Al-Sawahah discusses enhancing the digital economy and artificial intelligence with 5 ministers
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in the global technology landscape, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Engineer Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, held a series of intensive bilateral meetings with ministers of digital economy and communications from member states of the Digital Cooperation Organization. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the organization's fifth General Assembly, where discussions focused on ways to strengthen international partnerships, enable innovation, and accelerate growth in the digital economy.
Strengthening Gulf and Arab partnerships
Al-Swaha began his meetings with a meeting with the Kuwaiti Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Omar Al-Omar. The meeting addressed the implementation of the outcomes of the Saudi-Kuwaiti Coordination Council, focusing on supporting technological innovation, building human capacity, and empowering entrepreneurs in both countries, thereby strengthening Gulf digital integration.
On the Arab level, the Saudi Minister of Communications discussed with his Jordanian counterpart, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smirat, mechanisms for developing the infrastructure of the digital economy and adopting emerging technologies. He also held a meeting with the Lebanese Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Kamal Shehadeh, to discuss ways of cooperation in the age of artificial intelligence in a manner that serves mutual interests.
International transcontinental cooperation
Al-Sawah's discussions extended to the Asian and African dimensions, as he met with Pakistan's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, to discuss partnerships in artificial intelligence and building a qualified technical workforce. He also met with the Gambian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Lamin Jbe, to discuss expanding digital services and enabling innovation.
Digital Cooperation Organization: Context and Importance
These meetings come at a crucial time as the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) experiences growing international momentum. Founded in November 2020 at the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and several other countries, the organization is headquartered in Riyadh. Its primary objective is to achieve digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy and empowering women, youth, and entrepreneurs.
These moves are of paramount strategic importance, as the Kingdom, through its Vision 2030, seeks to become a global hub for technology and innovation, and a digital link connecting three continents. These partnerships are a cornerstone for unifying international efforts to address the challenges of the digital divide and ensure the optimal utilization of future technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, which will positively impact economic growth and job creation in member states.
