Hassan Al-Sayed, Assistant Secretary General of ictQATAR said, "The rise in the rankings demonstrates Qatar's prioritization of making our government more responsive and transparent for those its serves through an integrated e-Government strategy. We are delighted with the progress we are making, but we are just at the beginning. We intend to further our progress and work towards making Qatar's e-government a world leader in accessibility and user friendliness."
Hukoomi, the Qatari Government's Portal, was commended in the report for undertaking to expand citizen centric services, which was reflected in the raising of Qatar's global rankings. Hukoomi was highlighted as a case study in the Survey for excellence in integration of e-services across government agencies and functions. These online services include visa applications, payment for utilities, settlement of traffic violations and renewal of health cards, among others. Hukoomi's easy access to more than 100 topics and articles relating to Qatari law and society were noted as a significant accomplishment in the case study, as well as its direct integration to sub-portals, including e-tendering.
The UN Survey highlights Qatar's strategy, which is being coordinated by ictQATAR, to develop a strategic plan for the implementation of an integrated government program. The plan aims to provide an enabling ICT environment through legislation, policies, guidelines and standards, such as the e-commerce law, security policy, and data protection policy. It addresses ICT 'readiness' by offering e-services through a unified system of government networks; aims to provide a centralized, secure, government data center and a payment platform; and seeks to improve usage by increasing the number of e-services such as businesses' registration, visa services and resident permits.
The 2012 edition of the United Nations e-Government Survey, titled E-Government for People, is compiled by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in order to measure the performance of e-government in its member states. The main purpose of the Survey is to assess whether countries are deploying e-government for inclusion-for-all. The online service index measures development of online service delivery to citizens and businesses through the Internet and other digital means while the e-Participation index is indicative on how governments create an environment in which citizens can be more active and supportive of their governments.
The full United Nations e-Government Survey can be viewed online here.
In addition to the praise received in the UN report, Hukoomi was also recently recognized by Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center), a non-profit organization that aims to empower people with disabilities through ICT's, as being the most accessible website in Qatar for 2012. They declared Hukoomi the winner of the e-accessibility award at QITCOM 2012 that took place at the Qatar National Convention Center March 5-7, 2012.
ABOUT ictQATAR
The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) connects people to the technologies that enrich their lives, drive economic development and inspire confidence in the future. ictQATAR is entrusted with two primary authorities: as the country's independent and fair regulator of the telecommunications market, and as the government body that nurtures innovative technologies to benefit those who live and work in Qatar.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Brian Wesolowski; Zakaria Fawzy
Quelle/Source: Zawya, 14.03.2012
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