The panel examined how digital identity can help developing countries leapfrog to more efficient 21st century systems. The experts also explored public and private sector collaboration opportunities and effective ways in which donors and development partners could assist countries in building these systems.
Keith Hansen, one of two Vice Presidents for Global Practices at the World Bank Group threw light on the importance of the Identification for Development, He said that “Making Everyone Count: Identification for Development” event at the World Bank Group’s Annual Meetings aims to give everyone an ID card and thereby give them dignity by saying that you exist. He added that ID can help track all pregnancies, births and deaths. This will provide countries a platform to enable basic services. Strong civil registries and identification systems will help nations reach all. Such a system is essential to end premature deaths of women and children.
President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, in her tele message to the World Bank said that
“Legal identity is a necessary condition to build inclusive societies and generate shared prosperity……. Every man or woman, rich or poor, must have a legal identity.”
Calvin at the start of the discussion pointed out that Identification for Development will help move the world on a path from poverty to prosperity.
Paradis pointed out that, “If you don’t have any data, you cannot measure results.” He also opined that Identification for Development has a major part to play in closing gender gap and improving health outcomes. He stressed on the importance of protecting the privacy of people by stating that,
“Privacy protection should not be an afterthought when designing Identification for Development programs.”
He also added that if one is dealing with reliable data then one can have better results, especially in maternal, child, health and other services. Thus he said that investing in these initiatives is investing in a better future for women and children. When concerns were raised about the cost of moving to Identification for Development he replied that when one can’t count everyone, one deals with estimates and thus the development suffers.
Dr. Atick added that,
“The need for identity has become even more compelling in our modern society. Identity systems have become commodities … we can deploy them for the common good.”
He however cautioned about being careful so that identity systems don’t become vehicles for discrimination. This is said was possible by ensuring legal protection. He added that we must build identity systems that protect data and privacy of people. He further added that, “The technology exists … it just needs to be integrated as part of a national strategy.” He too added that governments must commit to creating an ecosystem in which the private sector can participate with international standards that encourage innovation. Dr. Atickalso said that the cost of Identification for Development was worth it as it makes the government accountable. He further stated that,
“Identity systems are essentially ICT systems … but it must include capacity building and training … there must be an investment in those who will sustain the system.”
He said that when it comes to building capacity for digital identity, building of IT skills in the country is a must before rolling out Identification for Development program.
He concluded by adding that it was important to create ecosystems for adoption of digital identity and for it the private sector can plan an important role. He said that all sectors and public services need to raise their game to tap real potential of Identification for Development.
Mocan shared her experience in Moldova where the government used technology to modernise and digitise public services. She added that it was important to deliver results to citizens so that they felt the benefits. The biggest challenge as per her was to convince colleagues as she said colleagues in governments are risk averse. She added that one of the things they did was to partner with private companies to provide Identification for Development.
Mocan also mentioned that,
“The technological solution was the easiest … skills and knowledge to deliver benefits to citizens are what’s important to develop, how to design an ecosystem beyond the technological dimension.”
She stressed on the point that the modern Identification for Development can improve transparency and efficiency of public services, reduce administration costs and burden. She mentioned that collaboration between government, private sector and international donors was the key to speeding up implementation of Identification for Development. She concluded by saying that,
“If governments want to stay relevant to their citizens, they can’t be afraid to innovate.”
Sarpong while talking about Ghana’s experience with Identification for Development said that their intent is to combine their current seven systems into one form of identification. He opined that
“Critical ingredient to sustain middle income status was to develop an intelligent identity system with the goal of ID system being to ensure deliver benefits to people that are entitled to these benefits. For the ID system to work efficiently he said that the element of trust is extremely important between the people, the government and the private sector.”
He said that donors can help countries through all phases of implementation of the Identification for Development, whether it was implementation, technology assistance, funding or data management.
Sarpong further mentioned that in Ghana mobile money is the main source of funds transfer among people. Identification is critical for that. He added that,
“Everyone counts and everyone must be known.”
Many people from the audience and online had raised their concern about financing Identification for Development. But those concerns were addressed by the panelists who emphasised that identification is a key enabler for achieving development outcomes. They added that it can help access essential services like healthcare and education and also contribute to activities including gaining formal employment, exercising electoral rights and accessing financial services.
During the discussion it was also mentioned that the World Bank Group is formulating a coherent cross-sectional approach to work closely with development partners, donors and governments to provide unified technical and financial support to low and middle-income countries on Identification for Development activities.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Lisa Jani
Quelle/Source: Niti Central, 12.10.2014
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