International conference on e-government

The British Embassy in Athens, in partnership with Wilton Park and the Greek Government, is organising an international conference e-Government: Better Services? Better Democracy? in Athens on 9-11 March 2011.

The conference which will be held at the British Ambassador’s Residence will provide an opportunity for senior policymakers and experts from public and private sectors to discuss the lessons to be learned from the experience of Greece, Britain and other European countries in automating services and increasing transparency. A select group of around 50 participants will include Greek, UK and other government officials, digital engagement experts, academics, media professionals, business leaders, and civil society leaders.

Citizens are demanding greater transparency in government policy making, and access to the information on which decisions are based. What does the internet add to existing vehicles for transparency? How much can it improve policymaking and contribute to reform? What do Governments, media, civil society and citizens need to take into account if e-government and e-transparency is to make a positive contribution to democracy? What are the risks? Britain and Greece have been particularly innovative in their commitment to e-Government. Using the experience of these two countries as a platform for global discussions, this conference will bring together ministers for e-Government and Local Government; Chief Information Officers; Digital engagement and political communications experts; journalists and bloggers; civil society groups and business leaders to explore the prospects for effective e-Government as a positive tool of democracy and accountability.

We are very glad to have the active support and participation of the Greek Minister of Interior, Decentralisation and e-Government, Ioannis N. Ragkousis in this event. In view of the conference Minister Ragkousis said:

“Given that e-Government concept is gaining ground across Europe, British Embassy’s and Wilton Park’s initiative to organize a conference on e-Government in Athens bringing together Greek and foreign politicians and experts, is very significant. The conference will allow participants to exchange ideas and views and share their experience contributing to the public debate for a modern state that serves the citizen.

E- Government is the key for the modernization of public administration. Hence Greek government has already implemented specific reforms aimed at ensuring trasparency and efficiency. For the first time, in the framework of Di@vgeia (Cl@rity) programme, all State agencies are obliged to publish their decisions on the web before they are implemented.”

The British Ambassador, Dr David Landsman, said:

“Around the world, e-government provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revolutionise public services and to enhance transparency at the heart of government and in its relations with citizens. Britain and Greece have made securing these benefits from e-government a priority. The conference will allow policymakers and experts from our countries, and many others, to exchange ideas and launch new collaborations. I am very grateful to HSBC, Singular Logic and Vodafone for their valuable support for this unique event.”

Supported by:

UK in Greece

International conference on e-government

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