Establishing a global center for digital government in Riyadh to support innovation
The Saudi Digital Government Authority announced advanced strategic discussions with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA). This pioneering step aims to establish a global digital government center headquartered in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. This announcement reflects the Kingdom's commitment to fostering international cooperation, sharing technological expertise and experiences, and building strategic partnerships to develop global best practices, as well as enhancing government capabilities in research and technological innovation.
The journey of technological transformation and the establishment of a sustainable infrastructure
The selection of the Saudi capital to host this technological hub was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather the culmination of a remarkable journey of digital transformation that the Kingdom has witnessed in recent years. Historically, since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has sought to restructure its government sectors to rely primarily on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. These efforts have resulted in the Kingdom's significant progress in the United Nations' e-government development indicators, making it a regional model to be emulated in building an integrated digital system focused on serving people and streamlining procedures. The establishment of a global center for digital government is a natural extension of this development, as it will serve as an international platform for knowledge exchange and the harmonization of technical standards among member states.
Signing of the memorandum of understanding in New York
The announcement of this collaboration came during the signing of a formal memorandum of understanding between the Digital Government Authority and the United Nations, on the sidelines of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Forum held in New York City. In this context, Engineer Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Suwayan, Governor of the Digital Government Authority, explained that the selection of Riyadh as the headquarters for the United Nations Digital Government Hub reflects the Kingdom's leadership and its pivotal role on both the regional and global stages. He emphasized that the Hub will be a key platform for developing digital governance practices globally and supporting member states in leveraging artificial intelligence and other modern technologies. He noted that this achievement is a result of the continuous support from the wise leadership to realize the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The expected impact of launching a global center for digital government
is expected to have a global center for digital government a far-reaching positive impact, extending from the local to the regional and international levels. Locally, the center will accelerate innovation within Saudi government institutions and enhance operational efficiency. Regionally, it will serve as a strategic benchmark for countries in the Middle East and North Africa seeking to develop their digital infrastructure. Internationally, Björn Sandeker, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, noted that this collaboration lays the foundation for a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening the capabilities of public institutions and bridging the digital divide between developed and developing countries.
Comprehensive digital strategies towards sustainable development
The new center will work to develop frameworks, standards, and best practices to help member states build comprehensive and sustainable digital strategies, directly contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This approach aligns with the Riyadh Declaration, launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during its hosting of the 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF2024), an annual UN event that brings together global experts to shape internet policies. The center builds upon the principles of this declaration, focusing on supporting digital inclusion through the use of artificial intelligence technologies, increasing equitable access to technology, improving quality of life, protecting the environment, driving economic growth, enabling responsible innovation, and boosting productivity globally.
