Abu-Ghazaleh: Lebanon Must Embrace Technology

 Abu-Ghazaleh: Lebanon Must Embrace Technology

BEIRUT - May 18, 2016 - HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), highlighted the role of technology in building Lebanon which will lead to its prosperity and sustainable development.

Speaking at a seminar held by Notre Dame University- Louaize (NDU) in Lebanon under the theme ‘Building the Structure of Lebanon: A Dream or Reality,’ Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said, “Rapid developments in Science and Technology can transfer the country from an information-based economy to that of a knowledge-based one."

 He added, “Introducing the concept of technology for development through the use of computers, information systems, Internet of things, multi-media in education, research, health, energy, and other vital fields related to human activities, which, all in all, contribute to technical and social development.”

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stressed on the government’s role in applying technology and use of its mechanism in its work, and in facilitating the wide spread of Internet while providing security.

And regarding the importance of applying technology in building the country, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh pointed out, “Development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and enhancing its use are considered the cornerstone of a country’s economic structure since underdevelopment of a country is no longer measured by lack of technological development resulting from the existence of economic gaps, but rather by correspondence with digital underdevelopment or gaps."

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh indicated that the importance of ICT lies in its close connection to all fields of human activity, stressing that the positive side of ICT as a method to enable self-sufficiency of people and communities in meeting their basic needs and helping people use their optimal potential energy.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh further pointed out that countries should be prepared for reforms and introducing technology in various transactions while simultaneously realizing that its transactions will become more efficient and transparent, making it largely exposed to accountability before the citizens it serves.

He indicated that applying technology in the country requires a comprehensive electronic strategy to guarantee the existence of a clear vision and mission of the electronic government (e-Government), as well as strong leadership, "All government entities must be connected to government systems to unify the transactions and regulations, enabling citizens to experience all government activities easily and efficiently."

The seminars were held in cooperation with the ‘Arab Center for the Development of the Rule of Law and Integrity’ (ACRLI) and attended by former Ministers HE Mr. Baheej Tabbara, HE Mr. Khalid Qabbani and HE Mr. Karim Bakradoni, as well as the Director of the National News Agency (NNA) Ms. Laure Sleiman Saab, and Mr. Mohammad Al Samak, member of the Christian-Muslim Committee for Dialogue, in addition to specialists, professors, deans and administration.