Saudi Arabia is a member of the United Nations Committee on Science and Technology (CSTD)
A new international achievement for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In a move reflecting the international community's confidence in its growing stature and pivotal role on the global stage, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was unanimously elected to the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) during elections held by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The Kingdom's term will be four years, from 2027 to the end of 2030.
This diplomatic and scientific achievement reinforces the Kingdom’s active international presence and underscores its leading role in shaping global trends and policies in the fields of science, technology and innovation, which have become the backbone of sustainable development in the 21st century.
Historical context and the role of the CSTD committee
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) was established in 1992 as a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and comprises 43 member states. The Commission serves as the principal consultative body for the United Nations General Assembly and ECOSOC on all matters related to science and technology and their direct impact on development. It analyzes emerging technological trends and provides recommendations and guidelines to assist countries, particularly developing nations, in building their capacities and harnessing the potential of innovation for economic and social progress. This election was not the Kingdom's first participation; it previously chaired the 25th session of the Commission in 2022, represented by the Communications, Space and Technology Authority, underscoring its expertise and established position in this field.
Local significance and its alignment with Vision 2030
Domestically, this election aligns directly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes digital transformation and building a knowledge-based and innovative economy. The Kingdom's membership on the committee will provide an ideal platform for exchanging expertise with member states and international organizations, leveraging global best practices, and contributing to the development of a sustainable and secure global digital environment. This membership will also support the Kingdom's efforts to follow up on the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the Global Digital Charter (GDC), and to actively participate in developing international recommendations submitted to the United Nations General Assembly for adoption, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's global competitiveness and leadership.
Regional and international impact
The Kingdom’s presence on this important UN committee represents an influential voice for the Arab region and the Middle East in international forums discussing vital issues such as data governance, the ethics of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and bridging the digital divide. Through its role, the Kingdom will contribute to shaping policies that ensure the benefits of technology are inclusive and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Communications and Space Technology Commission explained that this achievement, made in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embodies the Kingdom’s active contribution as an international partner within the UN system and reinforces its leading role in shaping the future of global technology.
