IT Role for Achieving Sustainable Development

The Role of IT in Achieving the the Sustainable Development Goals

Information technology in general, and e-services and communication technologies in particular play an active role in establishing the concept of sustainable development. Technology has led to strengthening research and development activities, improving the performance of government and private institutions, and developing new administrative and institutional centres such as smart cities and technology incubators and accelerators. It also stimulates economic growth and employment which leads to poverty reduction, and sets plans and programs aimed at transforming towards information society and achieving the ambitious goals of the National Transformation Program. Moreover, such modern technology has contributed to provide information, accessibility and respond to citizens' inquiries, which has helped to improve the services provided by the ministry and thus improve productivity in order to achieve the comprehensive goals of sustainable development.

With such insignificant strides made in the technical field and electronic transaction, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has provided a modern technical infrastructure and launched e-services. This indicates its commitment to achieve the strategic objectives of National Transformation Program 2020 that focuses on effective digital transformation and increasing the number of e-services provided to citizens.

The attention given by Department of Information Technology in the ministry to these desired objectives led to the following achievements:

• Developing a set of e-Government services by applying the latest global technologies and focusing on expanding the concept of service excellence.

• Providing e-services and simplifying the usage procedures by establishing a unified service window through the ministry's e-portal.

• Activating the e-Government Program by adopting comprehensive transformation methods in the application of e-government services and providing advanced services.

• Developing the infrastructure to support the e-transition plan for the ministry's systems and services and building a comprehensive database to be shared with other government agencies.

The ministry's e-services applies the best global practices and simplify the procedures of such e-services to be accessible to users, and to improve the efficiency of the work.

An overview of some e-services provided in several fields and their role in achieving the objectives of sustainable development:

Water Sector e-Services

Service

service Description

Impact on Sustainable Development

Issuing Water Drilling License

This service allows beneficiaries (Individuals, government entities, companies) to apply for issuing a license for dug wells and drilled wells.

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field.

• Enable easy access to Ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services provided.

• Activating the e-government program and adopting a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

• Conserving water, making use of it as a national wealth, and reducing water waste.

• Managing strategic groundwater reserve for sustainable development and preventing its depletion.

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

Social dimension:

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

• Enhancing cooperation among government authorities to update and maintain quality of data.

• Developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Raising the quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

Updating Water Well Drilling License

This service allows applicants to update information of the application submitted for water well drilling license.

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field.

• Enable easy access to Ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services provided.

• Activating the e-government program and adopting a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

• Conserving water, making use of it as a national wealth, and reducing water waste.

• Managing strategic groundwater reserve for sustainable development and preventing its depletion.

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

Social dimension:

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

• Enhancing cooperation among government authorities to update and maintain quality of data.

• Developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Raising the quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

Renewal of Water Well Drilling Licens

This service allows beneficiaries (Individuals, government entities, companies) to apply for renewing expired drilled wells drilling license or dug well drilling license

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field.

• Enable easy access to Ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services provided.

• Activating the e-government program and adopting a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

• Conserving water, making use of it as a national wealth, and reducing water waste.

• Managing strategic groundwater reserve for sustainable development and preventing its depletion.

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

Social dimension:

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

• Enhancing cooperation among government authorities to update and maintain quality of data.

• Developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Raising the quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

serving natural resources.

Inquiry about Water Well Drilling License Applications

This service allows applicants to inquire about application submitted for issuance water well drilling license license

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field.

• Enable easy access to Ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services provided.

• Activating the e-government program and adopting a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

• Conserving water, making use of it as a national wealth, and reducing water waste.

• Managing strategic groundwater reserve for sustainable development and preventing its depletion.

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

Social dimension:

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

• Enhancing cooperation among government authorities to update and maintain quality of data.

• Developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Raising the quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

Issuing License for Contractors of Drilling Drilled Wells

This service allows contractors to apply for issuing License for Contractors of Drilling Drilled Wells

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field.

• Enable easy access to Ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services provided.

• Activating the e-government program and adopting a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

• Conserving water, making use of it as a national wealth, and reducing water waste.

• Managing strategic groundwater reserve for sustainable development and preventing its depletion.

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

Social dimension:

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

• Enhancing cooperation among government authorities to update and maintain quality of data.

• Developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Raising the quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

ssuing License for Contractors of Drilling Dug Wells

This service allows contractors to apply for issuing License for Contractors of Drilling Dug Wells

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field.

• Enable easy access to Ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services provided.

• Activating the e-government program and adopting a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

• Conserving water, making use of it as a national wealth, and reducing water waste.

• Managing strategic groundwater reserve for sustainable development and preventing its depletion.

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

Social dimension:

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

• Enhancing cooperation among government authorities to update and maintain quality of data.

• Developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Raising the quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

Updating of License for Contractors of Drilling Drilled Wells

This service allows contractors to update details of application submitted for issuing License for Contractors of Drilling Drilled Wells

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field.

