Civil servants from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Asia-Pacific region discussed the role of PPPs in digitalization and the use of AI in governance

Over 40 government officials from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Samarkand for the inter-regional workshop “Public-Private Partnerships in Implementing Digital Transformation Strategies and Using AI”, held on the margins of the United Nations Public Service Forum.

The workshop provided a unique platform for cross-regional dialogue, where governments shared experiences, explored collaborative approaches, and reflected on how public-private partnerships (PPPs) can accelerate the shift toward more innovative, inclusive, and citizen-centered public services.

Opening the workshop, Mr. Jamol Maxsudov, Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, emphasized: “This workshop comes at a crucial time, as citizens around the world increasingly expect public services to be faster, more transparent, and centered around their needs. Digital transformation and the integration of AI are becoming essential drivers of public sector innovation. It is clear that governments cannot implement such large-scale transformations alone – partnership with the private sector is crucial for accelerating progress and achieving sustainable results”.

Director of the Digital Government Cooperation Division at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Republic of Korea Mr. Byungjoon Park emphasized that AI presents both tremendous challenges and unprecedented opportunities. “To ensure that AI truly benefits humanity, we must work together across borders”, he noted. He also highlighted that the ongoing joint project, led by the Government of Korea, UNDP, and the Astana Civil Service Hub, provides a valuable space for sharing experiences and shaping a digital future that leaves no one behind.

Resident Representative of the UNDP Kazakhstan, Ms. Katarzyna Wawiernia, emphasized that PPPs are not merely financing tools, but platforms for co-designing public value. She highlighted their central role in implementing UNDP’s Strategic Plan and Digital Strategy, which prioritize human-centered, rights-based, and future-ready development.

In his welcoming remarks, the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Astana Civil Service Hub Mr. Alikhan Baimenov emphasized that as AI and emerging technologies reshape governance, inclusive and strategic PPPs are essential. “The public sector plays a vital role in setting the vision, establishing regulatory frameworks, and protecting public interest, while the private sector opens access to cutting-edge expertise, innovative solutions, and investments. By combining public stewardship with private innovation, PPPs can drive agile, forward-looking digital transformation that maximizes societal benefit and minimizes risk”. He also shared findings from a regional survey, highlighting that cross-sector collaboration is key to overcoming institutional inertia and advancing responsible AI adoption.

As part of the workshop, participants shared experiences, lessons learned, and national approaches to integrating AI and advancing public-private partnerships in digital governance. The event also showcased the leading practices of the Republic of Korea and featured expert presentations by Piret Tõnurist (Senior Programme Manager, OECD) and Vincenzo Aquaro (Chief of Digital Government Branch, UN DESA/DPIDG), who presented global trends and initiatives in GovTech and digital public sector investment. The discussions reaffirmed that collaboration and continuous knowledge exchange play a crucial role in shaping future-ready and sustainable public governance in the digital era.

The workshop was jointly organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) of the Republic of Korea, the National Information Society Agency (NIA) of the Republic of Korea, UNDP Kazakhstan, and the Astana Civil Service Hub, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan and with the support of the UNDP Country Office in Uzbekistan.

As part of the event, a bilateral meeting was also held between the Chairman of the ACSH and representatives of the MOIS. The parties discussed further prospects for expanding cooperation within the joint project on digital development and artificial intelligence.

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For reference: The workshop is part of an interregional project by UNDP, MOIS, NIA, and the Astana Civil Service Hub aimed at enhancing the capacity of civil servants in 12 countries across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Asia-Pacific region. As part of the project (2024–2026), a series of workshops, research activities, and study visits to the Republic of Korea are planned, with a focus on advancing digital transformation and governance.

 

Materials of the workshop are available here: 

•    Presentations:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OXZ7ZNkuHyEMW2Vmyyt-CPQoyNb0J9Ez?usp=sharing