The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has recognized Saudi Arabia as a leading strategic partner in shaping a sustainable global digital future, highlighting its strong partnership with the Kingdom and its prominent role in advancing international cooperation, fostering an inclusive and innovative digital ecosystem, and promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building since joining the union in 1949 and becoming a member of the ITU Council in 1965.
The ITU also emphasized the Kingdom’s leadership, represented by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), and its pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of the Digital Regulation Network, which aims to drive global regulatory innovation and enhance digital resilience. It further highlighted CST’s Digital Regulations Academy and its success in training over 1,500 professionals from 190 countries in digital regulation and public policy, reflecting the Kingdom’s role in knowledge sharing and international capacity building.
Underscoring inclusivity, the ITU commended women’s participation in the Kingdom’s ICT sector, which reached nearly 35%, surpassing Silicon Valley and EU averages, pointing to the “Building a Network of Women Leaders” initiative launched by Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the ITU to prepare 300 women for leadership and strengthen mentorship across the tech sector. The report further praised the Kingdom’s global leadership in advancing the “circular economy in the ICT sector” and its efforts to accelerate circularity in the digital sector under the Green Digital Action initiative. It also noted the development of the C.I.R.C.L.E.S framework as a guiding model for the ICT sector toward sustainable transformation, as well as the development of global regulations to manage e-waste and reduce carbon emissions.
Additionally, the ITU stressed Saudi Arabia’s contributions to advancing the adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, strengthening global digital resilience, and supporting the security and expansion of international digital infrastructure, including its membership in the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience.
The Kingdom has also strengthened its digital infrastructure through significant investments in connectivity and advanced technologies that have enabled reliable digital services, effective crowd management, and enhanced public safety through AI-powered systems.
The ITU concluded by highlighting the Kingdom’s influential role in shaping the future of the sector globally through its active participation in international forums such as the World Summit on the Information Society Review Process and by presenting the “Connecting Humanity” study, which offers innovative and cost-effective solutions to bridge the digital divide. It affirmed that Saudi Vision 2030 continues to drive global digital inclusion and innovation.
Source: Riyadh Daily