Public Policy Document

The General Framework for Adopting Sustainable Digital Transformation was issued in 2024 as a guiding policy to integrate sustainability principles into all activities and initiatives of digital transformation within government entities in the UAE. This strategic step aims to enhance sustainable digital readiness in the UAE. 

The launch of the framework is a result of directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, extending the "Year of Sustainability" to include 2024. This builds upon the successes achieved in 2023 and contributes to the UAE’s commitments to combat the impacts of climate change and its aspirations for a sustainable future enhanced by future technologies and digital transformation across all sectors.
The framework includes guiding principles across 8 pillars to guide public entities in achieving a balance between technological advancement, environmental protection, and a sustainable digital future. These pillars encompass initiatives such as the paperless government, cashless government project, green data centers and cloud computing, sustainable digital procurement, green websites, applications and software, sustainable management of digital devices, sustainable digital transformation skills, and sustainable digital collaboration tools.
 

1. Implementing the principles of digital sustainability across all digital transformation initiatives and activities to enhance governmental digital readiness and excellence. This includes focusing on new work methods that enable government entities to effectively invest in green technology opportunities.
2. Supporting the UAE’s sustainable development efforts and establishing a global benchmark in digital sustainability.
    

1. Paperless Government: 
   • Enhancing the transition to digital services and operations to reduce the use of paper documents and minimize environmental impact.
2. Cashless Government: 
   • Providing seamless digital payment solutions suitable for all segments of society, thereby reducing the need for visits to service centers.
3. Green Data Centers and Cloud Computing: 
   • Encouraging engagement with data centers and cloud service providers committed to sustainability, energy efficiency, and resource conservation to minimize environmental impacts.
4. Sustainable Digital Products and Services Procurement: 
   • Establishing sustainability standards in procurement processes and contracts with digital suppliers.
5. Green Websites, Applications, and Software: 
   • Adopting sustainable design practices for websites and applications, in addition to developing reusable software, such as open-source software and APIs.
6. Digital Devices: 
   • Adopting circular economy principles in managing digital devices and focusing on reuse and responsible disposal of electronic waste.
7. Sustainable Digital Collaboration Tools: 
   • Enhancing the use of digital collaboration tools to reduce environmental impact of in-person meetings, commuting, and travel.
8. Sustainable Digital Transformation Skills: 
   • Developing training programs that focus on sustainable practices in digital transformation.
      

1. Enhancing the UAE's global standing in sustainability and sustainable digital transformation.
2. Contributing to mitigating the impacts of climate change and achieving climate neutrality for the UAE.
3. Strengthening government efficiency through sustainable public digital transformation.
4. Reducing and managing the environmental impact of government digital transformation initiatives.
    

Federal Government Entities and community members.