Technology critical for governments

International leaders have reached a consensus that the innovative use of information communications technology and the development of electronic government systems can enhance citizens’ participation in politics. In a statement read yesterday by Home Minister Oh Young-kyo at the closing ceremony of the Sixth Global Forum on Reinventing Government, representatives from over 140 countries agreed that governments must continue their efforts at reinvention by institutionalizing innovative practices, and to achieve these aims they should make use of tools such as communications technology. “Governments are trying to adapt to the new environment caused by globalization, the spread of democratic processes, and the information and communications technology revolution, among other issues,” Mr. Oh said. The four-day event at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center was hosted jointly by the United Nations and the Korean government under the theme “Toward Participatory and Transparent Governance.” by Wohn Dong-hee