Two-stage plan unveiled to tackle forgery of academic certificates

KUWAIT CITY, July 18: In a bid to address the issue of forged academic certificates, the Ministry of Education is launching a plan to safeguard the certificates it issues and receives. This initiative involves establishing a joint electronic link with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and will be implemented in two stages.

The Central Agency for Information Technology, representing Kuwait in the Executive Committee for e-Government, has requested various ministries and government agencies to propose joint e-services between Kuwait and GCC countries. This step aims to combat manipulation and forgery, enhance cooperation, and promote integration in e-government across the GCC.

In response, the Ministry of Education has proposed a two-stage plan:

1. Stage one: This involves printing academic certificates and academic sequences for individuals who previously studied in Kuwait, as well as issuing certificates of school departure for those who did not study in Kuwait. These services will be provided through cultural offices in GCC countries. The Ministry emphasized the legal necessity of accrediting certificates by the State of Kuwait and charging a fee, which also helps reduce criminal activities.
2. Stage two: This phase will see cooperation among the ministries of education in GCC countries. It includes transferring students between countries, expediting the hiring and transfer of teachers as needed, and registering new students more efficiently.

The Information Technology Authority's "Shared Electronic Services" working group has held several meetings to discuss and finalize a list of important shared electronic services between GCC countries. The goal is to identify common e-services that align with the vision of GCC member states, enhancing secure e-government's role in sustainable development and improving public sector efficiency and Gulf integration.

The Authority is open to incorporating any technically ready electronic services proposed by ministries and local government agencies, provided they significantly impact GCC citizens and are feasible to implement.