The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) has released the 3rd edition of the “Digital and Space Sustainability in Saudi Arabia” report, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This report highlights Saudi Arabia’s most significant initiatives in digital sustainability, as well as 13 success stories across environmental, economic and social sustainability aspects.
The report highlights the importance of innovative solutions in the IT and space sector for achieving sustainable development goals, with 70% of these goals relying on digital technologies, while 40% of these goals benefit from information derived from space technologies, such as Earth observation via satellites, positioning and navigation, satellite communications, space exploration, and gravity related research. This highlights the pivotal role that the communications, space and technology system plays in to create a sustainable future for all.
The report outlines the current landscape of digital sustainability and the CST’s efforts to harness modern technologies and create innovative business models that contribute to building a sustainable future. This aligns with its digital sustainability strategy (C.I.R.C.L.E.S), which includes promoting circular digital economy initiatives, launching the first global guide for developing digital sustainability strategies and developing regulations to reduce electronic waste in 3 countries. Moreover, it involves hosting the Global Space Debris Conference in collaboration with the Saudi Space Agency to raise awareness about the challenges and risks associated with increasing space debris and its impact on the space future.
The report also highlights 13 success stories from over 16 entities in the public and private sectors within Saudi Arabia, along with showcasing it’s commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability initiatives across various vital sectors as a key enabler for other sectors.