Communications and Information Technology Commission represents the Kingdom as Vice Chair of the Asia Group in the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held the position of Vice Chair of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, representing the Asia Group, in addition to the Kingdom being assigned the task of rapporteur of the commission in its session this year.

The commission concluded its work on Friday in Geneva, which lasted for 5 days. During it, attendees, including more than 15 ministers specialized in the commission's field of work, reviewed a number of topics, and exchanged views on the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society and its follow-up at the regional and international levels.

The Kingdom reviewed its pioneering experience in delivering high-speed communications and internet services throughout the Kingdom, including remote areas. During the commission's meetings, the Vice Chair of the commission representing the Asia Group, Director General of International Affairs at the Communications and Information Technology Commission, Engineer Majed bin Mohammed Al-Muzaid, explained that, based on the internationally agreed development goals, including the goals contained in the Millennium Declaration, and the guiding objectives contained in the Geneva Plan of Action, and given the Kingdom's keenness to adopt international visions in the field of the information society, in a manner consistent with its constants and values, and its great interest in monitoring progress made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, the Kingdom has succeeded in accomplishing many of those goals.

The Commission on Science and Technology for Development was established in 1992, and provides advice to the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, by submitting appropriate recommendations that contribute to guiding the UN's future work on matters related to science and technology. It also reviews and evaluates annually the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society.

It is noted that this commission has 44 member states, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, out of the total UN member states, which exceed 190 countries.