• Enable easy access to Ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services provided.

• Activating the e-government program and adopting a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

• Conserving water, making use of it as a national wealth, and reducing water waste.

• Managing strategic groundwater reserve for sustainable development and preventing its depletion.

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

Social dimension:

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

• Enhancing cooperation among government authorities to update and maintain quality of data.

• Developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Raising the quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

Updating of License for Contractors of Drilling Dug Wells

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field.

• Enable easy access to Ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services provided.

• Activating the e-government program and adopting a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

• Conserving water, making use of it as a national wealth, and reducing water waste.

• Managing strategic groundwater reserve for sustainable development and preventing its depletion.

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

Social dimension:

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

• Enhancing cooperation among government authorities to update and maintain quality of data.

• Developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Raising the quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

Renewal Application for License for Contractors of Drilling Drilled Wells

This service allows contractors to renew License for Contractors of Drilling Drilled Wells

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field.

• Enable easy access to Ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services provided.

• Activating the e-government program and adopting a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

• Conserving water, making use of it as a national wealth, and reducing water waste.

• Managing strategic groundwater reserve for sustainable development and preventing its depletion.

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

Social dimension:

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

• Enhancing cooperation among government authorities to update and maintain quality of data.

• Developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Raising the quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

Agriculture Sector e-Services

Service	Service Description	Impact on Sustainable Development
Importing Fertilizers	Application for Permit to Import Fertilizers service is provided by the Ministry through the Department of Agricultural Services. This service is provided for companies wishing to import fertilizers from other countries. When applying to this service, we will ensure that transaction data is checked and verified, all the relevant criteria are met, and that the fertilizers to be imported are registered in the system and are not prohibited	Economic dimension: • Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field to deliver excellent services. • Launching this service to enable easy access to ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services offered to companies. • Launching the e-government program and developing a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030. • Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption. • Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services. • Developing a strong central infrastructure for electronic transformation which is needed to develop and promote the IT sector in the Ministry and establishing a shared database for public sector employees. Environmental dimension: • Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources. • Ensuring the security of Saudi Arabia's vital resources and preventing the entry of environmental hazardous substances. Social dimension: • Continuing to strengthen cooperation among government institutions to maintain data quality. • Provide the required information and services with high accuracy in a timely manner by developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time. • Promoting transparency and accountability through open data. • Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities. • Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.
Importing Seed / Seedlings	Application for Permit to Import Seed and Seedlings service is provided by the Ministry through the Department of Plant Services. This service is provided for companies wishing to import seed and seedlings from other countries. When applying to this service, we will ensure that transaction data is checked and verified, all the relevant criteria are met, and that the seed and seedlings to be imported are registered in the system and are not prohibited. Application for Permit to Import Seed and Seedlings service is provided by the Ministry through the Department of Plant Services. This service is provided for companies wishing to import seed and seedlings from other countries. When applying to this service, we will ensure that transaction data is checked and verified, all the relevant criteria are met, and that the seed and seedlings to be imported are registered in the system and are not prohibited.	Economic dimension: • Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field to deliver excellent services. • Launching this service to enable easy access to ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services offered to companies. • Launching the e-government program and developing a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030. • Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption. • Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services. • Developing a strong central infrastructure for electronic transformation which is needed to develop and promote the IT sector in the Ministry and establishing a shared database for public sector employees. Environmental dimension: • Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources. • Ensuring the security of Saudi Arabia's vital resources and preventing the entry of environmental hazardous substances. Social dimension: • Continuing to strengthen cooperation among government institutions to maintain data quality. • Provide the required information and services with high accuracy in a timely manner by developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time. • Promoting transparency and accountability through open data. • Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities. • Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

Service

Service Description

Impact on Sustainable Development

Importing Fertilizers

Application for Permit to Import Fertilizers service is provided by the Ministry through the Department of Agricultural Services.

This service is provided for companies wishing to import fertilizers from other countries. When applying to this service, we will ensure that transaction data is checked and verified, all the relevant criteria are met, and that the fertilizers to be imported are registered in the system and are not prohibited

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field to deliver excellent services.

• Launching this service to enable easy access to ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services offered to companies.

• Launching the e-government program and developing a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

• Developing a strong central infrastructure for electronic transformation which is needed to develop and promote the IT sector in the Ministry and establishing a shared database for public sector employees.

Environmental dimension:

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

• Ensuring the security of Saudi Arabia's vital resources and preventing the entry of environmental hazardous substances.

Social dimension:

• Continuing to strengthen cooperation among government institutions to maintain data quality.

• Provide the required information and services with high accuracy in a timely manner by developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Promoting transparency and accountability through open data.

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

Importing Seed / Seedlings

Application for Permit to Import Seed and Seedlings service is provided by the Ministry through the Department of Plant Services.

