On the Sidelines of WSIS.. Saudi Arabia Host a Session on Fostering Sustainable Digital Innovation

Saudi Arabia hosted an international session focused on fostering sustainable digital innovation, held on the sidelines of its participation in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva. The event brought together representatives from national entities and global organizations to highlight key national initiatives that leverage digital technologies to support sustainable development goals.

A representative from the Communications, Space and Technology Commission highlighted the Kingdom’s major accomplishments in digital sustainability, emphasizing the vital role of its advanced digital infrastructure in enabling communities, promoting digital inclusivity, and preparing various sectors for a sustainable transformation.

The session also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) , and Cloud Computing, as well as the regulatory frameworks that drive innovation and ensure optimal use of technological resources to benefit individuals and communities. These efforts also enhance the Kingdom’s global standing as a leading digital hub for sustainability.

A representative from the Ministry of Education highlighted the “Madrasti” platform, a WSIS award-winning digital learning system designed to support remote education. The platform integrates live and self-directed learning and is used by more than 6 million students and 500,000 teachers across Saudi Arabia. It plays a key role in maintaining educational continuity, ensuring equal access to learning resources, and promoting sustainable education.

Meanwhile, a representative from STC presented the “Technical Enablement program for non-profit organizations,” which provides advanced, free digital solutions to support the nonprofit sector. The initiative helps organizations overcome operational barriers and scale their services, contributing to sustainable social and economic impact.

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) presented the International AI Olympiad, an initiative organized in partnership with global entities and under UNESCO's patronage. The event brought together 90 students from 25 countries, with 36 earning medals. The project serves as a global platform designed to inspire innovation and encourage competition among young people in the field of artificial intelligence.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture also introduced its AI Platform for Animal Health, which utilizes AI technologies to analyze veterinary disease data across the Kingdom and forecast potential outbreaks. This helps the ministry and veterinary clinics take proactive measures and raise awareness among farmers, hence supporting livestock health and enhancing food security sustainability.

This session reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to sharing its digital expertise on the global stage and strengthening partnerships with international organizations. It reflects the Kingdom’s active role in accelerating digital transformation and advancing the UN’s sustainable development goals. Representatives and experts from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, STC, and SDAIA all took part in the event, further emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in innovation and sustainable tech solutions.