Latest update September 3rd, 2026 10:25 AM
Govt. launches free global training platform
— Thousands of public servants to be upgraded for digital future
(Kaieteur News) – Thousands of public servants across Guyana from coastal offices to the remotest hinterland communities now have access to world-class online courses from top universities around the globe.
A section of public servants attending the launch of the government’s Public Service Upskilling Platform.
Through a new partnership with US-based Coursera, public servants can choose from over 100 online courses in areas such as data analysis, project management, leadership, and beginner Spanish — all free of cost and self-paced. The Public Service Upskilling Platform, officially launched on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, marks what President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali described as a “transformational leap” toward a smarter, digital-ready public sector.
President Ali said the programme is an important step in the government’s effort to modernise the public sector to be more effective and digitally advanced. “The world is moving faster than ever before, so we must ask ourselves: are we ready to keep up?” he questioned, noting that the public service must be retooled to deliver in the digital age.
Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zufikar Ally.
The president explained that the answer lies in upskilling and preparing the workforce not only to manage change, but to lead it. The new public service must be a “problem-solving machine,” driving results, productivity, and progress through innovation and efficiency.
According to the president, to achieve success and remain relevant, every public servant must move past rigidity, embrace the systemic integration of AI and digitalisation by continuously learn new tools.
This, he said, can be achieved through the newly launched programme with Coursera, as top-performing nations such as the United States, Singapore, and Finland use the same platform to strengthen their public sector workforces. “You’re not just learning for a local job; you’re preparing for global opportunities. You’re ensuring that Guyana’s public service is not only efficient and responsive locally but also globally benchmarked—and that is important,” the president underscored.
The head of state said that with a highly trained and modern public workforce, Guyana can become competitive. Minister Zulfikar Ally, who is tasked with leading the nation’s digitalisation drive through the Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Ministry, said this initiative will empower the Guyanese workforce to become more innovative and efficient.
“We cannot implement complex national projects without world-class project managers. We cannot be responsive to citizens without first-rate customer service,” he told the gathering, which included the intended beneficiaries.“This programme is your new toolkit. It is our investment in you,” he added.
Coursera’s Vice President, Zac Rule
Coursera’s Vice President, Zac Rule, also delivered remarks, emphasising that upskilling the human resource pool is necessary to the ambitious goal of a fully digitalised Guyana. “We are very honoured to be a part of that. We look forward to continuing our multi-year partnership with Guyana,” he stated.
Also attending the ceremony were several ministers of the government, heads of various agencies and most importantly, the beneficiaries of this transformative initiative. Public servants will gain access to over 100 online courses from leading universities and institutions worldwide, covering areas such as Digital and Data Skills (Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, and Digital Transformation), Professional and Administrative Skills, Project Management, Communication, Leadership, and Time Management.
It complements the previous initiatives launched by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government during its 2020-2025 term. The initiative is also crucial in supporting the government’s drive for an inclusive digital society as outlined in its 2025-2030 Manifesto, as it aims to leverage modern technology and innovation to uplift lives, enhance the delivery of government services and connect every Guyanese to opportunities within and outside Guyana.
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