|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Data Innovation and Governance Institute (DIGI), under the Digital Government Development Agency (Public Organisation) or DGA, has organised the International Open Data Day 2024, a significant event aimed at promoting the use of data systems and highlighting the importance of open data in advancing towards sustainable open government. This forum emphasised the critical role that open data plays in driving technological advancements and digital transformations towards sustainable governance.
Open data serves as a powerful catalyst for positive technological change, offering insights into inequalities and disparities in income, wealth, and access to government services. It also helps measure the impact of development initiatives, establish benchmarks, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. By promoting data systems, the event aimed to underscore the transformative power of open data in advancing sustainable development through digital means.
Puchpong Nodthaisong, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (NDESC), previously highlighted the importance of the open data platform in improving the utilisation of government data accounts. The platform ensures that critical national development issues are adequately analysed and decided upon.
Based on the OpenGov report, Puchpong Nodthaisong emphasised, “data is a valuable asset in the country’s growth process, facilitating data analysis and decision-making in various disciplines, including scenario analysis for project planning, monitoring, and evaluation under the country’s economic and social thrust.”
At the forum, Dr Puangpetch Chunlaid, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, played a central role, presiding over the ceremony and delivering a keynote address that underscored the importance of information disclosure in the transition to a digital government. Dr Chunlaid emphasised the pivotal role of data in modern governance, stating that it is crucial for making informed policy decisions, enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation. He highlighted how data-driven approaches can lead to the development of more effective economic and social policies, ultimately fostering strong and sustainable growth.
Mrs Irada Lueangwilai, Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Digital Government Development Agency reiterated the DGA’s commitment to driving digital government development in Thailand. The agency aims to enhance government efficiency through digital technology, develop online services for the public and various sectors, and facilitate information exchange between government agencies, all essential aspects of a digital government.
International Open Data Day has highlighted the importance of information disclosure. In Thailand, the event, hosted by the DGA under the theme “Data-Driven for Sustainability,” emphasised data’s role in sustainable development. The event included activities organised by the DGA, demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to leveraging data for sustainable development and open government.
DGA has been committed to spurring the development of open data in Thailand. It has been proven since 2015, when the DGA’s establishment of the open government data centre, data.go.th, marked a significant achievement in promoting open government policy and strengthening public participation. With over 11,000 datasets released by government agencies, government data has been transformed into a valuable public resource, driving innovations that benefit the nation.
DGA continues to provide information on using open data in the public sector through DIGI’s social media page, Data Innovation and Governance Institute, showcasing the government’s dedication to harnessing data’s power for sustainable development and open government through digital technologies.
The overarching goal of this gathering was to cultivate a culture of data-driven decision-making, equipping individuals with the capabilities to extract profound insights from data. These insights are pivotal in informing decision-making processes and conducting in-depth analyses across various domains.
Moreover, these forums catalyse robust collaborations within a data community, extending beyond national boundaries. They facilitate the exchange of information at an international level, thereby contributing to the harmonisation and integration of diverse datasets. This effort results in tangible use cases that benefit the public and contribute to the further expansion of the economy.
In the future, DGA will consistently collaborate with other stakeholders, including academia, civil society, and the private sector, to expand the reach and impact of open data initiatives. By building partnerships and sharing best practices, DGA seeks to create a more vibrant and sustainable open data ecosystem in Thailand.
