Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) has entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at enhancing cooperation in capacity building and research studies related to digital transformation, AI governance, and innovative public policy development across the Arab world.
According to Emirates News Agency, this agreement positions MBRSG as a leading academic institution in policy research and government leadership development, emphasizing its significant role in supporting government innovation and data-driven policymaking. The collaboration is set to bolster regional cooperation, capacity building, and applied research in digital governance, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology.
The newly formed partnership is part of regional efforts to establish the area as a global leader in digital transformation and digital government services. By employing innovative strategies, it seeks to bring real change in public service delivery, enhance digital governance, and leverage data and advanced technologies like AI to improve government performance and service quality.
One of the primary goals of this partnership is to foster strategic collaborations with local and international entities, exchange best practices in digital transformation, and invest in scientific research, development, and human capacity building. This initiative aligns with MBRSG's vision to equip government cadres across the Arab region with the digital knowledge and skills necessary for navigating technological advancements and addressing future challenges.
Moreover, the partnership aims to promote digital sustainability by integrating sustainability principles into digital transformation processes, which can improve the quality of life for communities. It also focuses on developing integrated digital platforms to offer seamless and efficient government services that meet customer expectations.
The MoU was officially signed during the World Governments Summit 2025 by Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, alongside MBRSG's Executive President Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri. Al Dardari expressed the value of this collaboration with MBRSG, highlighting its role in advancing AI governance to ensure sustainable digital transformation and building future-ready, digitally advanced governments.
Dr. Al Marri emphasized the commitment of MBRSG to embrace future trends that enhance development and good governance in the region, ensuring that Arab governments are equipped with the necessary talents and tools to adapt to the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and emerging technologies.
The MoU outlines several focal areas, including capacity building, research, enhancing digital governance and AI policies, developing AI ethics evaluation frameworks, exploring AI's sustainability impact, and formulating governance frameworks that promote ethical AI adoption. The agreement also emphasizes strengthening global cooperation on AI and digital transformation, building capacities, and supporting policy and innovation development related to trade, finance, technology, and sustainable economic strategies. This initiative aligns with the UAE's digital vision and sustainable development plans, reflecting MBRSG's commitment to training government leaders and establishing advanced digital policies.
Under the MoU's terms, MBRSG and UNDP will establish a joint platform for research and capacity building through accredited training programs focused on digital and AI skills for policymakers.