Philip McGrath’s background as a Senior Governance Specialist with the World Bank’s Governance Global Practice, based in Washington DC, makes him uniquely qualified to address how artificial intelligence can safely transition into real public-service delivery.

While on secondment from the Irish Civil Service, his global research focuses extensively on the deployment frameworks and best practices required for scaling responsible AI adoption in public institutions, directly addressing critical panel considerations like governance, skills shortages, accountability, and navigating the expanding international digital divide.

Philip’s expertise is deeply anchored in local realities. Previously, he led the delivery of Ireland’s public service transformation programme at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

Philip pioneered emerging technology policies—including initial AI and robotics deployments—and championing a user-centric digital transformation strategy.

His hybrid experience managing high-level international digital strategy alongside hands-on national reform gives him a rare, 360-degree vantage point on how to practically align systemic governance with a government’s broader transformation goals.

Earlier in his career, he worked in Ireland’s Department of Justice in a number of operational roles.