The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed at strengthening cooperation in building capacities and conducting studies related to digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) governance.

This partnership seeks to develop innovative public policies within the Arab world, highlighting the school's role in promoting governmental innovation and data-driven policymaking, while also reinforcing its contributions to regional collaboration and applied research in digital governance and advanced technology.

This agreement is intended to support regional initiatives aimed at establishing a global leadership position in digital transformation and government digital services.

The partnership emphasizes the implementation of innovative strategies that can effectively transform public service delivery and enhance digital governance by leveraging data and advanced technologies such as AI to improve government performance and the quality of services.

Additionally, the collaboration aims to develop strategic partnerships with local and international entities to exchange best practices in digital transformation, invest in scientific research and development, and build human capacity.

This aligns with the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government’s vision to empower government officials in the Arab region with the necessary digital knowledge and skills to respond to technological advancements and future challenges.

The initiative also seeks to promote digital sustainability by adopting sustainability principles throughout all digital transformation processes, ultimately improving community quality of life and developing integrated digital platforms for efficient and user-friendly government services.

The MoU was signed during the activities of the World Government Summit 2025 by Dr. Abdallah Al-Dardari, the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director of the Arab States Bureau at UNDP, and Dr. Ali Bin Sebaa Al Marri, the CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government.

Dr. Al-Dardari emphasized the value of this collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, which is recognized as a leading institution in supporting governmental innovation and knowledge-based policy formulation and capacity building in the Arab region.

He stated that this new partnership would enhance AI governance to ensure a sustainable digital transformation, enabling governments to effectively face global challenges.

Dr. Ali Bin Sebaa Al Marri remarked that this partnership reflects the school’s steadfast commitment to adopting future trends aimed at enhancing governance and sustainable development in the region.

It ensures that governments in the Arab region are equipped with the competencies and tools necessary to navigate opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies such as AI.

The MoU outlines key focal areas, including capacity building, digital governance studies, AI policies, the development of ethical AI assessment frameworks, and examining AI’s impact on sustainability, alongside developing governance frameworks for ethical AI adoption.

The agreement also seeks to enhance international cooperation in digital transformation and AI, build capacities in these fields, and support policy development concerning trade, finance, technology, and sustainable economic strategies.

This initiative supports the UAE's digital vision and sustainable development strategies, reflecting the Mohammad Bin Rashid School of Government's commitment to advancing government leadership and creating innovative digital policies that contribute to sustainable economic growth and establish an inclusive digital environment that attracts creative minds globally.

Through this MoU, the two parties will establish a joint platform for collaboration in research and capacity building via accredited training programs focused on digital and AI skills for policymakers.