As a leading hub for technological innovation, Qatar is transitioning towards a knowledge-based and digital-first economy. The establishment of the Steering Committee for Smart Government and Digital Leadership by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is part of Qatar’s efforts to achieve governmental excellence, which is a primary goal of the Third National Development Strategy. This is accomplished through promoting a digital government model based on excellence and innovation, and leveraging it across various sectors to support sustainable development, thus contributing to the achievement of the Qatar National Vision 2030. The Committee aims to provide overall oversight for the implementation of the Digital Government Strategy and to coordinate efforts among ministries, other government bodies, public institutions, and non-governmental organisations regarding programs and projects related to digital government, ensuring integration among these initiatives. It is responsible for approving the executive plans derived from the Digital Government Strategy, endorsing digital initiatives, projects, and programs related to the strategy, issuing decisions and policies that ensure the optimal implementation of the strategy, achieving leadership in the field of digital government, and enhancing its contribution to economic and social areas. The National Development Strategy 3 (NDS3) launched in January 2024 establishes the strategic priorities and overarching framework for the next phase of Qatar’s development from 2024-2030. Last year, Qatar achieved remarkable progress in the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) 2024 by moving from the 78th place to the 53rd among 193 other countries. This composite index, published by the Economic and Social Affairs Department of the United Nations, measures the success of governments in using e-services to improve the lives of individuals and companies, in addition to evaluating the comprehensive development of e-governments worldwide. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the National Planning Council, the Communications Regulatory Authority, and other government entities implemented 29 integrated projects across six main pillars. This aims at positioning Qatar in top rankings within the index by 2030, in line with the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030 that seeks to develop an advanced, sustainable digital infrastructure and achieve comprehensive digital transformation that enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of online services in Qatar.
