The head of the Advisory Board in the Office of the Prime Minister, Youssef Khalaf Youssef, confirmed today, Thursday, that digital transformation represents one of the most prominent tools for governmental reform and economic empowerment, announcing the imminent launch of the national framework for data governance in Iraq, which aims to organize the exchange of information between institutions and enhance digital sovereignty while protecting citizens' privacy.
Youssef stated, during his participation in the "Internet Governance - Iraq 2026" forum organized by the Ministry of Communications, that achieving economic empowerment requires addressing a set of challenges, including security and geopolitical conditions, as well as traditional legislations that no longer keep pace with the rapid developments in digital transformation.
He clarified that digital transformation is no longer limited to replacing paper transactions with electronic ones, but represents a comprehensive shift in management methods, decision-making, and service delivery, contributing to improving their quality, expediting their completion, and meeting citizens' needs.
He pointed out that leveraging big data has become one of the essential factors in supporting governmental decisions, stressing the need to update legislations, re-engineer administrative processes, and enhance integration between institutions, instead of continuing to operate separately concerning data exchange.
Youssef indicated that importing technological systems and off-the-shelf governance models does not guarantee the success of digital transformation unless they fit the legislative, administrative, and economic environment of the country, noting that the government is moving towards building an Iraqi model that benefits from global experiences while adhering to international standards and taking into account the needs of institutions and citizens.
He highlighted that the establishment of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Governance comes within the direction of modernizing government work tools and re-engineering processes in various sectors.
Youssef revealed that the national framework for data governance, which is set to be launched soon, will lay out a roadmap for data exchange between institutions, organize the management of digital information, and specify clear steps to protect digital sovereignty, citizens' rights, information confidentiality, and privacy.
He added that the Supreme Committee for Digital Transformation, chaired by the Prime Minister and consisting of representatives from various institutions, is working on preparing a comprehensive strategy for digital transformation in Iraq in the coming years.