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Nominee Information

Institutional Information
Member State Saudi Arabia
Institution Name National Digital Transformation Unit
Institution Type Public Agency
Administrative Level National
Name of initiative The National Digital Transformation Unit
Projects Operational Years 2
Website of Institution

Question 1: About the Initiative
Is this a public sector initiative? Yes

Question 2: Categories
Is the initiative relevant to one of the UNPSA categories? Promoting digital transformation in public sector institutions
UNPSACriteria
2018.4.1 Introduces an innovative idea, policy, practice, structure or tool
2018.4.3 Promotes cross-sectoral digital cooperation and understanding
2018.4.4 Ensures equal access to public services and citizen engagement
2018.4.5 Improves public sector workforce skills and productivity
2018.4.6 Improves effectiveness, efficiency, openness, and accountability

Question 3: Sustainable Development Goals
Is the initiative relevant to any of the 17 SDG(s)? Yes
If you answered yes above, please specify which SDG is the most relevant to the initiative. (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 3: Good Health
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Which target(s) within the SDGs specified above is the initiative relevant to? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
.
1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
1.a Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions
1.b Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions
3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
3.6 By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents
3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
3.c Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States
4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
4.2 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education
4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
4.a Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all
4.c By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States
5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
5.6 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences
5.b Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women
5.c Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels
8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries
8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
8.4 Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead
8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
8.10 Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
9.3 Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
9.a Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States
9.c Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020
10.1 By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average
10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
10.4 Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
10.5 Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulations
10.c By 2030, reduce to less than 3 per cent the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5 per cent
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
16.3 Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
16.5 Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
16.9 By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration
16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements

Question 4: Implementation Date
Has the initiative been implemented for two or more years Yes
Please provide date of implemenation (dd/MM/yyyy) 01 Nov 2016

Question 5: Partners
Has the United Nations or any UN agencies been involved in this initiative? No
Which UN agency was involved? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
Please provide details

Question 6: Supporting documentation
Will you be able to provide supporting documentation for your initiative? Yes

Question 7: UNPSA Awards
Has the initiative already won a UNPS Award? No

Question 8: Other Awards
Has the initiative won other Public Service Awards? No

Question 9: How did you learn about UNPSA?
How did you learn about UNPSA? From a colleague at work.

Question 10: Validation Consent
I give consent to contact relevant persons and entities to inquire about the initiative for validation purpose. No

Question 1: About the Initiative
Is this a public sector initiative? Yes

Question 2: Categories
Is the initiative relevant to one of the UNPSA categories? Promoting digital transformation in public sector institutions
UNPSACriteria
2018.4.1 Introduces an innovative idea, policy, practice, structure or tool
2018.4.3 Promotes cross-sectoral digital cooperation and understanding
2018.4.4 Ensures equal access to public services and citizen engagement
2018.4.5 Improves public sector workforce skills and productivity
2018.4.6 Improves effectiveness, efficiency, openness, and accountability

Question 3: Sustainable Development Goals
Is the initiative relevant to any of the 17 SDG(s)? Yes
If you answered yes above, please specify which SDG is the most relevant to the initiative. (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 3: Good Health
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Which target(s) within the SDGs specified above is the initiative relevant to? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
.
1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
1.a Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions
1.b Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions
3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
3.6 By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents
3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
3.c Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States
4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
4.2 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education
4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
4.a Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all
4.c By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States
5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
5.6 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences
5.b Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women
5.c Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels
8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries
8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
8.4 Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead
8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
8.10 Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
9.3 Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
9.a Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States
9.c Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020
10.1 By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average
10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
10.4 Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
10.5 Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulations
10.c By 2030, reduce to less than 3 per cent the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5 per cent
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
16.3 Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
16.5 Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
16.9 By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration
16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements

Question 4: Implementation Date
Has the initiative been implemented for two or more years Yes
Please provide date of implemenation (dd/MM/yyyy) 01 Nov 2016

Question 5: Partners
Has the United Nations or any UN agencies been involved in this initiative? No
Which UN agency was involved? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
Please provide details

Question 6: Supporting documentation
Will you be able to provide supporting documentation for your initiative? Yes

Question 7: UNPSA Awards
Has the initiative already won a UNPS Award? No

Question 8: Other Awards
Has the initiative won other Public Service Awards? No

Question 9: How did you learn about UNPSA?
How did you learn about UNPSA? From a colleague at work.

