Saudi Arabia elected Vice-President of the Council of the International Telecommunication Union

In an international achievement reflecting its prestigious global standing, the members of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council unanimously elected the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as Vice-Chair of the Council for 2026. This well-deserved selection took place during the Council's session in Geneva, Switzerland, where the Kingdom will be represented in this high-ranking position by the Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology for International Cooperation and Partnerships, Engineer Mansour bin Saleh Al-Qurashi. This international consensus embodies the world's confidence in the active role Riyadh plays in shaping the future of technology and innovation.

A pioneering historical journey in the Council of the International Telecommunication Union

This achievement is not a sudden occurrence, but rather the culmination of a long history of close cooperation between the Kingdom and international organizations. Saudi Arabia has maintained its seat as an active member of the Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) since 1965, underscoring its unwavering commitment to supporting global efforts in the telecommunications sector. Historically, the ITU, founded in 1865, is the oldest specialized agency of the United Nations, and its mandate focuses on regulating and standardizing global communications, allocating radio frequencies, and improving telecommunications infrastructure in developing countries.

For decades, the Kingdom has directly contributed to supporting the Union's initiatives and actively participated in the Plenipotentiary Conferences, the Union's highest authority. This continuous presence has given Saudi Arabia extensive accumulated experience, making it a trusted partner in making strategic decisions that affect the lives of billions of people worldwide and contributing to shaping digital policies and regulations at the international level.

Strategic dimensions and expected impact of Saudi leadership

The Kingdom's assumption of this leadership role carries significant weight that extends beyond local borders to the regional and international levels. Domestically, this achievement aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes digital transformation and the development of a knowledge-based and innovative economy. It also enhances the attractiveness of the Saudi market for global technology investments and underscores the readiness of the Kingdom's digital infrastructure.

Regionally and internationally, Saudi Arabia's leadership of the Council will contribute to amplifying the voice of Arab and developing nations and supporting initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide between societies worldwide. It will also play a crucial role in guiding global policies on pressing issues such as regulating the use of artificial intelligence, information security, and developing standards for 5G and 6G networks, thus ensuring the sustainable and inclusive growth of the global digital economy.

A pivotal role in running the work of the United Nations organization

It is worth noting that the Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) comprises only 48 member states out of the Union's 190 member states. The Council's paramount importance lies in its role as the body responsible for managing the Union's affairs between Plenipotentiary Conferences. Its vital functions include guiding the Union's work, monitoring the implementation of its policies, approving budgets and operational and financial plans, overseeing programs, and providing strategic recommendations for the development of the global telecommunications sector. This makes it the primary driver for ensuring the efficiency and continuity of this long-established international organization.