11/19/2024

Al-Swaha: Kingdom is an Active Global Partner in Shaping the Future of AI and Innovation within G20

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha emphasized Saudi Arabia’s leading role, underpinned by its visionary leadership, in advancing international cooperation in digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit humanity.
Eng. Al-Swaha highlighted these efforts in the G20 Digital Economy and Innovation Working Groups under Brazil's presidency during a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on the occasion of the Kingdom’s participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Brazil.
The minister underscored Saudi Arabia’s significant strides toward achieving a sustainable digital economy, driven by the adoption of AI technologies to enhance economic growth and productivity. He noted the Kingdom's pioneering achievements in empowering women and youth in the technology sector, with women’s participation in technology increasing from 7% in 2018 to 35% in 2024.
Eng. Al-Swaha also emphasized the role of Saudi Vision 2030 in advancing digital governance, which has become a cornerstone for digital inclusion and building trust. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia is ranked fourth globally in the Digital Services Index (OSI) of the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI).
The minister further addressed the Kingdom's international efforts in AI, including the launch of the AI Readiness Framework in collaboration with the United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the establishment of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in partnership with UNESCO. These initiatives, he said, reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering technological innovation and strengthening its role within the G20.
In conclusion, Eng. Al-Swaha affirmed that, with the support and empowerment of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia will continue its leadership in the digital economy and innovation. He emphasized that the Kingdom remains an active global partner in shaping the present and future of the digital economy by enhancing international cooperation and developing policies that contribute to the welfare and development of humanity.