Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, recently held a series of high-level meetings during his official visit to Switzerland, aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s global role in promoting inclusivity in the era of AI, innovation and digital economic development.
Alswaha met with UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, where they discussed the Kingdom’s longstanding partnership with the ITU spanning over 76 years, as well as its pioneering initiatives to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the future of the digital economy by enabling global telecommunications infrastructure and accelerating progress in international technological initiatives that serve humanity worldwide.
Advancing digital infrastructure and government initiatives
During his visit, Alswaha also met with Algerian Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, to expand Saudi Arabia’s partnership opportunities in the areas of digital governance, AI and digital infrastructure. Moreover, he met with the Somali Minister of Communications and Technology, Mohamed Adam Moalim Ali, to discuss partnership opportunities in developing digital infrastructure, advancing digital government initiatives, and empowering national talents in line with the aspirations of both countries.
He also discussed with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director-General Daren Tang opportunities to enable sustainable innovation and strengthen intellectual-property protection in the context of emerging technologies. They also discussed expanding partnerships in technology transfer initiatives and the development of innovation-supportive policies.
At the headquarters of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva, Alswaha also met with Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan to discuss advancing sustainable digital development and supporting economic growth toward building a technology- and innovation-driven digital future.
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Alswaha highlights importance of collaboration in comprehensive development
During his visit, Alswaha also affirmed that Saudi Arabia, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has launched a series of initiatives aimed at addressing the global challenges in computing, data and algorithms for the benefit of humanity.
The announcement was made during Alswaha’s address at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebration in Geneva, which marked the 160th anniversary of the union. The event was attended by state leaders, decision-makers, and international technical experts.
Alswaha emphasized that the world is at a critical moment due to the rapid advancement of AI technologies. He noted that the existing gaps in computing, data and algorithms require an urgent and collective response.
He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ongoing efforts and the establishment of international partnerships aimed at bridging gaps in AI and promoting digital inclusivity for all.
Furthermore, he noted the significance of the coming years in shaping the future, asserting that collaboration is the only way to prevent a widening divide between societies and nations. The goal is to create a more equitable world by leveraging modern technologies to benefit humanity and advance comprehensive development.