Question 10: Validation Consent
I give consent to contact relevant persons and entities to inquire about the initiative for validation purpose. No

Question 1: About the Initiative

Is this a public sector initiative? Yes

Question 2: Categories
Is the initiative relevant to one of the UNPSA categories? Promoting digital transformation in public sector institutions
UNPSACriteria
2018.4.1 Introduces an innovative idea, policy, practice, structure or tool
2018.4.3 Promotes cross-sectoral digital cooperation and understanding
2018.4.4 Ensures equal access to public services and citizen engagement
2018.4.5 Improves public sector workforce skills and productivity
2018.4.6 Improves effectiveness, efficiency, openness, and accountability

Question 3: Implementation Date

Has the initiative been implemented for two or more years Yes
Please provide date of implemenation (dd/MM/yyyy) 01 Nov 2016

Question 4: Partners/Stakeholders

Has the United Nations or any UN agencies been involved in this initiative? No
Which UN agency was involved? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
Please provide details

Question 5: Required Supplemental Documents

Will you be able to provide supporting documentation for your initiative? Yes

Question 6: UNPSA Awards

Has the initiative already won a UNPS Award? No

Question 7: Other Awards

Has the initiative won other Public Service Awards? No

Question 8: Sustainable Development Goals
Is the initiative relevant to any of the 17 SDG(s)? Yes
If you answered yes above, please specify which SDG is the most relevant to the initiative. (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 3: Good Health
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Which target(s) within the SDGs specified above is the initiative relevant to? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
.
1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
1.a Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions
1.b Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions
3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
3.6 By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents
3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
3.c Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States
4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
4.2 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education
4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
4.a Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all
4.c By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States
5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
5.6 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences
5.b Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women
5.c Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels
8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries
8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
8.4 Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead
8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
8.10 Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
9.3 Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
9.a Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States
9.c Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020
10.1 By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average
10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
10.4 Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
10.5 Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulations
10.c By 2030, reduce to less than 3 per cent the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5 per cent
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
16.3 Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
16.5 Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
16.9 By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration
16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements

Question 9: Validation Consent

Do you have any objections to us inquiring about the initiative for validation purposes? No

How did you know about UNPSA?

How did you know about UNPSA? From a colleague at work.

Nomination form

Questions/Answers

Question 1

Please describe the objective of the initiative introduced (200 words maximum)
The National Digital Transformation Unit (NDU) is a government agency established by royal decree in order to catalyze digital transformation efforts on a National level addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). NDU was first incubated under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy and Planning, and eventually became a separate entity with an official national mandate. NDU is to drive digital transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the welfare of vulnerable groups taken into consideration. The latter is in line with Vision 2030, which is heavily aligned with the SDGs. • NDU sees the individual as their ultimate beneficiary, by ensuring coordination among all stakeholders and relevant ecosystems, policy coherence, identifying gaps and hurdles and addressing them. In doing so, socio-economic outcomes are optimized. This is done under the umbrella of the National digital strategy, led and created by NDU. • NDU, through its efforts, strives to put the Kingdom on the world map as a frontier nation in growth driven by digital transformation. One of NDU’s main objectives is to be on par with advanced nations and to be in a position to help less developed countries.

Question 2

Please explain how the initiative is linked to the category and criteria selected (100 words maximum)
NDU regards digital transformation as an enablement tool to create a new paradigm of intelligent sustainable developments as an important factor to shape socio-economic growth of the Kingdom. NDU aims to transform the Kingdom into a forward-looking nation in economy, people, governance, environment, and overall living that always accounts for the vulnerable groups. NDU triggers, guides and measures digital transformation through innovation in policy formulation, coordinates and prioritizes efforts through continuous multi-stakeholder engagements, promotes efficiency and openness through digital technologies and constantly increases levels of inclusiveness and thorough assessments.

Question 3

Please describe in what ways the initiative is contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the SDGs. Specify which SDG(s) it is relevant to. (100 words maximum)
NDU’s engagement is across the whole public sector touching upon all aspects of life, by actively addressing following SDGs: 1;3;4;5;8;9;10;11;12;16. e.g. Goal 4: One of NDU’s activities from the list is Telemedicine. This provides access to quality affordable health care, irrespective of socio-economic class or location within the Kingdom. Goal 3: Another example is NDU’s involvement in introducing virtual schools. The schools in rural areas (suffering from a shortage of qualified teachers), are connected with teachers from all over the Kingdom. The initiative also has a desirable byproduct: reduction of teacher deaths on road accidents while commuting to remote schools.

Question 4

The initiative must have positive impact on a group or groups of the population, especially the vulnerable (i.e. children, women, older persons, people with disabilities, etc.) within the context of your country or region. Please explain how the initiative has addressed a significant shortfall in governance, public administration or public service within the context of a given country or region. (200 words maximum)
NDU regards digital transformation as a tool to bring about sustainable development in the Kingdom. Tackling the issues that face the vulnerable and disadvantaged is therefore a cornerstone of NDU’s mission. Digital technologies can ensure equal access to opportunities to all, eventually allowing for social mobility and improving lives. NDU ensures the right policies are promoted, ushering in better, more inclusive, digitally enabled services that are accessible, efficient, savings-generating, open, sustainable and catering to all different sectors of society. Virtual Schools: The virtual schools project tackles the logistical issues of providing quality education, facing vulnerable groups especially children, women and the elderly in remote and rural areas. In doing so, access is ensured and fatalities from road accidents while commuting to and from schools are minimized. e-Literacy for Children and Women: NDU believes digital literacy is essential to inclusion in the digital economy and society. NDU places great emphasis on ensuring that vulnerable groups (children and women) are equipped with strong foundations for digital skills. Prompting readiness of said vulnerable groups not only to adapt to the digital age, but also to partake in In light of the latter, NDU is involved in regular e-Literacy programs for Children and Women.

