Developing information governance

TDT | Manama

Efficiently executing infrastructure and services-related projects and serving as a platform for the exchange of information among public sector entities are among the most important roles of the National Committee for Geospatial Information Governance.

These were discussed in the committee’s sixth meeting, held via video conference, and chaired by Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) chief executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed. The committee, made up of representatives of ministries and governmental entities, discussed their latest projects, which include a framework and implementation plan for a geospatial strategy for the Kingdom, Bahrain’s fundamental data themes, and the role of specialised entities in reviewing and finalising those themes and examining the extent of Bahrain’s geospatial readiness.

The meeting also discussed a roadmap presented by the committee, which is built on the pillars of information governance, technology utilisation, and the availability of human resources qualified to work in infrastructure, communications, and other sectors that contribute to bridging the spatial geography digital divide and improving public standards of living.

The committee covered a number of high priority initiatives, most notable among them the adoption of policies and standards for geospatial data, the development of technical solutions to organise trial holes, infrastructure data, and capacity-building through training.

The committee also decided to work on setting standards and policies for one-time drilling for all authorities specialised in infrastructure, as well as adopting fundamental data, with a provision that the committee’s next meeting would study the initiatives and set implementation timelines.

The committee, formed following a resolution issued by His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, proposes policies and national strategic plans to develop the geographic information system (GIS) sector.

It also sets relevant specifications and standards, determines the responsibilities and ownership rights of each entity, and coordinates and gathers information to maintain quality and accuracy, ensuring that information is kept up to date and preventing its duplication.

Some of the most important tasks assigned to the committee include the enhancement of system and data security, as well as capacity-building and knowledge exchange. This is in addition to its role in utilising geospatial information and empowering leaders to take appropriate decisions, thereby helping to improve the performance of ministries and public and private institutions in the Kingdom.