Saudi Arabia Participated in The UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Acting Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), H.E. Eng. Haytham AlOhali, participated in the annual meeting of the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development. This year's meeting was a special edition celebrating 15 years since the Commission's establishment. The participation is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to advance digital transformation, support global digital economic growth, bridge the digital divide, and expand access to communication and technology services..

During the meeting, H.E. stressed Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to achieving equitable and sustainable digital development, and praised the Commission’s efforts in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that the CST operates as a 5G regulator, as recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and is leading several initiatives both within the Kingdom and globally in collaboration with international partners to help realize shared global goals.

AlOhali highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s national digital strategy is closely aligned with the ITU’s “Connect 2030” vision. He also mentioned the Kingdom’s collaboration with the ITU on updating the study titled “Connecting Humanity Through Sustainable, Affordable, and Innovative Solutions”, which aims to identify connectivity gaps and propose practical solutions to ensure universal and affordable internet access.

He also highlighted the Open Access Initiative, which enabled infrastructure sharing among telecom service providers and facilitated the delivery of fiber-optic connections to over 3.9 million homes, surpassing previous targets. He affirmed that the Kingdom continues to invest in non-terrestrial network technologies, such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), to expand coverage in remote areas.

At the regional level, H.E. pointed to the Kingdom’s pioneering role in launching the “Digital Sustainability Tool” in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), in addition to leading the Circular Digital Economy track under the ITU’s Green Digital Action initiative.

H.E. closed his remarks by emphasizing that closing the digital divide remains one of today’s most pressing global challenges, urging to strengthen collaboration and joint efforts.

The UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development is a UN body, co-chaired by President of Rwanda Paul Kagame and business man Carlos Slim, with the ITU Secretary-General and UNESCO Director-General serving as vice-chairs. The Commission brings together influential global leaders and senior policymakers in the field of telecommunications and digital development.