Preface

E-government is now a central theme in information society at all levels: local, national, regional and even global. It can be defined as a transformation of public-sector internal and external relationships through use of information and communication technology (ICT) to promote greater accountability of the Government, increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness and create a greater constituency participation. Countries of the Asian and Pacific region engage in e-government, as they provide cost-effective government-related information via Web sites and most have already developed a national e-government strategy (often as part of an ICT strategy plan). The emerging economies in the region have already gone one step further in introducing internal information management at various levels of sophistication. However, only a few Governments in the region have successfully implemented a comprehensive set of online public services, and even fewer have backed these operations up with comprehensive knowledge management in ministries and between the various government agencies. Even though, most Governments in the region are eager to further benefit from egovernment, by improving efficiency and transparency of the public sector, and providing inclusive public services, they may feel that e-government is a concept far removed from their current realities. ICT applications in the public sector can be used as a strategic tool for development and also a response to the current challenges of globalization.

This Regional Workshop on Implementing E-government was organized to prepare the countries in the Asian and Pacific region to take up this challenge and/or assist them to improve their e-government programmes. Countries were able to share their experiences in the implementation of egovernment, discuss issues and options for implementation. The Workshop highlighted the potential of e-government to improve efficiency and transparency in the public sector, and to enhance quality of life through more inclusive public services for all. Some of the topics addressed at this Workshop included: benefits of e-government, e-training of government officials and re-inventing or re-engineering government and related ICT policies and strategies. Participants were required to submit a proposal for implementing e-government in their countries, which could potentially be further developed for future execution. The regional cooperation at the practical level was hoped to contribute directly to the goals enshrined in the United Nations Millennium Declaration.

ESCAP is thankful to the Asian Development Bank Institute for coorganizing the Workshop, the Government of France for co-sponsoring this Workshop and Microsoft Corporation, IBM, Toyota and GIXEL-AXALTO Schlumberger Company, for providing contribution financially and/or resource persons towards the Workshop.