Expert Group Meeting in preparation for the United Nations E-Government Survey 2022

The Expert Group Meeting (EGM) in preparation for the United Nations E-Government Survey 2022 was composed of three thematic sessions held over three days. In the opening session, it was noted that the United Nations E-Government Survey has become an invaluable asset, providing longitudinal insights on digital public services overthe past 20 years. It is also highlighted that its methodology has been improved over the years thanks to the support of experts in the digital government area. In her opening remarks, the Assistant-Secretary General (ASG) for Policy Coordination and InterAgency Affairs highlighted five key areas of concern that are important for enhancing digital government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are: 1. Access to the Internet - the ASG noted that the average E-Government Development Index (EGDI) for more than 50% of the countries in the world remains well below the global average. 2. Digital Commons - Redefining the Internet - noted that The Internet should be considered as a global public good – a digital common. 3. Open Data and Managing Digital Risks - noted that governments and policymakers should abide by the principles of data minimization, limited data collection, and retaining and sharing only necessary data 4. Connected and Seamless Government - highlighted the important shift from being ever-present in people’s lives to becoming rather invisible while proactively offering automated services accessible anytime from anywhere 5. The Way forward - the importance of experts’ views in improving the UN E-Government Survey methodology in order to capture and address current technological trends. It was noted that the future of digital government must be at the service of all 17 Goals of the 2030 Agenda (and not just Goals 16 and 17). In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of digital government must be more agile, responsive, and resilient. Predictive governance will be critical for emergency response in both man-made and natural disasters, as well as mitigation measures. The future of digital government can be more “invisible” in nature (e.g. opt-in opt-out of services, which remains a question), but must certainly be grounded in trust, accountability, and transparency. In essence, a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is needed as silos are not acceptable, as witnessed in the critical need for tight collaboration to respond effectively to COVID-19.