Ouagadougou: The Association of Secretaries of the People's Legislative Assembly (AS-ALP) organized a panel discussion on Thursday focusing on "Artificial Intelligence and the Evolving Role of Secretaries in the People's Legislative Assembly." This event was part of the "48 Hours of the Secretary" initiative, launched to celebrate International Secretaries Day.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Ami Sanou/Silga, the president of the Association of Parliamentary Secretaries, stated during the conference that AI offers an opportunity to enhance professional efficiency, automate tasks, and elevate the value of the secretarial profession. The "48 hours of the secretary" initiative aims to reinforce the cohesion, unity, and capabilities of the Association's members through the theme of artificial intelligence, chosen as the year's national focus for awareness and reflection, added the head of the Association.
Under the high patronage of the President of the People's Legislative Assembly, Ousmane Bougouma, and the sponsorship of the Minister of Digital Transition, Amina Zerbo/Saban©, the initiative also seeks to raise awareness among participants about issues related to social networks, cybersecurity, and AI-based tools, said Ami Sanou/Silga. Elise Kaba/Nongnyaghma, representing the Minister of Digital Transition, emphasized that AI is gradually transforming professional practices and imposing new skills in public administration.
Elise Kaba/Nongnyaghma highlighted that the job of a secretary is evolving towards a more strategic role focused on intelligent information management, anticipation, and mastery of digital tools. She clarified that AI does not replace humans but serves as a support tool to enhance professional efficiency. The theme chosen for the conference aligns with the department's priorities for digital transition, particularly the 11th major project of digital transformation, encouraging secretaries to pursue further training to adapt to technological changes and support public administration modernization.
The activities organized as part of the "48 Hours" initiative, including sports and visits to retirees, were commended for strengthening cohesion and intergenerational ties. Haoua Fofana, the second vice-president and representative of the President of the People's Legislative Assembly (PLA), praised the central role of secretaries in administrative and institutional functioning. She urged secretaries to maintain discretion, love for work, and professionalism while continually enhancing their capabilities.
Addressing the topic of artificial intelligence, Fofana stated that this technology has become indispensable and invited secretaries to adapt to it to keep pace with professional developments. She assured that the People's Legislative Assembly will remain committed to supporting secretaries in strengthening their skills.