As Europe rises to the challenges and opportunities of globalization, it is widely acknowledged that the efficiency and effectiveness of public services are key to improving its productivity and competitiveness. However, to succeed and prosper in today’s global economy, all countries will need to promote policies to engage citizens and develop their full potential to contribute positively.Governments can act as motors of change by bringing forward policies to support the twin pillars of economic competitiveness and social inclusion while accelerating their own business plans to modernize and transform public services.The 2008 Microsoft Government Leaders’ Forum – Europe in Berlin last week focused on two crucial questions:

* How can we measure the full potential of government modernization and what is the role of Information Technology in achieving it?
* How can we access Europe’s diverse, multi-cultural human potential to deliver economic, social and cultural benefits?

For example, how will new technologies change the way governments interact with each other, including local vs. central synergies, with business, and crucially, with citizens and communities. What services for citizens, what perspectives for government agencies, in modernising, simplifying and extending access. The Keynote Speakers Bill Gates and The Honourable Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor, highlighted the importance of IT-access and/or -education already during schooling, as a fundament for a desirable private and professional life, and a balanced economic development.

The Honourable Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, addressed the forum and emphasized Bill & Melinda Gates (Foundation) during the gala reception for humanitarian progress and planning to devote all energies henceforth to this task. They are among those fighting at the vanguard of what Henning Mankell called the “deciding battle for humanity”.