The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced its candidacy to retain its seat on the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council during the 2025 session in Geneva, reaffirming its leadership in global telecommunications and technology. The announcement, made by Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) Acting Governor Eng. Haytham AlOhali, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accelerating global digital connectivity and addressing the challenges of the digital and AI era.
Eng. AlOhali emphasized the urgent need to close the digital divide faster, noting that at the current rate it would take over 13 years to connect the remaining 2.6 billion people worldwide. Saudi Arabia aims to cut this timeframe by more than half through innovative approaches, positioning itself among the top nations to have reduced the digital connectivity gap to below 1%. The Kingdom has also advanced sectors like education, healthcare, energy, and public services through technology.
Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with ITU, has introduced the AI Readiness Framework focused on inclusive, human-centered AI that empowers youth and women. The Kingdom’s digital workforce has grown significantly, with ICT professionals increasing from 150,000 in 2018 to over 380,000 in 2024, and women’s participation rising from 7% to 35%, surpassing global and G20 averages. Saudi Arabia ranks second among G20 nations in ITU’s ICT Regulatory Tracker and leads initiatives to enhance digital regulatory maturity in over 100 countries.
The Kingdom will host the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) from August 31 to September 3, 2025, in Riyadh under the theme “Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development,” inviting member states to participate in advancing innovation, investment, and inclusive access.
The ITU Council, consisting of 48 member states, oversees ITU operations between Plenipotentiary Conferences, guiding policy, budgets, and sector development. Saudi Arabia’s continued membership underscores its pivotal role in shaping the global digital future.
