Saudi Arabia’s cooperation with ITU

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has been cooperating with its membership for more than 160 years now, with a growing emphasis on driving progress towards universal connectivity and sustainable digital development.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been an active partner since joining in 1949 – the same year ITU became a United Nations specialized agency – and becoming an ITU Council member in 1965.

Over the decades, Saudi Arabia has backed ITU initiatives spanning digital transformation, capacity building, sustainability, and inclusion across all major world regions. It is also recognized as among the organization’s largest budget contributors.

Elevating digital cooperation

Saudi Arabia’s modern collaboration with ITU reflects a commitment to multilateral digital cooperation, further reflected in support for ITU’s 160th Anniversary celebrations in 2025.

By helping launch the Digital Regulation Network and supporting the ITU-led Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, the Kingdom has set out to help shape an inclusive digital ecosystem, advancing collaborative regulation and universal digital connectivity.

In 2025, Saudi Arabia participated actively in the WSIS+20 overall review process, endorsing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and acknowledging ITU’s key role in advancing digital cooperation and standards for all.

The same year, the Kingdom hosted the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-25) in Riyadh, facilitating inclusive dialogue and cooperation and celebrating 25 years of the annual ITU regulatory conference.

Saudi Arabia has also contributed to strengthening global digital resilience through initiatives that support the security, reliability and expansion of international digital infrastructure, reflected in its membership in the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience.

In this context, the Kingdom has strengthened the resilience and durability of its digital infrastructure through major investments in connectivity, network reliability, and advanced technologies. Robust digital infrastructure has enabled reliable digital services, effective crowd management and enhanced public safety through advanced technologies and AI-enabled systems.

Fostering sustainable digital innovation

Saudi collaboration with ITU also highlights the need to align technological innovation with sustainability, with the Kingdom leading work on fostering a circular information and technology industry (ICT) industry as part of the Green Digital Action initiative.

Projects such as the C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Framework for ICT Sustainability and Global Toolkit on E-Waste Management Regulations aim to help governments and industries reduce carbon emissions, manage electronic waste responsibly, and build greener infrastructure. Broader national and regional efforts, such as the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, similarly aim at ensuring technology serves both people and the planet.

Empowering an inclusive intelligent age

Saudi Arabia has called for responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), while investing in digital literacy and AI-driven upskilling programmes that empower women and youth and global digital readiness.

The Digital Regulatory Academy under the Kingdom’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission has trained more than 1,500 professionals from 190 countries in digital governance and public policy. Another project helps countries reinforce their digital ecosystems through ITU-led capacity building and knowledge exchange across all world regions.

Digital insights and leadership

The Kingdom also helped compile the global Connecting Humanity study with ITU. The resulting data-driven insights can help any country boost digital inclusivity.

Women now account for approximately 35 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s ICT workforce. Progress towards gender equality has been reinforced by a project for Building a Network of Women Leaders, set to train 300 female delegates globally in digital and managerial competencies and expand women’s participation, leadership, and mentorship opportunities across the sector.

A shared commitment to the future

As ITU continues evolving with technologies, its partnerships with members will remain vital.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 promotes collaboration, innovation, and inclusion to unlock digital transformation for everyone.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia generously supports global digital cooperation as a Gold Partner for WSIS Forum 2026.

Saudi Arabia’s engagement with ITU

Partners in the Connecting Humanity Study to evaluate investments needed for universal, affordable broadband by 2030.

Women represent 35% of Saudi Arabia’s ICT workforce, reinforced by the Kingdom and ITU’s Building a Network of Women Leaders initiative, training 300 women for ICT leadership.

As initiator of the Digital Regulation Network, Saudi Arabia drives global regulatory innovation and digital resilience.

Saudi Arabia and ITU are driving green ICT progress with their Global Toolkit for E-Waste Management.

Through the Assistance in Telecommunication/ICT in ITU Regions programme, Saudi Arabia supports capacity building and knowledge exchange.

Elevating digital cooperation

Through inclusive partnerships, capacity-building, and engagement in multilateral international bodies:

Saudi Arabia positively contributes to multilateral digital cooperation frameworks, including the WSIS+20 overall review process.

Saudi Arabia hosted ITU’s Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-25).

Saudi Arabia supports ITU’s Partner2Connect Digital Coalition to drive universal and meaningful connectivity.

By promoting green infrastructure, clean technologies, and responsible ICT practices:

The Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) developed the C.I.R.C.L.E.S framework to guide the ICT sector’s journey to sustainability.

The Kingdom has worked with ITU to advance a circular digital economy through the Green Digital Action initiative and by leading the “Foster a Circular ICT Industry” track.

With a focus on digital skills, youth engagement, and women’s participation:

CST’s Digital Regulatory Academy has trained more than 1,500 professionals from 190 countries in digital governance and public policy.

Saudi Arabia supports the Generation Connect Youth Envoys initiative and actively participates in ITU’s Global Youth Summit.