The Belt and Road Policy Communication Workshop on

Digital Governance in China and Arab

Saturday, April 20, 2024, 11:00-16:00 (Amman Time)

16:00-21:00 (Beijing Time)

Zoom Meeting 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82185145372?pwd=q9N3oirz0LSbaeWee6tSklOYIwy3At.1 

Meeting ID: 821 8514 5372 

Passcode: 897885 

Hosts 

Association of Arab Universities 

Fudan-Arab Research Centre for Global Development and Governance 

China-Arab Network of Schools of Public Policy and Administration（CANSPPA） 

Co-host

China Association of Higher Education 

Registration

https://www.wjx.cn/vm/hNHg6Gr.aspx

Co-chairs：

Prof. Walid Salameh

Senior Consultant, Association of Arab Universities

Prof. Yijia Jing

Dean of the Institute for Global Public Policy, Fudan University

Opening Remarks：

Mr. Daliang Zhang

Vice President, China Association of Higher Education

Panel 1： 

11:00-12:30 (Amman Time) 

16:00-17:30 (Beijing Time)

Prof. Ashraf Hassan Abdelwahab 

Prof. of AI and Ex. Minister of Administrative Development, Egypt

Topic: AI Governance in Egypt 

Abstract：New technologies like AI are emerging and quickly gaining ground in our day to day lives and businesses. It is crucial to establish a framework that can be used to define the relationships between different stakeholders and at the same time allow for innovation and increase of competitiveness. In this talk, I’ll give a point of view on how to define this framework in Egypt given the evolutionary nature of these technologies.

Prof. Xiang Gao

MPA Director, School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, China

Topic: National Policies and Citizen Attitudes: Dual Forces in Cross-Border Data Governance 

Abstract：Big data analysis necessitates extensive data collection and sharing. Yet, issues such as personal privacy, trade secrets, and public security closely link with cross-border data flows, presenting significant challenges for global data governance. Many countries, addressing these concerns, mandate the use of domestic products for developing digital infrastructure, procuring equipment and applications, and managing data storage in public sectors. They also enforce stringent regulations on multinational digital enterprises' data storage and management practices. However, governmental actions and institutional norms are not the sole determinants of the global data governance landscape. The private procurement and usage of digital products by citizens also contribute significantly to data production. Based on a survey of public sector elites and citizens' attitudes towards digital product usage, we contend that state conservatism regarding cross-border data flows does not consistently reflect in everyday citizen behavior. This discrepancy broadens the opportunities for shaping global data governance.

Prof. Hasan Al Momani

Dean of Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II School of Political Science and International Studies, University of Jordan, Jordan

Topic：Digitalization in Jordan and Transformation: The Strategy of Governance in the King of Jordan

Asst. Prof. Ziteng Fan

Institute for Global Public Policy, Fudan University, China

Topic：Understanding Issue Prioritization in Chinese E-government Strategies

Abstract: With the widespread use of digital technologies in governments, governments worldwide develop specific plans and strategies to promote e-government development. Clear and cohesive e-government strategic plannings are expected to faciliate e-government success. Against this backdrop, both Chinese national and local government have been actively engaged in crafting e-government development strategies. This talk is going to first explore the issue priority in Chinese e-government strategies by peforming content analyses of government working reports (GWRs).  Besides identifying issues and their priority involved in the e-government strategies, this talk will also discuss potential drivers that may affect the issue prioritization in the strategies.

Assoc. Prof. Moosa Elayah

School of Economics, Administration and Public Policy, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Qatar

Topic：Transformative Pathways: Navigating Qatar's E-Government Landscape and the Role of Societal Engagment in Shaping Future e-Governance 

Abstract：Digital transformation, a pivotal development in recent times, has been widely adopted by countries, particularly in the West, aiming to revolutionize transactions with internal and international entities. Early on, the State of Qatar embraced this shift, establishing the Supreme Council for Communications and Information Technology in 2004 to connect society with enriching technologies. This study focuses on assessing societal self-motivation in utilizing digital government services in Qatar. Despite adherence to governance principles and the national development strategy, emphasizing efficiency and transparency through open data policies, results reveal a significant underutilization of online services. Approximately 70% of available services are still traditionally implemented, reflecting a gap in individual adoption. The study recommends fostering a digital government culture through widespread awareness campaigns led by responsible entities. It suggests intensified efforts by community organizations to educate members about the advantages of digital government through educational materials and advertisements, disseminated via local visual channels. Addressing this lack of engagement is crucial for realizing the full potential of digital transformation in public services and enhancing overall societal efficiency and transparency.

Break: 

12:30-13:30 (Amman Time) 

17:30-18:30 (Beijing Time) 

Panel 2: 

13:30-15:00 (Amman Time) 

18:30-20:00 (Beijing Time)

Prof. Yi Liu

Vice Dean of the School of Public Administration and Policy, Dalian University of Technology, China

Topic：Deciphering Discourse Chaos in Public Service Reform 

Abstract: In the process of public service reform, the advocacy of public needs faces multiple conflicts, with structural diversity serving as a foundational driving factor throughout the formulation, execution, and feedback phases of reform initiatives. With the proliferation of new media, the public's extensive opinions can quickly aggregate in cyberspace, creating a phenomenon of discourse chaos, which further complicates the government's ability to identify and respond to public demands. Under the theoretical lens of discourse institutionalism, this discourse chaos is deconstructed into four types: discourse conflict, discourse ambiguity, discourse deviation, and discourse undercurrent, employing the discourse network-discourse flow to comprehend the dynamic characteristics of discourse chaos in public service reform. This approach facilitates the rapid localization of demand information during the reform process, using action as the central axis to restructure the discourse order between the government and the public, thereby enhancing the agenda legitimacy and feasibility of public service reform initiatives.

Rana Hetta 

Assistant to the Minister for Monitoring, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology & MPP Alumna and Yousef Jameel Fellow at the American University in Cairo, Egypt

Topic：Digital Egypt Strategy 

Abstract：The talk will provide an overview of Egypt's approach to digitalization, and the institutional and governance frameworks guiding this transformational process. The discussion will also shed light on the role of government in harnessing technology to create jobs within the digital economy, and advance social equity and inclusion.

Prof. Lihua Yang

School of Government, Peking University, China

Topic：China's Digital Government Construction: Process, Achievements, Experiences, and Future

Abstract：The presentation will discuss four problems: the process, the achievements, the experiences, and the future development of China’s digital government construction.

Assoc. Prof. Shujun Jiang

Department of Media and Creative Industries, United Arab Emirates University, UAE

Topic：Digital UAE: Transformation and Innovation

Abstract：This research will explore the efforts of UAE federal and local governments in making the UAE a smart country, including the strategies, policies, and initiatives that support digital transformation, the digital platforms and applications provided, the use of digital technology such as AI, VR, blockchain, big data, etc. to improve its services, its regulatory framework, building of smart sustainable cities, and whole-of-government approach.

Assoc. Prof. Ning Liu

Department of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Topic: From Pixels to Governance: How Digital Culture Fosters Civic Engagement 

Abstract: This presentation explores the transformative role of digital culture in enhancing civic engagement, within the context of emerging digital governance tools. By delving into the participatory and interactive dynamics of gaming culture, this research demonstrates how digital platforms can cultivate civic responsibility among both game players and non-players. Experimental findings suggest that these digital interactions contribute to increased citizen participation. This is particularly relevant in the digital governance landscapes of China and Arab countries, where ICT technologies are reshaping public sector dynamics and state-society relations.