Digital Transformation in the Ukrainian Parliamentary System: Progress and Impact
About the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Written on September, 2021
Introduction
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has embarked on a journey, adopting innovative solutions and methodological approaches to ensure the continuous and effective functioning of the legislative body in the face of unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This essay will delve into the specific digital transformation initiatives undertaken in Ukraine, their impact on the legislative process, and the potential for future developments.
Digital Transformation Initiatives in Ukraine
The establishment of the Committee on Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Digital Transformation in 2019 marked the beginning of Ukraine's concerted effort to embrace digital transformation in governance. Several noteworthy achievements have been made in recent years. One major development is the creation of a comprehensive portal and a mobile application, "I am the State," which caters to the needs of over 10 million Ukrainian citizens. These platforms facilitate access to essential government services, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and increase transparency in the public sector.
Another groundbreaking move is the implementation of digital passports, which have the same legal force as paper ones in Ukraine. This innovative decision streamlined the identification process, improved security, and significantly reduced the risk of forgery. Furthermore, in an effort to bridge the digital divide, over 2.5 million Ukrainians gained access to high-speed internet for the first time. This massive expansion in connectivity has enabled citizens to access online services, educational resources, and remote work opportunities. Recognizing the importance of digital literacy in the modern world, one million Ukrainian citizens were provided with the necessary resources and training to acquire essential digital skills, empowering them to navigate the digital landscape confidently.
The Verkhovna Rada's Shift to Digital Processes
The pandemic necessitated a swift transition to digital processes within the Verkhovna Rada, ensuring the seamless functioning of the legislative body under quarantine conditions. This shift involved the introduction of several electronic systems, such as a single automated system for working with documents, which facilitated the creation and registration of numerous electronic draft laws and documents, including committee conclusions, comparative tables, and legal department comments.
An electronic committee meeting system was also implemented to enable remote preparation and holding of meetings, transforming the virtual workplace of the people's deputies into a full-fledged digital platform. Integration with the state-wide system of electronic interaction allowed members of parliament to exercise their control function remotely, with a significant number of parliamentary requests sent to various ministries and departments during the pandemic. These digital systems were well protected by hardware and software solutions, including the use of qualified electronic signatures and national data encryption standards.
Increasing Public Engagement
The digital transformation of the Verkhovna Rada has also led to an increase in public engagement. By adopting digital solutions, the legislative body has facilitated greater public involvement in the democratic process. The number of registered users for popular electronic services, such as electronic petitions and public discussions of bills, has grown significantly, demonstrating the increased interest and involvement of citizens in the legislative process. Additionally, the Verkhovna Rada organized online tours and educational events for students, schoolchildren, and teachers, reaching thousands of participants. These initiatives have fostered a deeper understanding of the workings of the legislative body and promoted civic education.
Future Developments
Several new digital services are currently in development. One such service is the online registration service for visiting the parliament, which will streamline the process of registering visitors and enhance security measures. An online platform for consultation with local self-government bodies is also in the works, set to improve communication and collaboration between the Verkhovna Rada and local authorities.
The digital transformation initiatives undertaken by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine have successfully facilitated the seamless functioning of the legislative body amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The adoption of digital tools and processes has not only streamlined the functioning of the Verkhovna Rada but also fostered increased public engagement and accessibility of government services for the citizens of Ukraine.
The implementation of digital passports, high-speed internet access, digital literacy programs, and electronic systems for document management and committee meetings has positively impacted the legislative process and the lives of Ukrainian citizens. These developments have helped bridge the digital divide, increased transparency, and improved the overall efficiency of the parliamentary system.
Looking forward, the continued commitment to digital transformation will ensure that the Verkhovna Rada stays agile and adaptive in the face of future challenges. As new digital services and platforms are developed, it is crucial for the Ukrainian government to remain focused on enhancing public engagement, fostering civic education, and promoting transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
Conclusion
The digital transformation in the Ukrainian parliamentary system serves as a shining example of how technology can enhance democracy, improve efficiency, and facilitate more inclusive participation in the legislative process. It is a model that other parliaments around the world can learn from and adapt to their specific contexts, to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach every citizen and contribute to the continued strengthening of democratic institutions.