This service is provided for companies wishing to import seed and seedlings from other countries. When applying to this service, we will ensure that transaction data is checked and verified, all the relevant criteria are met, and that the seed and seedlings to be imported are registered in the system and are not prohibited.

Application for Permit to Import Seed and Seedlings service is provided by the Ministry through the Department of Plant Services.

Economic dimension:

• Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field to deliver excellent services.

• Launching this service to enable easy access to ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services offered to companies.

• Launching the e-government program and developing a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

• Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

• Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

• Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

• Ensuring the security of Saudi Arabia's vital resources and preventing the entry of environmental hazardous substances.

Social dimension:

• Continuing to strengthen cooperation among government institutions to maintain data quality.

• Provide the required information and services with high accuracy in a timely manner by developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

• Promoting transparency and accountability through open data.

• Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

Importing Pesticides

Application for Permit to Import Pesticides service is provided by the Ministry through the Department of Agricultural Services.

This service is provided for companies wishing to import pesticides from other countries. When applying to this service, we will ensure that transaction data is checked and verified, all the relevant criteria are met, and that the pesticides to be imported are registered in the system and are not prohibited.

Economic dimension:

· Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field to deliver excellent services.

· Launching this service to enable easy access to ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services offered to companies.

· Launching the e-government program and developing a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

· Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

· Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

· Developing a strong central infrastructure for electronic transformation which is needed to develop and promote the IT sector in the Ministry and establishing a shared database for public sector employees.

Environmental dimension:

· Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

· Ensuring the security of Saudi Arabia's vital resources and preventing the entry of environmental hazardous substances.

Social dimension:

· Continuing to strengthen cooperation among government institutions to maintain data quality.

Provide the required information and services with high accuracy in a timely manner by developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

· Promoting transparency and accountability through open data.

· Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

· Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

Exporting Seed /Seedlings

Application for Permit to Export Seed and Seedlings service is provided by the Ministry through the Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine.

This service is provided for companies wishing to export seed and seedlings to other countries. When applying to this service, we will ensure that transaction data is checked and verified, all the relevant criteria are met, and that the seed and seedlings to be exported are registered in the system and are not prohibited.

Economic dimension:

· Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field to deliver excellent services.

· Launching this service to enable easy access to ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services offered to companies.

· Launching the e-government program and developing a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

· Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

· Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

· Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

· Ensuring the security of Saudi Arabia's vital resources and preventing the entry of environmental hazardous substances.

Social dimension:

· Continuing to strengthen cooperation among government institutions to maintain data quality.

Provide the required information and services with high accuracy in a timely manner by developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

· Promoting transparency and accountability through open data.

· Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

· Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

Clearance of Seed/Seedlings Consignments

Application for Clearance Permit for Seed and Seedlings service is provided by the Ministry through the Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine.

This service is provided for companies wishing to obtain Clearance Permit for seed and seedlings consignments which were authorized to be imported in accordance with the Import Permit issued. When applying to this service, we will ensure that transaction data is checked and verified, all the relevant criteria are met, and that the seed and seedlings to be cleared are registered in the system and are not prohibited.

Economic dimension:

· Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field to deliver excellent services.

· Launching this service to enable easy access to ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services offered to companies.

· Launching the e-government program and developing a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

· Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

· Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

· Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

· Ensuring the security of Saudi Arabia's vital resources and preventing the entry of environmental hazardous substances.

Social dimension:

· Continuing to strengthen cooperation among government institutions to maintain data quality.

Provide the required information and services with high accuracy in a timely manner by developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

· Promoting transparency and accountability through open data.

· Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

· Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

Clearance of Pesticides Consignments

Application for Clearance Permit for Pesticides service is provided by the Ministry through the Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine.

This service is provided for companies wishing to obtain Clearance Permit for pesticides consignments which were authorized to be imported in accordance with the Import Permit issued. When applying to this service, we will ensure that transaction data is checked and verified, all the relevant criteria are met, and that the pesticides to be cleared are registered in the system and are not prohibited.

Economic dimension:

· Improving government services through the application of best international practices in this field to deliver excellent services.

· Launching this service to enable easy access to ministry's services for users and establishing a unified hub for all services offered to companies.

· Launching the e-government program and developing a comprehensive approach to service delivery in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

· Reducing costs by reducing paper consumption.

· Raising the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies and focusing on the satisfaction of the recipients of government services.

Environmental dimension:

· Reducing paper consumption and preserving natural resources.

· Ensuring the security of Saudi Arabia's vital resources and preventing the entry of environmental hazardous substances.

Social dimension:

· Continuing to strengthen cooperation among government institutions to maintain data quality.

Provide the required information and services with high accuracy in a timely manner by developing technology tools to accelerate work completion rate and save time.

· Promoting transparency and accountability through open data.

· Reducing burden on the Ministry by minimising workload and distributing roles and responsibilities.

· Facilitating procedures for the citizens to save time and efforts.

Sustainable Development

ITSustainable

Water Sector e-Services

Agriculture Sector e-Services

Keywords

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