- Digital transformation
- English
- Queenie Tam
- Ghazi Mabrouk
Introductory
Event organizer(s)
Supported by
Description
Digital transformation is a critical enabler for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where unique challenges and opportunities exist.
This course empowers civil servants, policymakers, and stakeholders to design and implement inclusive, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approaches to digital transformation that foster sustainable development and resilience at a national and sectoral level. Participants will explore the five pillars of digital transformation—government, infrastructure, regulation, business, and people—while analyzing real-world examples, challenges, and opportunities. The course features tools such as the UNDP Digital Readiness Assessment and the UNCDF Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard, as well as insights from global case studies and extensive knowledge resources from organizations like the UNDP, ITU, World Bank, and GSMA.
This course will also reference international best practices and approaches to designing national or sectoral digital transformation strategies. Participants will explore their applicability in weekly live sessions and gain insights from expert mentors throughout the course. At the end of the course, participants will have completed a draft sectoral digital transformation plan
With the generous support of the Global Gateway initiative of the European Union, this course is offered for free for selected participants.
This course is designed for mid-level government officials, policymakers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders committed to advancing digital transformation in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) striving to achieve the SDGs through innovative and inclusive approaches. The ideal participants would be tasked with leading, shaping, or managing digital transformation initiatives or technology in their organizations. These may include digital transformation officers, project managers, policy analysts/advisors, especially in technology or development, ICT officers, technical specialists with IT-related projects, or local government administrators/planners.
The maximum number of participants is limited to 35 persons.
No prior knowledge or specific qualifications are required. However, it is recommended that participants be working in an active role in digital policy, ICT project management, or similar in the government at the national or subnational levels.
Important additional requirements:
- Possess a fluent level of English.
- Complete the application questionnaire, provide motivation and attach an up-to-date CV.
- Government officials and policymakers working in Small Island Developing States, particularly women, are encouraged to apply.
- Selection will be conducted by the course organizers, who will consider the above entry requirements along with an analysis of the application questionnaire and each applicant's recommendation/motivation letter.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define key concepts and pillars of digital transformation, including ICT infrastructure, digital government, innovation, and digital skills.
- Identify opportunities and challenges in building inclusive digital transformation pathways, specifically focusing on the needs and contexts of SIDS.
- Leverage available tools and global resources to support the implementation of national and sectoral digital transformation plans.
- Outline the stages of developing a digital transformation strategy and identify gaps, opportunities, and priorities for action.
- Explain the enabling conditions and factors conducive to digital transformation.
- Apply best practice tools to design and draft sectoral digital transformation plans.
This course will be delivered utilizing online pre-recorded content and live instructor-led sessions. The participants will be expected to review online video recordings of module content and attend one weekly online session via Zoom led by an instructor. The online live sessions will be a total of 5, each session lasting 2 hours. Sessions 1 to 4 will focus on:
- Providing practical application of course materials via interactive group activities related to the final group presentation
- Providing supplementary materials on emerging trends via guest speakers
- Providing an opportunity for participants to engage with mentors
- Providing an opportunity for participants to seek guidance from the instructor on the group project
Session 5 will allow participants to present their final group presentation and receive feedback from the instructor, mentor, and guest.
Participants will be assigned into groups of 5 based on the sector(s) of interest selected during a pre-class survey.
Timeline of the live sessions:
Session 1:
- Date: 18 March 2025
- Fiji Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (this session will be on 19 March for this time zone)
- Geneva Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Eastern Caribbean Time and Barbados: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Session 2:
- Date: 25 March 2025
- Fiji Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (this session will be on 26 March for this time zone)
- Geneva Time: 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Eastern Caribbean Time and Barbados: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Session 3:
- Date: 1 April 2025
- Fiji Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (this session will be on 2 April for this time zone)
- Geneva Time: 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Eastern Caribbean Time and Barbados: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Session 4:
- Date: 8 April 2025
- Fiji Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (this session will be on 9 April for this time zone)
- Geneva Time: 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Eastern Caribbean Time and Barbados: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Session 5:
- Date: 15 April 2025
- Fiji Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (this session will be on 16 April for this time zone)
- Geneva Time: 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Eastern Caribbean Time and Barbados: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Participants’ performance will be evaluated using a combination of assessment methods, including self-assessment quizzes, group assignments, and final group presentations.
- Quizzes (4): 20%
- Active Participation: 10%
- Group Assignments (4): 40%
- Final Group Presentation: 30%
A total score higher than 70% is required to obtain the ITU certificate.
Week 1: Introduction to the Inclusive Digital Transformation Journey
Module 1
- Key Topics:
- Introductions: Instructor, participants, and mentors
- Overview of course methodology, mentor participation, and live sessions
- Key concepts of digital transformation
- Value and impact of digital transformation for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
- Key pillars and stages of digital transformation planning
- Whole-of-Government Approach
- Applying design thinking to initiate sectoral digital transformation planning
- Case Study: SIDS Member Success Case
Week 2: Infrastructure and Regulation for Digital Transformation
Module 2
- Part 1: Inclusive Digital Infrastructure
- Part 2: Regulation: Inclusive Enabling Policy and Regulatory Environment
Key Topics:
- Pillars of regulatory environment and digital infrastructure
- Current state of digital infrastructure in SIDS
- Challenges in connectivity, access, and affordability
- Regulation’s role in expanding digital services and citizen protection
- Key policy design concepts
- Exploration of global regulations like GDPR
- Case Study: SIDS Member Success Case
Week 3: Business and People
Module 3
- Part 1: Business: Fostering Inclusive Local Digital Innovation
- Part 2: People: Inclusive Digital Skills
Key Topics:
- Pillars of business innovation and digital skills development
- Enabling factors and common challenges for business and people
- Supporting business innovation and building digital skills
- User experience: Accessibility tools and practices
- Case Study: SIDS Member Success Case
Week 4: Government and Support for Digital Transformation Strategies
Module 4
- Part 1: Digital Government and Data
- Part 2: Guidance and Tools for Digital Transformation Strategies
Key Topics:
- Digital government concepts and tools
- Stages of digital transformation in SIDS
- Common practices for digital transformation strategies
- Tools for supporting the digital transformation journey
- Enabling conditions for digital government and transformation
- Emerging trends and tools in the digital economy (e.g., Digital Public Infrastructure, AI)
- Case Study: SIDS Member Success Case
Week 5: Wrapping it Up
Key Topics:
- Expanding perspectives on sectoral digital transformation approaches in SIDS
- Refreshing key learnings from the course
- Setting actionable goals for real-life application
Registration information
Unless specified otherwise, all ITU Academy training courses are open to all interested professionals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, economic status and other diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage registrations from female participants, and participants from developing countries. This includes least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.