Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani
Monitor
Iraqi PM Al-Sudani: digital transformation key to cutting costs, fighting corruption
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated the Digital Transformation and Automation Center at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on Monday, marking a step toward reducing bureaucracy and improving administrative efficiency, according to a statement from Al-Sudani’s media office.
“We do not want digital transformation to be a mere media showcase; citizens must experience tangible improvements in the services they receive,” Al-Sudani said during the inauguration.
He emphasized that digital transformation is a key government priority, with plans to establish either an independent authority or a dedicated ministry for digital transformation and cybersecurity within three years.
“Direct interaction between citizens and employees is a major cause of inefficiency; digital transformation will eliminate key obstacles,” Al-Sudani said, adding that automation will reduce costs, combat corruption, and enhance public services.
Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani inaugurated today, Monday, the Digital Transformation and Automation Center at the headquarters of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
During his tour of the center, he reviewed the new mechanism for adopting automation and eliminating paperwork, in line with the government’s vision to implement administrative reform, simplify procedures, and eradicate bureaucracy and red tape.
In his remarks at the inauguration, the Prime Minister highlighted the achievement of digital transformation and automation and the adoption of modern technology, beginning with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which is expected to provide advanced and innovative solutions through its scientists, experts, and faculty members.
He also referenced the High Committee for Digital Transformation, established under his chairmanship and including relevant ministers, to ensure that digital transformation becomes a decisive policy rather than a series of isolated steps. Furthermore, based on a study presented by a technical committee, it was decided to establish a National Center for Digital Transformation and a National Center for Cybersecurity.
The Prime Minister affirmed that all procedures—from student applications to admissions, as well as employee and citizen transactions—are moving towards digital transformation. He noted that the Ministry currently employs 2,500 staff members, making this shift a significant milestone for the institution. Transitioning citizen requests to electronic formats will streamline processes and facilitate implementation across various applications.
Key points from the Prime Minister’s remarks:
🔷 The government program has emphasized that the current government is a service-oriented government, directly linked to digital transformation.
🔷 We do not want digital transformation to be a mere media showcase; citizens must experience tangible improvements in the services they receive.
🔷 Within three years, we aim to establish either an independent authority or a dedicated ministry for digital transformation and cybersecurity.
🔷 This plan does not prevent ministries from taking initiatives to improve their services through digital transformation for better citizen services.
🔷 The direct interaction between citizens and employees is a major cause of inefficiency; digital transformation will eliminate key obstacles.
🔷 Digital transformation provides direct services, reduces costs, and combats corruption.
🔷 The more we enhance and streamline these services for citizens, the closer we get to fulfilling our service-oriented agenda and aligning with global advancements in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
🔷 We must exert all efforts in electronic transformation and keep pace with global scientific progress.
🔷 Young students have the capabilities and readiness to contribute to digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
🔷 We must focus on specialized fields that align with labor market demands and develop the human capital necessary for digital transformation.
