Empowering public sector leaders to shape the future of digital governance.
A global open enrolment course for civil servants, created by the University of Oxford and UNESCO, in partnership with the MBR School of Government’s Center for Future of Government for the Arab region.
Enrolment open
Q1 2026
Duration
Approx. 12 guided hours + optional extra resources
Time commitment
Executive short programme
Location
Online, self-paced
Cost
Funded by UNESCO, free of charge for participants
Languages available
Arabic, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese
Certification
Participants will receive an ocial Certificate of Completion from University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, in partnership with UNESCO and the MBR School of Government, delivered in digital format
Deep-dives
Deeper specialized courses can be arranged with the MBRSG (contact us)
Register your interest for this course by completing this form.
Arabic version
If you would prefer to register your interest in the Arabic version of this course, please click here.
English version
If you would prefer to register your interest in the English version of this course, please click here.
Spanish version
If you would prefer to register your interest in the Spanish version of this course, please click here.
Lead the change. Responsibly.
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the way governments serve their citizens. From automating services and analysing data to improving public communications and expanding access, AI has the power to transform how public systems operate. But it also introduces real risks, including bias, exclusion, privacy breaches and accountability gaps that must be managed with care.
This online course, developed in partnership with UNESCO, is designed to equip civil servants and public sector leaders with the practical skills, strategic tools and ethical frameworks needed to lead and govern digital transformation in the public interest. This course is funded by UNESCO and free of charge for participants.
Whether you’re a senior decision-maker or a frontline civil servant, this course will help you explore how to use AI responsibly, communicate its impacts clearly and build trust through inclusive and transparent digital services.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone working in public service, whether at local, national or regional levels, who wants to build confidence and capability in using digital technologies and AI.
The course is designed for a wide range of roles, including:
- Public administrators and policymakers
- Managers of digital or data transformation projects
- Leaders overseeing service delivery or innovation
- ICT, legal and compliance professionals in government
- Civil servants with an interest in digital literacy, data governance or ethical AI
You don’t need a technical background, just a desire to learn and lead responsibly in a changing digital landscape.
What you’ll gain
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Explain key concepts in digital transformation, AI and data governance
- Use AI tools strategically and responsibly to support your work
- Assess the digital readiness of your organisation
- Identify and mitigate risks related to AI ethics, inclusion and human rights
- Design public services that are inclusive, accessible and people-centred
- Lead transformation initiatives with a clear vision and effective stakeholder engagement
- Understand legal, regulatory and cybersecurity frameworks that guide AI use in government
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone working in public service, whether at local, national or regional levels, who wants to build confidence and capability in using digital technologies and AI.
The course is designed for a wide range of roles, including:
- Public administrators and policymakers
- Managers of digital or data transformation projects
- Leaders overseeing service delivery or innovation
- ICT, legal and compliance professionals in government
- Civil servants with an interest in digital literacy, data governance or ethical AI
You don’t need a technical background, just a desire to learn and lead responsibly in a changing digital landscape.
What you’ll gain
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Explain key concepts in digital transformation, AI and data governance
- Use AI tools strategically and responsibly to support your work
- Assess the digital readiness of your organisation
- Identify and mitigate risks related to AI ethics, inclusion and human rights
- Design public services that are inclusive, accessible and people-centred
- Lead transformation initiatives with a clear vision and effective stakeholder engagement
- Understand legal, regulatory and cybersecurity frameworks that guide AI use in government
Course Outline
The course includes approximately 12 hours of guided learning, which you can complete at your own pace. It includes short videos, real-world case studies, reflective tasks, interactive quizzes, and practical activities using tools like ChatGPT or Gemini. You’ll also build a personal learning portfolio, which you can download and share to support continued application in your role.
Modules
Foundations of digital transformation and AI
Understand the key concepts and assess your team’s digital readiness
Data as a public asset
Strengthen your data governance practices using the 4Ps framework
Human rights and ethics of AI
Explore risks, dilemmas and responsible use of AI in the public sector
Foundations of digital transformation and AI
Governance for trustworthy AI and digital systems
Learn how to apply oversight models, legal frameworks and system thinking
Designing inclusive, people-centred services
Use human-centred design and AI tools to improve service accessibility and impact
Leading digital transformation in government
Develop leadership capabilities for cyber-resilient, values-driven innovation
You’ll also complete an orientation module and a final action plan, helping you apply what you’ve learned in your organisation.
Developed by global experts
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
• Explain key concepts in digital transformation, AI and data governance
• Use AI tools strategically and responsibly to support your work
• Assess the digital readiness of your organisation
• Identify and mitigate risks related to AI ethics, inclusion and human rights
• Design public services that are inclusive, accessible and people-centred
• Lead transformation initiatives with a clear vision and effective stakeholder engagement
• Understand legal, regulatory and cybersecurity frameworks that guide AI use in government
Faculty
The programme is led by Professor Andrew Stephen, who brings together expert insights from across Oxford Saïd and the wider University of Oxford. Drawing on global research, real-world practice and a commitment to ethical innovation, the faculty will guide learners through the key challenges and opportunities of AI in government.
The programme is also supported by input from senior academics and experts from the MBR School of Government’s Center for Future of Government, with deep knowledge in digital and AI governance in the Arab region.
Take a look at the research that underpins this work and see how public leadership can shape the future of digital transformation.Further research on AI and digital governance in the Arab region is also available on the MBRSG website: https://mbrsg.ae/research
The thinking behind the programme
Over the past decade, governments around the world have faced growing pressure to adopt digital tools and AI technologies. These advances offer extraordinary potential to improve public services, but they also raise new questions about ethics, governance, inclusion and trust.
This course offers a practical, globally relevant introduction to the realities of AI and digital transformation in the public sector. It’s built around real-world challenges, expert-led frameworks and a strong foundation in public sector values — from data protection and digital inclusion to service design and ethical leadership.
You’ll explore how AI is already being used in government, how to assess when and how it should be used, and how to lead change responsibly within your organisation or department.
Our faculty bring together leading research, international case studies and practical experience to help public servants build the confidence, language and tools to shape the future of digital government.
Register your interest for this course by completing this form.
Arabic version
If you would prefer to register your interest in the Arabic version of this course, please click here.
English version
If you would prefer to register your interest in the English version of this course, please click here.
Spanish version
If you would prefer to register your interest in the Spanish version of this course, please click here.