The Dubai Economic Council (DEC) in collaboration with the World Bank Group will be organizing a ‘World Development Report 2016-Digital Dividends' launch seminar that will take place on Sunday 14th February, 2016, in Dubai. The report focuses on the impact of digital technologies (e.g., internet and smart phones) on global development particularly from productivity, employment opportunities, and governance perspectives. The report also highlights the key challenges facing the developing world- including the Arab world- in digital economy arena. A representative from the World Bank will present the key findings of the said report, followed by an interactive panel discussion that will bring together decision makers from public and private sectors, experts, and professionals in digital economy and development issues. Hani Al Hamli, DEC Secretary-General, stated that choosing DEC as a platform to launch the World Bank flagship report comes in terms of the partnership and collaboration between the two institutions in several areas particularly in publication, economic policy research and events. "Launching the report from Dubai is timely where the UAE and Dubai has advocated a strategic plan to promote innovation in the economy and society especially through the smart technologies of internet and smart phones in its keenness to turn to a knowledge-based economy", Al Hamli said. Mr. Hani added that the headline of the report ‘Digital dividends' comes coincident with the smart government and smart city initiatives launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. "Despite the fact that UAE is in the forefront of many regional economies in smart application particularly given the recent international reports that unveiled UAE is classified as one of the world's most dynamic country in telecommunication coverage, yet the seminar is regarded an interactive platform to exchange knowledge and experiences in digital economy", Al Hamli concluded. In his turn, Mr. Deepak Mishra, co-author of the World Development Report, stated that "Digital technologies are transforming the worlds of business, work, and government. We must continue to connect everyone and leave no one behind because the cost of lost opportunities is enormous. But for digital dividends to be widely shared among all parts of society, countries also need to improve their business climate, invest in people's education and health, and promote good governance."
