Dubai: Minister of State for Public Sector Development Badria Al Balbisi on Wednesday took part in a panel discussion titled "Beyond Strategies: Artificial Intelligence in Arab Government Work," held as part of the fifth Arab Government Administration Forum, organized by the Arab Administrative Development Organization of the Arab League in cooperation with the UAE government.
According to Jordan News Agency, Al Balbisi emphasized that Jordan does not view artificial intelligence as an end in itself or merely a technical project but as a key driver within the comprehensive national modernization project adopted by the state at the beginning of its second centennial. This approach spans across its political, economic, and administrative tracks.
She pointed out that Jordan has prioritized the digital economy due to technology's significance and the Kingdom's strong human capital. Jordan is recognized as a leading source of digital talent in the region, with numerous Arab internet economy startups founded or led by Jordanians.
Al Balbisi highlighted the government's acknowledgment of the rapid transformations imposed by artificial intelligence on operating mechanisms, effectiveness, and the relationship between citizens and state institutions. The second executive program of the Public Sector Modernization Roadmap (2026-2029) includes a new model of public administration aligned with these changes.
She elaborated that the program aims to transform government operations into an integrated, unified, flexible, and fast-responding system. This transformation will be achieved through enhanced governance, coordination, and reduced duplication and waste. The program focuses on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, with data as a key area of institutional readiness, facilitating a transition toward a comprehensive national framework for technology deployment.
Al Balbisi stressed that successful AI adoption in public administration relies on enablers such as reliable data, institutional interoperability, and legislative and ethical frameworks. These frameworks will regulate responsible use, protect privacy, enhance transparency, and strengthen cybersecurity.
She emphasized investing in human capital by training employees to responsibly use AI tools and preparing leaders to manage change confidently and efficiently. The planned Jordanian Academy of Public Administration will serve as a national platform to rebuild government capacities, focusing on practical realities and future needs.
The academy aims to align capabilities with changing policies, national priorities, and technological developments. It will build flexible, competency-based learning pathways, promote professional communities of practice, and embed digital and self-learning components.
On skills development, Al Balbisi noted the government's adoption of scalable, updatable skills for the public sector to keep pace with technological change. Special attention is given to middle management as a crucial link between vision and implementation.
She reiterated the government's commitment to empowering the private sector as a key partner in capacity-building. This partnership is aimed at enhancing quality, reliability, and productivity. In this context, she announced Jordan's hosting of the International Future Skills Forum in May, serving as a regional platform for expertise exchange in reskilling the public sector for the AI era.
On the sidelines of the forum, Al Balbisi met with UAE Minister of State for Government Development and the Future Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi and UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Omar Al Olama. Discussions focused on strengthening Jordan-UAE cooperation in public sector modernization and enhancing exchanges of expertise and official visits.
Al Balbisi affirmed the depth and strength of the longstanding fraternal relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to sustaining bilateral cooperation, aligned with leadership directives.