SHARJAH: The participants in the first Arab Financial Forum for the Sharjah Award for Public Finance have emphasised the use of technology, modern techniques, and digital transformation solutions to improve financial operations, simplify administrative procedures, achieve efficiency, as well as investing in developing infrastructure to enhance services and increase efficiency in financial resource management. They also highlighted the use and application of financial information systems to collect and analyse financial data in an organised and efficient manner.
This came at the forum sessions in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, which was organised by the Arab Organisation for Administrative Development affiliated with the Arab League, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees of the Sharjah Award for Public Finance, under the theme “Leading Experiences and Practices in Public Finance to Address Contemporary Challenges.” The forum took place over two days on December 24th and 25th at the Triumph Hotel in Cairo.
The forum, which included five sessions including a main session and a concluding one, attracted distinguished participation from senior officials, experts, and specialists in public finance and financial management in a number of Arab countries. The event was attended by Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Finance Department and Secretary-General of the Sharjah Award for Public Finance, and Dr Nasser Al Hatlan Al Qahtani, Director General of the Arab Organisation for Administrative Development.
Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Finance Department and Secretary-General of the Sharjah Award for Public Finance, affirmed that organising the forum is a continuation of the award’s journey as the first Arab award to honor excellence in public finance among entities and individuals. He noted that the forum is one of the effective activities of the award in developing government financial work to achieve financial balance and sustainability in the public and government s
ectors. This enables the government and institutions to provide basic services and achieve social and economic goals effectively, preparing them for their vital and pivotal role in supporting the economy, investing money to serve people, and sustaining a decent life.
Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi expressed his confidence that the forum represents an ideal platform for disseminating the best experiences and practices in public finance in Arab countries, reviewing the most successful experiences despite the current economic challenges. It also provides a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and discuss issues and challenges related to managing financial resources in both the government and public sectors, ultimately supporting and serving the objectives of the award and continuing its engagement with outstanding individuals to disseminate their distinguished experiences and practices for the benefit of meeting societal needs and developing requirements.
Dr Nasser Al Hatlan Al Qahtani, Director Genera
l of the Arab Organization for Administrative Development, delivered a speech in which he emphasised that the organisation, as one of the organizations of the Arab League, is a specialized organization seeking to contribute to achieving sustainable administrative development in Arab countries through providing integrated services that meet the beneficiaries’ aspirations. These services include training programs, events (conferences, forums, seminars, and workshops), advisory studies, intellectual production, scientific publishing, and award management.
He pointed out that the Sharjah Award for Public Finance is a leading and unique Arab award specialised in public finance, aiming to disseminate the best practices and applications in public finance management to achieve sustainable development and optimize government financial resources. The award also seeks to encourage researchers and specialists in public finance management to sustainably develop and implement best financial practices.
It was stated in th
e concluding statement of the forum, which was delivered by Dr. Azam Armeli, advisor to the Arab Organisation for Administrative Development, that providing continuous support to implement the recommendations that emerged from the forum will contribute to improving public financial management and enhancing financial sustainability in Arab countries. These recommendations include enhancing transparency, combating corruption, adopting digital solutions, using technology and innovation, improving revenues and expenditures, enhancing investment attractiveness, focusing on financial sustainability, as well as promoting international cooperation and exchange, supporting research and studies, and enhancing professional training and development.
At the conclusion of the event, Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Finance Department and Secretary-General of the Sharjah Award for Public Finance, expressed his appreciation for the significant interest and keen attention shown by the participating s
peakers during the forum sessions. They enriched the discussions with the topics and issues facing public finance amidst current challenges and developments in the economic, social, and other fields. He affirmed that the forum has added value to the goals and endeavors of the Sharjah Award for Public Finance, motivating the continued organisation of such quality forums and the review of the best Arab experiences and practices in the field of public financial management.
Source: Emirates News Agency