Saudi Arabia Hosts Session on Fostering Sustainable Digital Innovation on the Sidelines of WSIS

Saudi Arabia hosted an international session focused on fostering sustainable digital innovation, held on the sidelines of its participation in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva. The event brought together representatives from national entities and global organizations to highlight key Saudi initiatives leveraging digital technologies to support sustainable development goals.

 A representative from the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) highlighted the Kingdom's major accomplishments in digital sustainability, emphasizing the vital role of its advanced digital infrastructure in enabling communities, promoting digital inclusivity, and preparing various sectors for sustainable transformation.

 The session also spotlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts to advance emerging technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing—as well as the Kingdom's regulatory frameworks that foster innovation and ensure the optimal use of technological resources to benefit individuals and communities. These efforts reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a global digital sustainability leader.

 A representative from the Ministry of Education presented the Madrasati platform, a WSIS award-winning digital learning system designed to support remote education. The platform integrates live and self-directed learning and is utilized by over six million students and 500,000 teachers across the Kingdom. It plays a key role in maintaining educational continuity, ensuring equitable access to resources, and promoting sustainable learning practices.

 Meanwhile, a representative from stc introduced the "Technical Enablement Program for Non-Profit Organizations," which offers advanced digital solutions free of charge to support the non-profit sector. The initiative helps organizations overcome operational challenges and scale their services, contributing to sustainable social and economic development.

 The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) presented the International AI Olympiad, organized in partnership with global entities under the patronage of UNESCO. The event brought together 90 students from 25 countries, with 36 participants earning medals. The project serves as a global platform designed to inspire innovation and foster youth competition in the field of AI.

 The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture also presented its AI Platform for Animal Health, which uses AI to analyze veterinary disease data across the Kingdom and forecast potential outbreaks. The platform enables early intervention by the ministry and veterinary clinics, raises awareness among farmers, and supports livestock health and national food security.

 This session reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to sharing its digital expertise on the global stage and strengthening international partnerships. It reflects the Kingdom's active role in accelerating digital transformation and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Representatives and experts from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, stc, and SDAIA participated in the session, further underscoring the Kingdom's leadership in innovation and sustainable technological solutions.