In late January, Morten Meyerhoff, representing UNU-EGOV, participated in a significant two-day event in Dubai, UAE, focused on cloud computing and its implications for government technology (GovTech). The event, organized by the World Bank Cloud Computing Working Group, brought together government officials, private sector representatives, and international organizations to address issues surrounding sustainable, secure, and sovereign cloud solutions.
Design Thinking Workshop (Day 1 - January 20th)
On the first day, approximately 50 government representatives were challenged by a design thinking workshop. UNU-EGOV, as a working group member, took an active role in the workshop, contributing to discussions centred around the challenges and opportunities of the "Green Cloud" transition. The workshop explored various scenarios highlighting the complexities of cloud computing, focusing on sustainability, data sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
Key themes and challenges that were addressed include:
- Green Cloud Transition: The workshop explored scenarios related to sustainable cloud infrastructure, including the need for renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. The Green Cloud Financing Facility (GCFF) was highlighted as a model for funding sustainable transitions, but issues such as renewable energy intermittency and rising energy demands were also discussed.
- Data Sovereignty: Participants grappled with the challenges of data protection and sovereignty, particularly in the context of global collaboration. The Data Sovereignty Collaboration Fund (DSCF) was presented as an approach for harmonizing global data governance, while also addressing fragmentation, inequity, and geopolitical disruptions.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ethical and operational challenges of integrating AI into cloud systems were examined, specifically the need for ethical AI frameworks, transparency, and inclusive collaboration.
- Quantum Computing: The potential and challenges of quantum-cloud integration were discussed, as well as the need for equitable access and interoperability. The Quantum Cloud Alliance (QCA) was presented as a collaborative framework for the ethical and inclusive development of quantum technologies.
While some nations are succeeding in renewable energy integration, others face challenges in financing green technologies, or with energy inequalities, underscoring the need for solutions.
Cloud Computing Event (Day 2 - January 21st)
On the second day, a larger cloud computing event was held with approximately 300 participants. Although we did not have a formal role in this event, the discussions built on the previous day's workshop, reinforcing the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of technology, from deployment to decommissioning. The event emphasized that true sustainability requires a holistic approach beyond just the environmental footprint of technology.
Through our participation, we highlight the following key messages:
- Sustainability: True sustainability goes beyond just reducing paper consumption and requires examining the deployment, operation, and decommissioning of technology.
- GovTech: The events focused on how green, sustainable, secure, and sovereign cloud solutions facilitate GovTech
The events in Dubai provided an important platform for discussions on the future of cloud computing in the public sector. UNU-EGOV continues to contribute to these important conversations to ensure that digital technologies serve the best interests of all citizens.
