العربية Ministry of Finance previews its cutting-edge smart projects and initiatives in the finance field 15 March 2023 As part of the UAE delegation, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) participated in the World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2023 (WSIS Forum 2023), which kicked off recently and will run through March 17, at the International Conference Center Geneva (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland. The ministry’s participation is aimed at highlighting its cutting-edge smart projects and initiatives in the finance field, with special emphasis on its Digital Procurement Platform. The ministry also aims to bolster communication and partnerships with the participating entities and learn about other countries’ successful projects. Her Excellency Mariam Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Government Financial Management Sector at Ministry of Finance, noted that the ministry's participation in WSIS Forum 2023 is of great significance. Her Excellency mentioned that the forum represents the largest annual gathering of the information and communications technology (ICT for development) community in the world, and a platform to exchange best experiences and practices in the digital field. Her Excellency said: “The Ministry of Finance’s participation in the forum stems from its belief in the value of international collaboration and the exchange of experiences among countries in all vital sectors. We believe in the importance of enhancing communication and cooperation with global partners from the public and private sectors to maximise the benefits of ICT, as they are key requisites to achieve sustainable development goals.” During the forum, MoF previewed the Digital Procurement Platform, whose third phase was launched recently and deployed by 32 ministries and federal entities. The platform digitalises the procurement process across the UAE federal entities, and it brings together the federal entities and registered suppliers on a single platform. The platform provides an easy and simple user experience and introduces a new concept of government procurement by creating a catalogue of the commonly procured goods and services by the federal entities. Buyers can choose the product based on a pre-contract with the supplier, add it to the shopping cart and submit their request to obtain the necessary approvals. MoF signed framework agreements with suppliers to ensure best prices and to provide the federal government with high quality products and services, and adding them to the catalogue without the need for entities to go through the tendering process. MoF team in the UAE delegation included Nadia Sultan Al Ali, Director of the Union Property Department, and Kholoud Karmostaji, Asset Management Accountant. The forum is a high-level international platform where efforts are coordinated among different countries of the world in all areas pertaining to communications, information technology and digital content. It also contributes to laying the common ground for creating a clear global vision and sector-specific goals. WSIS Forum is co-organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in partnership with sister organisations of the United Nations. The forum also provides multi-stakeholders from governments, civil societies, private sector, academic institutions, and international organisations with the opportunity to boost partnerships and exchange information, expertise, and best practices in the field.