Question 5

a. Please explain in which way the initiative is innovative in the context of your country or region (100 words maximum)
The innovation is in the creation of an entity to orchestrate the whole of government efforts to propagate SDGs into society, using digital transformation. This is being done with the notion of the beneficiary being the individual and not the institution. This new coordinated, comprehensive approach will engender tangible socio-economic impact on the individual and thus addressing the specified SDGs.
b. Please describe if the innovation is original or if it is an adaptation from other contexts (100 words maximum)
The approach is not original per se. The design of the initiative was comprised of an international benchmarking exercise for global best practices, input and cooperation from all stakeholders and an exercise to customize the approach to the local context. This resulted in the creation of a locally applicable hybrid that addresses the needs of the Kingdom, while being on par with international trends and best practices. NDU’s strategy was designed with flexibility and agility in mind, it was therefore easy to adapt, adhere to and address SDGs.

Question 6

Has the initiative been transferred and adapted to in other contexts (e.g. other cities, countries or regions) to your organization’s knowledge? If yes, please explain (100 words maximum)
Yes, NDU covers the entire kingdom. However, several local government authorities followed suit and created their own specialized adaptation of a digital transformation function within their entities. The Ministry of Civil Service currently has a Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation; the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education have recently created Digital Transformation units. Regionally, The Sultanate of Oman created an information Technology Authority to transform Oman into a sustainable knowledge society. Additionally, Kuwait adopted a digital transformation strategy as a vital component of the overall strategy of the country.

Question 7

a. What resources (i.e. financial, human or others) were used to implement the initiative? (100 words maximum)
NDU has an annually allocated budget of 34 million USD, guaranteed by royal decree to carry out its functions. The budget was used to hire the right resources, procure headquarters, carry out roles and responsibilities, engagements and execute pilot studies. Moreover, NDU has access to 10 key ministers and 2 senior government officials, for consultations and escalations (when necessary).
b. Please describe whether and how the initiative is sustainable (covering the social, economic and environmental aspects) (200 words maximum)
NDU was established as a permanent government agency. It is government funded, thus sustainable. It is designed to assist and contribute together with governmental entities in achieving a higher level of maturity and sustainability through adoption of digital transformation. In doing so, growth is inclusive of vulnerable groups, access to basic services is extended and addressing of SDGs is maximized.

Question 8

a. Has the initiative been formally evaluated either through internal or external evaluation?
Yes
By the National Centre for Performance Measurement, of the digital economy's contribution to non-oil GDP. Additionally, NDU prepares quarterly progress and achievements reports for the National Digital Transformation Committee.
b. Please describe the indicators that were used (100 words maximum)
The main two indicators that NDU is evaluated on are 1- Share of digital economy contribution to Non-Oil GDP by the National Centre for Performance Measurement; and 2- United Nations e-Government Index score. Moreover, NDU’s performance is primarily measured through the level of digital transformation maturity of other government entities, as it is a sine qua non of NDU’s mandate to guide the process of digital transformation on a national level.
c. Please describe the outcome of the evaluation (100 words maximum)
The outcome of the evaluation is to increase and deepen the scope of NDU, and directly measure the contribution in addressing SDGs and related indices.

Question 9

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development puts emphasis on collaboration, engagement, coordination, partnerships, and inclusion. Please describe what and how stakeholders were engaged in designing, implementing and evaluating the initiative. Please also highlight their roles and contributions (200 words maximum)
NDU’s inception was the result of a sense of urgency among decision makers from various sectors of the government, who sit on the Council for Economic and Developmental Affairs – CEDA. A Digital Transformation Acceleration Committee was establish by CEDA decree, which in turn resulted in the incubation of NDU under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy and Planning. The incubated NDU produced a proposal for a National Digital Transformation Governance, through a series of stakeholder engagements exercises with all relevant entities. The stakeholders involved provided their input based on rigorous research and data gathering and outreach. The proposal was comprised of three main action items: 1- Widening the scope of NDU; 2- Creating a larger Committee for Digital Transformation, from which NDU can derive more authority; and 3- Transforming NDU into a separate entity. The governance structure was raised to the King of Saudi Arabia, who then approved it and issued a Royal Decree calling for all three aforementioned action items.

Question 10

Please describe the key lessons learned, and any view you have on how to further improve the initiative (100 words maximum)
• More structured, targeted and thorough assessment exercises of SDG targets through NDU activities. • Increasing innovative initiatives that more comprehensively address and serve the SDGs • Lead the propagation of SDGs throughout the Kingdom (and ensure all entities align with SDG outcomes through as many initiatives as possible) • Put further emphasis on more inclusive decision-making by increasing participation of vulnerable groups in co-creating innovative services that directly addresses the SDGs.

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