Introduction

The workshop was opened by Eng. Mounir, who provided an overview of the General Information Authority), covering its history, organizational structure, vision, mission, and core values. He clarified the GAI’s role within the National Informatics System in coordination with relevant state institutions.

The introduction included an explanation of the distinctions between Information Governance, Data Governance, and Digital Accessibility, highlighting their importance in modernizing government services. The GAI operates as part of a specialized informatics ecosystem alongside:

• The General Authority for Communications and Informatics.
• The National Authority for Information Security and Safety.
• Other supporting technical institutions.

Workshop Objectives

• Present the policies and documents recently issued by the Authority.
• Highlight national trends toward digital transformation.
• Invite information centers to contribute to policy implementation.

Workshop Pillars

Pillar I: National Policies for Digital Transformation

National Digital Transformation Strategy (2023–2030):

Issued in cooperation with the National Economic and Social Development Board and approved by the Prime Minister’s Office. The GAI is currently developing an implementation matrix with government stakeholders to achieve:

• An effective Digital Government.
• A competitive Digital Economy.
• An inclusive Digital Society.

National Digital Development Agenda:

An executive document for the strategy containing specific actions and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Pillar II: Regulatory and Technical Frameworks for Digital Services

The Authority has issued several documents aimed at unifying standards and improving service quality:

• IoT Regulatory Framework: Organizing Internet of Things technologies in the public sector.
• Proposed Digital Service Quality Framework: Improving the standard of government digital output.
• Guidelines for Government Websites and Platforms: Standardizing the design and functionality of official portals.

Pillar III: Data Governance and Digital Accessibility

• National Government Data Governance Policy: Regulating how data is managed within institutions.
• National Government Data Guide: One of the foundational technical documents for data classification.
• National Digital Accessibility Policy: Focused on ensuring digital services are accessible to people with disabilities and the elderly, based on international standards.

Pillar IV: Initiatives and Legislation

Digital Identity Project:

Aims to integrate the National ID number, passport number, and phone number into a unified digital identity. This system was recently utilized in the national payroll project in cooperation with the Central Bank of Libya and the Ministry of Finance.

Government Platforms:

• Open Data Platform: Scheduled for launch soon.
• E-Participation: Platforms to involve citizens in decision-making.
• 2030 Goals: Targets include 90% high-speed internet penetration, 80% digitization of services, and training 200,000 government employees in digital skills.

Legislation Under Preparation/Amendment:

• Draft E-Transactions Law.
• Personal Data Protection Law.
• Access to Information Law.
• E-Procurement Regulations (linked to the national e-procurement platform).

Pillar V: Challenges and Expert Q&A

• Software Protection: In response to difficulties in protecting external software, it was noted that the National Authority for Information Security issues compliance certificates to verify system integrity.
• The .gov.ly Domain: Participants noted difficulty in obtaining this extension. The GAI clarified that the Prime Minister’s Office is the authority responsible for granting this sensitive domain, as it represents official state status.
• Data Sharing Hurdles: Addressing the refusal of some entities to share data, it was explained that the Information Systems Monitoring Office at the Administrative Control Authority is responsible for enforcing compliance in data exchange.

Pillar VI: Summary of Publications and Laws

Approved Documents (Signed by the Cabinet)

1. National Digital Transformation Strategy.
2. National Digital Development Agenda.
3. National Digital Accessibility Policy.

Digital Transformation & Development

Data Governance & Accessibility

Pillar VII: Recommendations

• Financial Support: Urging the government to provide the necessary resources to execute projects listed in the strategy.
• Cross-Sector Activation: Implementing the Digital Transformation Strategy across all government sectors.
• Training: Enhancing awareness and training regarding governance policies.
• Final Approvals: Expediting the official issuance of the remaining draft policies and laws