Istitlaa puts Saudi Arabia’s government in the hands of the public. Istitlaa is a platform whose primary objective is to facilitate the development of a business model based on consulting the public via a unified public consultation platform. It empowers individuals, government representatives, and private sector stakeholders to provide their comments and suggestions on all current draft laws and regulations.

More than 1200 projects have been submitted to Istitlaa, 450 of which were in 2023. By covering laws, regulations, procedures, agreements, guidelines, and standards, the platform has already facilitated the exchange of 50 thousand comments with relevant government entities. With 8 million visitors and 140 thousand registered accounts, Istitlaa has become a vital channel for civic engagement in the country.

The platform's impact has been tangible, with the feedback received from the public, private sector, and government entities driving changes in different laws and regulations. Istitlaa is responsible for managing the legislative process, thereby preventing overlaps in the functions of government entities. It has fostered a more stable, inclusive, and transparent legislative and regulatory environment, promoting civic engagement, which is also reflected in the country's performance in international indicators. The platform’s content and the undertaken awareness campaigns have given the public more information and knowledge on current and past deliberations on laws and regulations within the country. International agencies have already shared their input on drafted laws and regulations via the platform. Therefore, Istitlaa stands as a beacon of participatory governance, embodying the values and goals of transparency, responsiveness, and collaboration in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia.

https://istitlaa.ncc.gov.sa/en/

• Saudi Arabia

A public consultation platform, as demonstrated by Istitlaa, can be replicable in any country seeking to enhance civic engagement in governance. The implementation involves creating a government platform for uploading projects and drafting laws while encouraging public participation in offering comments and feedback, mirroring the success of Istitlaa.

Replication efforts should include the development of a robust public consultation culture, similar to the awareness campaigns conducted in Saudi Arabia for Istitlaa. These campaigns can occur through various channels, including YouTube tutorials, news articles, and government website announcements, to educate the public on platform usage and benefits.

The steps followed by Istitlaa’s implementation could also be replicated. These include publishing project proposals on the platform, collecting and recording public feedback, and sharing a summarized version of opinions with government entities. Guidelines and models for drafting amendments further enhance replicability while promoting a culture of consultation and providing a structured pathway for public input.

In essence, a public consultation platform, as exemplified by Istitlaa, serves as a global blueprint for fostering transparent, participatory governance and empowering citizens to contribute meaningfully to the legislative process.

The sustainability of Istitlaa relies not only on a long-term commitment and endorsement by the country’s leadership but also on a strategic vision for continuous development. Its objectives include doubling the submission of draft laws and regulations, increasing the number of registered users, and amplifying the feedback shared on the platform. This growth plan serves as a confirmation of its dedication to fostering a prosperous public consultation culture.

In 2024, an awareness campaign will focus on Istitlaa’s achievements since its launch, laying the foundation for future campaigns that aspire to position Istitlaa as the foremost global public consultation platform. Furthermore, international recognition and collaboration are integral to the Istitlaa’s sustainability strategy. By gathering feedback from various international agencies and companies, Istitlaa aims to enhance how it incorporates diverse perspectives and best practices further. Istitlaa is a project that acknowledges the importance of shared knowledge, embracing a collaborative philosophy. Thus, by learning from international experiences, this project continually refines its platform, applying global best practices to the nation’s lawmaking processes, aiming to continue to achieve increasingly ambitious targets in a sustained manner.

As Istitlaa evolves, it not only reinforces its impact on Saudi Arabia’s governance but also envisions a future where it becomes an internationally recognized promoter of civic engagement, leveraging international collaboration and continuous improvement.

Istitlaa is inherently aligned with multiple WSIS values, significantly contributing to shared responsibility and equality within our community. The essence of shared responsibility is realized through a streamlined feedback process that actively engages citizens and residents in shaping legislative deliberations. The platform provides a direct channel for individuals to share their perspectives on proposed projects, fostering a sense of collective responsibility in the governance process. The platform’s design ensures equality by providing open access to all Saudi residents, promoting an inclusive digital space where every citizen has an equal opportunity to view, interact, and contribute. This commitment to equality extends beyond access. It spurs active participation, reinforcing that everyone can contribute to outlining the legislative landscape. Istitlaa is a pillar of enhancing e-government practices in the Kingdom, aligning consistently with Saudi Arabia’s digital government strategy. By hosting the platform online and ensuring accessibility for all residents, the project exemplifies the transformative and innovative approach to governance outlined in the national strategy, enhancing transparency and empowering citizens to engage with the government in the digital space. Furthermore, the project’s continuous growth plans, ambitious goals, and sustainability also contribute to the sustainability of these WSIS values. Doubling the number of submitted projects, increasing registered users, and welcoming international input showcase a commitment to ongoing improvement and collaboration, aligning with the dynamic and evolving nature of WSIS values. In essence, Istitlaa goes beyond being a platform; it is a catalyst for shared responsibility, equality, and the advancement of a Digital Government in Saudi Arabia, incorporating the principles of WSIS in the context of participation and engagement.