In June, Ukraine made headlines by becoming the first country to offer online marriage ceremonies, with Roman Lozynskyi, a parliament member, and Svitlana Kisilova, a university lecturer, becoming the first couple to wed through the Diia app. This service is part of Ukraine’s broader digital initiative, which aims to simplify access to public services by enabling citizens to handle essential tasks, such as obtaining ID cards, passports, and driver’s licenses, through a single platform. Since its launch, the service has seen significant uptake, with over 30,000 couples registering for online marriages, reflecting a growing public trust in digital services.
Diia’s functionality extends beyond personal documentation; it serves as a critical tool for both individuals and businesses to access various public services. The platform’s success is closely monitored worldwide, as Ukraine continues to develop its digital identity system while addressing the broader challenges posed by ongoing external threats. The app’s ability to maintain operations and support citizens during difficult times is particularly noteworthy.
Building Robust Digital Infrastructure Amidst Adversity
The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the vital role that digital infrastructure plays in maintaining the functionality of government services during crises. According to the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank, Ukraine’s advancements in digital technology, particularly through the Diia app, have been instrumental in ensuring continuity and resilience. Diia has quickly adapted to the needs of the current situation, offering services such as financial aid, property damage registration, and even tools for citizens to contribute to national defense efforts.
Platforms like Trembita, a decentralized government data exchange system, facilitated these developments by ensuring secure data flow between various government entities. The combination of Trembita and Diia has enabled Ukraine to maintain a level of service provision that is rare in conflict zones, demonstrating the effectiveness of well-planned digital systems. The economic benefits of these digital tools are significant, with Diia alone generating over $1.3 billion in 2022, according to Brookings.
Diia App: The Strength of Decentralized Systems
Ukraine’s approach to digital public infrastructure emphasizes decentralization, which has proven to be a key advantage in safeguarding data and maintaining services. Diia, for instance, does not store data directly but accesses it through a network of over 100 dispersed government registries. This method reduces the risk of data breaches and system failures, a critical consideration in times of heightened security concerns.
The country’s decision to decentralize its data storage was part of a broader strategy implemented between 2016 and 2020, during which nearly all government registries were digitized. Trembita played a crucial role in this process, ensuring that data exchange between government entities was both secure and efficient. This decentralized model contrasts with more centralized systems, which may be more vulnerable to attacks and disruptions, showcasing the benefits of Ukraine’s strategic choices in digital infrastructure.
Diia App: Expanding Digital Access to Education
Ukraine’s commitment to digital transformation is also evident in its education sector, where efforts have been made to integrate technology into learning and skill development. The Diia.Osvita platform, part of the larger Diia.Digital Education project, offers a range of distance learning opportunities aimed at enhancing the digital competencies of the population. This initiative is a crucial part of Ukraine’s strategy to build a workforce that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
In addition to Diia.Osvita, Ukraine has launched the Mriia app, designed specifically for schoolchildren, their parents, and teachers. This app provides not only digital identification for children but also a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including courses, extracurricular activities, and competitions. With over 21.7 million users, the Diia ecosystem is becoming an integral part of daily life in Ukraine, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to leveraging digital tools for both governance and education.
According to data from the Ukrainian government, the Diia portal has more than 21.7 million users with over 70 government services available online. The Diia app holds 14 digital documents (ID card, foreign biometric passport, student card, driver’s license, vehicle registration certificate, vehicle insurance policy, tax number, birth certificate, IDP certificate) and 21 services.
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