Critical issues surrounding digital transformation and the pressing digital skills gap were discussed as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Digital Skills Forum got underway.
Hosted by Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa, the forum was inaugurated by Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Mohamed Al Kaabi.
Held under the theme, ‘Developing Skills for Digital Transformation,’ the three-day hybrid event, featuring both remote sessions and onsite activities, brought together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and training practitioners.
In his opening remarks, TRA general director Philip Marnick said: “Technology offers vast opportunities, but it can also lead to isolation. We see children spending hours in their rooms, immersed in the digital world. Therefore, it’s crucial to equip people with digital skills and ensure their online safety. The goal is not to restrict technology but to harness its potential for positive change. In this interconnected age, sharing knowledge is essential to fully benefit from the advancements technology offers.”
The forum delved into the reasons for the digital skills gap, the challenges faced by various stakeholders, and the essential skills needed for future success. Participants explored the role of formal education in meeting the evolving demands of the digital age and emphasised the importance of non-technical skills in the context of the digital revolution.
One of the key topics addressed was the digital divide, highlighting the lack of knowledge and skills that hinder Internet usage and limit the benefits of digital technologies. The forum focused on identifying specific groups, such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, farmers, and women in rural areas, who require particular attention to bridge this gap.
The session also explored the intergenerational skills gap and presented successful digital skills initiatives that have contributed to closing the usage divide. Concrete actions, solutions, and tools were identified to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through inclusive digital capacity and skills development.
Developing effective digital skills policies requires a comprehensive understanding of the demand and supply of digital skills at the national level. The forum examined existing frameworks, concepts, and classifications of digital skills and competencies, highlighting their importance for policymaking and national digital skills strategies.
Countries were encouraged to measure and monitor digital skills levels to identify needs and gaps. Practical guidelines and tools were presented to assist in skills assessments and informed decision-making. The forum also showcased examples of countries that have successfully measured and assessed their national digital skills gaps to inform targeted interventions and develop effective digital skills strategies.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) at the ITU, Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, Gabon’s Minister of Digital Economy and New Information Technologies, and Ibrahem AlNasser, Deputy Minister for Future Jobs and Capabilities at the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), and Godfrey Kabbyanga, Uganda’s Minister of State for National Guidance, in addition to other ministers.
Additionally, over 17 regulators from around the world, including, Dominica, Georgia, Haiti, Lithuania, Thailand, Zambia, and France were present.
Dr Zavazava applauded the forum’s focus on digital skills development.
He stated: “The ITU is committed to bridging the global digital skills gap and fostering a digitally inclusive world. This forum serves as a crucial platform for collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and training institutions to develop effective strategies for equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age. We commend Bahrain’s leadership in spearheading this important initiative.”
Attendees will continue to participate in discussions covering a range of topics, including digital transformation, industry perspectives on skills gaps, bridging the digital divide, national digital skills frameworks for policymaking.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
Mr Al Kaabi with other dignitaries and guests at the forum
&uuid=(email))