The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is progressing a whole-of-government approach to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, with Chief Secretary to Government Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu calling on agencies to prepare for the integration of AI to improve productivity, transparency and public service delivery.
The policy concept was a key agenda items discussed at the third Public Service ICT Steering Committee Meeting, held at Melanesian Haus in Port Moresby today.
The meeting was chaired by DICT Secretary Steven Matainaho and attended by heads of up to 16 government agencies, along with their ICT and Digital Transformation Officers.
Chief Secretary to Government, Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu, said the Government intends to gradually introduce AI across the public service to improve productivity, transparency and service delivery.
“We intend to progressively adopt AI across the public service. The Prime Minister’s Department is currently piloting GovAoS, an AI initiative productivity platform,” Ambassador Pomaleu said.
Secretary Matainaho said DICT is ready to assist government agencies that have not yet introduced AI into their operations.
He said the department is working closely with Digital Transformation Officers to monitor progress, provide technical guidance and help agencies comply with government ICT requirements.
The meeting also received updates on ICT compliance from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Internal Revenue Commission and PNG Customs Service, which have received Certificates of Compliance (CoC).
Agencies awaiting approval of their certificates, as well as those implementing ICT projects without certificates, were also given the opportunity to provide updates and seek guidance from DICT.
Ambassador Pomaleu called on departmental heads to take responsibility for preparing their agencies to adopt AI, while Digital Transformation Officers coordinate the process with DICT.
DICT has finalized the draft National Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Strategy and the Government AI Adoption Framework, and is now progressing work on a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy to guide the responsible, secure and coordinated use of AI across government agencies.
The Public Service ICT Steering Committee oversees and coordinates ICT planning, digital government activities and compliance across government agencies.
Through the committee, DICT continues to work with government agencies towards a more coordinated approach to ICT systems, responsible AI use and digital service delivery across the public service.