E& Highlights Importance Of Connectivity At World Governments Summit 2025 To Bridge Digital Divide

Hatem Dowidar, CEO of e& Group, highlighted the urgent need to close the digital gap. He noted that 2.5 billion people globally remain offline and stressed that connectivity is crucial for progress. Dowidar called for joint efforts to speed up worldwide access during his keynote speech at the World Governments Summit 2025 (WGS) in Dubai from 11th to 13th February.

e&, a global technology group and Technology Partner of WGS 2025, is actively participating under the theme "Shaping Future Governments." The company is contributing to discussions on how technology can transform government operations and citizen engagement, promoting smarter governance.

During a panel titled "Can We Innovate Our Way to a More Connected World?" Dowidar joined Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle and Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani. He stated that connecting people benefits both business and society by unlocking opportunities in fintech, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.

Dowidar stressed the importance of regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation and collaboration. These frameworks should ensure AI and connectivity benefit everyone. He pointed out that while only 20% of the global population speaks English, 70% of AI learning today is based on English.

The need for sovereign AI was also emphasised by Dowidar, who highlighted secure cross-border data flows as essential. Addressing the AI divide is crucial as it affects global inclusivity in technological advancements.

e&'s leadership will participate in various sessions throughout WGS 2025, sharing expertise on innovation, digital transformation, and inclusion. Senior executives from e& will engage in fireside chats, panel discussions, roundtables, and moderator roles.

Exploring Digital Transformation

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, will join a fireside chat discussing "What Does the Great Digital Leap Need to Become a Reality?" This session will focus on the transformative journey in the digital age.

Khalid Murshed, CEO of e& enterprise, will delve into AI and cybersecurity intersections. Khalifa AlShamsi, CEO of e& life and e& international, will moderate roundtable discussions on "The Future of Investments," exploring investment trends in technology and governance.

The Role of AI Officers

Dena Almansoori, Group Chief AI and Data Officer at e&, will discuss how AI can unlock its projected value. She will highlight the vital role Chief AI Officers play in driving this transformation within organisations.

Ali Al Mansoori, Group Chief People Officer at e&, will provide insights into human-centric strategies for building future-ready organisations. These strategies are crucial for adapting to rapid technological changes.

Aiming for Global Digital Transformation

e&'s participation at WGS 2025 aims to inspire a global effort embracing digital transformation for collective benefit. As governance models evolve through collaboration, tackling interconnected challenges like digital divides becomes possible.

The leadership at e& champions technology's role in shaping future governance models. They aim to demonstrate how AI, digital finance, intelligent infrastructure, and connectivity can drive economic resilience while enabling human-centric digital progress through intelligent technologies.

With inputs from WAM