Cisco Systems and MoCIT pilots ICT capacity building program for key government functionaries in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, 26 November, 2005 – Ministry of Communications and IT (MoCIT), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Cisco Systems announced that they have jointly piloted Cisco's new educational initiative, Global iExecutive Forum program in the country. The week long program was attended by high ranking officials from MoCIT, Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), Ministry of Civil Service, Ministry of Finance, General Auditing Bureau, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and the Food and Drugs Authority.

Piloting the program in Saudi Arabia is significant as the Kingdom is presently undergoing amazing transformation through extensive adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives. Saudi Arabia in recent years has been propelling the region's progress in ICT adoption and governance delivery be reducing the lack of IT skills capital amongst its citizens and decision makers.

Commenting on the pilot program, Dr Khalid Al Sabti, General Director of the e-Government Program, MoCIT, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , said, "Adoption of ICT is the cornerstone of the national development plan, envisioned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is buffeted by powerful forces of transformation, and delivery of advanced public service goods is key to our growth. ICT is the tool that will enable us to remain dynamic, productive and competitive in the globalised world. Cisco's initiative provides the optimum mix of education and leadership management in ICT capacity building for public and private sector decision makers in Saudi Arabia."

The program, which is still in its prototypical phase, is targeted at high level officials and decision makers and provides its attendees advanced training in business and management, as well as elevates the understanding of strategic ICT usage and planning. The attendees will receive insights about the impact of the internet and latest technological trends in a public administration setting, as well as be able to hone their skills in performing organizational readiness, strategic planning and business case building.

Dr. Badr Al Badr, General Manager – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Cisco Systems, said, "The program is one of the most tangible evidence of Cisco Systems' commitment to usher in an era of e-governance all over the world. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a test case for the program as we are making available in the country the very best resources and skill sets for ICT strategy, planning and implementation in order to create lasting social and economic impact for its beneficiaries. Cisco is extremely pleased at the overwhelming success of the pilot program in Saudi Arabia."

The forum is also being piloted simultaneously in Egypt , Poland and Ethiopia.