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Saudi Arabia at Forefront of World Effort to Close $2.8 Trillion Connectivity Gap at GSR-25

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is driving the world effort to close the $2.8 trillion connectivity gap and define artificial intelligence regulation as it hosts the 25th Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-25) in Riyadh.

Organized with the cooperation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the summit officially opened on Sept. 1 in the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center with the theme “Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development.” It gathers regulators and industry leaders from 190 countries, cementing the Kingdom’s leadership in the creation of digital inclusion as part of Vision 2030.

The event follows a UNCTAD report that shows digital infrastructure investments remaining clustered in developed economies, with developing nations struggling with affordability and access.

Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation

Haytham Al-Ohali, acting CST governor, said that the Kingdom has set itself up as the center for governing the digital world.

“Now we are living in the age of artificial intelligence, and now we have a golden chance to design the future of mankind for the next 160 years,” he said, pointing to a CST-ITU joint study that puts the cost of closing the worldwide digital divide at $2.6-$2.8 trillion.

Al-Ohali pointed to the Kingdom’s achievements:

Digital economy accounts for 15% of GDP

More than 380,000 technology jobs have been created

Women in tech rose from 7% in 2018 to 35%, beating G20 and EU targets

ITU Endorsement

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin hailed GSR’s record, calling it as much a celebration as a renewed pledge to make digital progress accessible to all.

This 25th GSR represents a moment to put people and planet at the center of digital systems, to ensure that technology closes the gaps, and to achieve a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future,” she said.

She emphasized regulatory innovation in the face of an altered world, as regulators must change mindsets and tools to be able to handle fast-evolving digital ecosystems.

Broader Cooperation

On the sidelines, Saudi Communications and IT Minister Abdullah Al-Swaha sat with Bogdan-Martin to talk about more cooperation in digital empowerment, entrepreneurship, and AI-driven development.

The annual GSR, the world’s leading platform where regulators and industry leaders exchange opinions on digital innovation and global regulatory ecosystems, takes place.

verified from sources:onearabiya,wam