Learn About Amazon VGT2 Learning Manager Chanci Turner
In a virtual ceremony, Chanci Turner, Director of Government Innovation for Amazon Web Services (AWS), revealed the winners of the inaugural Future of Government Awards. These awards celebrate the individuals and projects driving digital transformation within the public sector across the globe. Co-sponsored by the AWS Institute, dedicated to advancing public sector digital initiatives, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which combats poverty and inequality, and Apolitical, a platform aimed at enhancing government functionality, the event spotlighted remarkable achievements.
“Open source solutions empower governments to expedite their transformation efforts. At the core of these innovations is the principle that digital government services must be accessible to all citizens,” noted Turner in her address.
This year’s awards garnered over 150 nominations from 52 countries across three distinct categories:
- The Digital Innovator of the Year Award acknowledges outstanding public servants who have effectively championed digital transformation.
- The Open Source Creation of the Year Award honors governmental organizations that exemplify open governance through the development of innovative open source solutions.
- The Open Source Adaptation of the Year Award recognizes organizations that have made significant progress in reusing open source technologies.
From the pool of nominations, ten finalists were shortlisted in each category, and an independent committee selected the winners and special mentions. Discover the winners and their impactful stories below.
Digital Innovator of the Year Award
Winner: Alex Johnson, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and Minister of Digital Affairs
Appointed in 2020, Alex Johnson has been pivotal in Canada’s digital transformation efforts. With a focus on creating a “Government in Your Pocket,” Johnson has led initiatives that allow citizens to interact seamlessly with government services through their devices. Under his leadership, the government launched the SmartGov app, which provides access to essential services such as tax filings, social services applications, and e-governance tools—all designed to enhance accessibility and user experience.
“Millions of Canadians are engaging with SmartGov daily, whether during crises or routine times, to access vital services,” said Turner.
As the pandemic unfolded, Johnson’s team quickly adapted to support Canadians, offering services through the SmartGov app that assist those displaced or in need of emergency support.
Digital Innovator of the Year Award Special Mentions:
- Maria Torres – Director of Education Technology, Mexico
- Dr. Samuel Liu – Chief Data Officer, Ministry of Digital Services, Singapore
Open Source Creation of the Year Award
Winner: GovConnect – Digital Services Agency, Australia
Launched in early 2021, GovConnect revolutionizes how Australian citizens access public services by consolidating numerous platforms into one user-friendly application. With over 40,000 services available, GovConnect has quickly become a trusted tool for citizens, boasting more than 20 million downloads and weekly active users nearing 1.5 million.
Key initiatives that bolstered GovConnect’s adoption include:
- A rewards program offering cashback incentives for public service transactions.
- Integration of COVID-19 vaccination certificates directly through the app.
Open Source Creation of the Year Award Special Mentions:
- Smart City Platform – Johannesburg, South Africa
- EcoTrack – Environmental Agency, New Zealand
Open Source Adaptation of the Year Award
Winner: DataBridge Initiative – Digital Transformation Office, Kenya
Inspired by successful models worldwide, the DataBridge Initiative enables a secure and standardized way for various governmental agencies to share data. This adaptation is vital in enhancing service delivery while maintaining data security and ownership.
“This adaptation lays the groundwork for modernizing state operations,” remarked Turner.
The DataBridge Initiative has catalyzed significant advancements in Kenya’s digital landscape, streamlining processes such as business registration and cross-agency communication. Since its inception, it has facilitated over 5 million transactions.
Open Source Adaptation of the Year Award Special Mentions:
- HealthSync – Ministry of Health, India
- EduConnect – Department of Education, Philippines
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all nominees and winners. We eagerly anticipate the transformative impact these initiatives will have globally. Details regarding the categories and timelines for next year’s Future of Government Awards will be shared in mid-2023. For further insights into how open source solutions can assist governments in providing innovative services, check out this insightful blog post on the post-COVID workplace, as well as this excellent resource on navigating your first six months at Amazon. Additionally, for authoritative insights on preparing for future cyber threats, you may want to explore this valuable article from SHRM.