During the 2025 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council session in Geneva, Saudi Arabia formally announced its candidacy to retain its membership on the influential 48-member Council. The Kingdom reaffirmed its pioneering role in global telecommunications and technology development, emphasizing international cooperation to bridge the digital divide and accelerate connectivity worldwide.
H.E. Eng. Haytham AlOhalil, Acting Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), highlighted the urgent need to reduce the current 13-year timeline required to connect the remaining 2.6 billion unconnected people. He called for innovative approaches to cut this timeframe by over 50%, potentially connecting the unconnected within five years. Saudi Arabia, proud to have reduced its own digital gap to below 1%, continues to drive technology-led innovation across sectors such as education, healthcare, energy, and public services.
AlOhalil underscored the Kingdom’s leadership in introducing the AI Readiness Framework with the ITU, focusing on inclusive, human-centered AI that empowers youth and women. The Kingdom’s digital workforce has more than doubled since 2018, with women’s participation soaring to 35%, surpassing global and G20 averages. Saudi Arabia ranks second among G20 nations in the ITU’s ICT Regulatory Tracker and has spearheaded initiatives to enhance digital regulatory maturity in over 100 countries.
Supported by the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Saudi Arabia commits to leveraging its resources and expertise to support the ITU’s mission for a sustainable digital future. The Kingdom will also host the upcoming Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) from August 31 to September 3, 2025, in Riyadh, focusing on “Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development” and inviting member states to participate.
The ITU Council plays a crucial role in guiding the Union’s policies, budgets, and programs between plenipotentiary conferences, making Saudi Arabia’s continued membership vital to influencing the global telecom and digital landscape.
