en.Wedoany.com Reported - The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has collaborated with its member states for over 160 years. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been an active participant since joining in 1949—the same year the ITU became a specialized agency of the United Nations—and became a member of the ITU Council in 1965. Over the decades, Saudi Arabia has supported the ITU in its global initiatives to drive digital transformation, capacity building, sustainable development, and inclusive programs, and is regarded as one of the organization's largest budget contributors.
Modern cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the ITU reflects a commitment to multilateral digital collaboration, further underscored by support for the ITU's 160th anniversary celebrations in 2025. By helping to launch the Digital Regulation Network and supporting the ITU-led Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, Saudi Arabia is dedicated to shaping inclusive digital ecosystems, advancing collaborative regulation, and promoting universal digital connectivity. In 2025, Saudi Arabia actively participated in the WSIS+20 overall review process, endorsing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and affirming the ITU's key role in fostering digital cooperation and standards for all. That same year, Saudi Arabia hosted the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-25) in Riyadh, fostering inclusive dialogue and cooperation, and celebrating the 25th anniversary of the annual ITU regulatory meeting. Saudi Arabia also contributes to strengthening global digital resilience through initiatives that support the security, reliability, and expansion of international digital infrastructure, as reflected in its membership in the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience. In this context, Saudi Arabia has enhanced the resilience and durability of its digital infrastructure through significant investments in connectivity, network reliability, and advanced technologies. This digital infrastructure enables reliable digital services, effective crowd management, and enhanced public safety through advanced technologies and artificial intelligence systems.
In the realm of sustainable digital innovation, Saudi Arabia's cooperation with the ITU highlights the necessity of integrating technological innovation with sustainability. Saudi Arabia plays a leading role in promoting a circular information and communication technology (ICT) industry, launching projects such as the ICT Sustainability C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Framework and the Global Toolkit for E-Waste Management Regulations as part of the Green Digital Action initiative, aimed at helping governments and industries reduce carbon emissions, responsibly manage e-waste, and build greener infrastructure. Broader national and regional efforts, such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, are equally committed to ensuring that technology serves both people and the planet.
Saudi Arabia also calls for the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), while investing in digital literacy and AI-driven skills development programs to empower women and youth and enhance global digital readiness. The Digital Regulatory Academy, under the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission, has trained over 1,500 professionals from 190 countries in digital governance and public policy. Another project helps countries strengthen their digital ecosystems through ITU-led capacity building and knowledge exchange across various regions. Saudi Arabia also assisted the ITU in compiling the global "Connecting Humanity" study, whose data-driven insights can help any country improve digital inclusion. Currently, women account for approximately 35% of Saudi Arabia's ICT workforce. A "Building Women's Leadership Networks" project has advanced progress in gender equality, aiming to train 300 female representatives globally in digital and management skills, and expand women's participation, leadership, and mentorship opportunities in the field.
Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" advocates for cooperation, innovation, and inclusion to unlock digital transformation for all. The country generously supports global digital cooperation as a Gold Partner for the WSIS 2026 Forum.
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