Saudi Arabia has launched the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-25) in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from over 190 nations to address the global digital divide, which leaves 2.6 billion people unconnected. The event runs until Sept. 3 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre.
Co-hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), the summit highlights the urgent need for investment in digital inclusion. A Saudi-ITU study revealed that $1.7 trillion is needed for connectivity infrastructure alone, with total requirements rising to $2.8 trillion when factoring in skills, affordability, and regulation.
CST Governor and GSR-25 Chair Haitham Al-Ohaly announced a joint roadmap with the ITU to provide affordable AI-era connectivity solutions. He stressed the importance of unified regulatory frameworks to bridge disparities and ensure equitable digital access.
On the sidelines, Saudi Minister Abdullah Al-Swaha met ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin to discuss cooperation on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Exhibitions at the event showcase Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital leadership, while policy workshops aim to define a new inclusion framework.
The symposium will conclude with a resolution establishing regulatory principles for the post-digital era, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a global digital leader.
