IfG.CC - The Potsdam eGovernment Competence Center

- Which new technology is expected to be introduced in Azerbaijan in the nearest future?

- By 2010 transition of every country to next generation documents from traditional papers is slated to be complete. These documents have to be prepared so as to not allow counterfeiting, forgery or fraudulent use of identity papers and travel documents. Not only in every country individually, but also a database in the interstate basis has to be established for identification of citizens. In March 2006, Azerbaijan’s President issued a decree to set a commission for implementation of the State Program for Establishment of Biometric Identity System. Our institute has been involved in preparation of this project. In 2009 it is expected to prepare biometric passports in Azerbaijan. Our country is cooperating in this field with structures under the United Nations, including International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Organization for Migration (IOM).

- Which characteristics of human will be stored on the biometric ID documents?

- There are a lot of biometric data characterizing and specifying a person. At the first phase it is planned to embed the digitized photo of holder in a chip. The chip will contain the digitized photo and identity data of the holder. Next, the photo itself will be the bearer of some unique information and biometric ID system will be further developed. The card will contain five unique characteristic types of data of the newborn. Today, it is target to introduce the new technology for identification of all the people living on the Earth. First of all, international crimes makes necessary introduction of this technology.

- What are the harmful sides of this system?

- The biometric ID system has more advantages. Over the years this system will develop to the level of genes and DNA. This system will develop with involvement of more and more biometric and specific data of human beings. In Azerbaijan, so far, we want to introduce digitized photo and fingerprint of he holders. Without this system, migration and travels will be limited. With the help of an appropriate system it is possible to read biometric data stored in passports. If police demand documents from a suspect, by special devices police will be able to identify them at distance. This will require establishment of a special database network. Besides biometric identity system of each country an international network system will also be created. All these efforts will both provide security for people and reduce crimes. After 2009-2010, medical and other institutions will also join this system.

- Do you agree that even the latest scientific advances have their disadvantages?

- It is true. Advent of the Internet, establishment of global information society, simplification of the traveling process, improvement of relation with the help of technology have offered its negative effects. On the one hand, mankind has been able to resolve the problems accrued for thousands of years, on the other hand, there appear international terrorism and international crimes. Scientists now think of new technologies to combat the undesired acts. Azerbaijan is not aloof from this work. After 11 September terrorist acts, the UN Security Council has assembled an emergency meeting and set target for member countries to introduce new technology to determine the identity.

- With which scientific and educational institutions do you plan to have joint projects?

- We work closely with all academic institutions and government agencies involved in information technology. Regarding international relations, we have participated in all events dedicated to the formation of a global information society. We are working with American companies, Russia, NATO. However, a lot of the work is carried out inside the country.

- What preferences does your institute offer to young researchers?

- Talented young people, taking curious interest in computer technology, are invited to the institute. Here they have reach maturity and subsequently work in a variety of fields. Note that the youth are the main force of the information society. We have several projects with Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Ministry of Education. We plan to hold a countrywide competition of students studying for ICT at universities.

- What about the E-Government Project?

- To create an information society in Azerbaijan in accordance with the real and specific plan the President Ilham Aliyev approved Electronic Azerbaijan Program in October 2005. The program covers long-term economic and structural reform in various fields, technical upgrading and transition to the information society. In 2008 the program will reach successful completion making necessary development of a new program for the next stages.

The main objective of the first phase of Electronic Azerbaijan Program is to build the information society on the basis of high quality and high-tech technical infrastructure. Developments in this area have reached such a level that there is opportune platform in Azerbaijan to implement a number of programs for transition to the information society applied in the developed countries previously.

On the other hand, all government departments and municipalities should have their own websites. This means that the republic must create thousands, tens of thousands of sites.

The principles of e-government provide more widespread adoption of information and communication technologies in the government agencies. To say that Azerbaijan has adopted all the legal documents in this regard would be not true. New bills and legal framework is adopted as required. One of them, the Electronic Signature Bill is to identify the source of information and to prevent its distortion and other offenses ad a legal framework has been established to implement this law.

- It is so interesting, how our famous figures mastered new technology? Which famous persons have passed exam at your institute?

- Former Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Afshar Suleymani, Egyptian Ambassador Ahmad al-Shargavi, Baku Metro Chief Tagi Ahmadov and the others passed exam on the subject of Informatics and received good marks. New technologies are now being applied across Azerbaijan, and new scientific knowledge today covers the entire public.

Quelle/Source: Azeri Press Agency, 24.10.2007