
