Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority (DGA) signed a Letter of Intent with the United Nations (UN) to establish a Global Center for Digital Government in Riyadh, aimed at strengthening international cooperation and building a more inclusive and sustainable digital future.
According to the official statement, the letter of intent was signed by Ahmed Alsuwaiyan, DGA Governor, and Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), on the sidelines of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum.
The new center aims to advance research and best practices, enable innovation and AI adoption, develop policy and regulatory frameworks, and build capacities and empower talent.
Establishing the UN Global Digital Government Center in Riyadh reflects the Kingdom’s regional and global position as a leader in building an integrated, human-centric, and future-oriented digital ecosystem.
Alsuwaiyan stated that the center represents a pivotal milestone in advancing digital government practices globally, supporting member states, enhancing knowledge exchange, and leveraging artificial intelligence and modern technologies.
For her part, Sandkjær noted that the new center will develop frameworks, standards, and best practices to help member states build comprehensive and sustainable digital strategies that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and to enhancing their global inclusiveness.
This center builds on the Riyadh Declaration’s focus on strengthening international cooperation; supporting digital inclusion through AI to increase access and bridge the digital divide; and advancing sustainable development by improving quality of life, strengthening environmental protection, and driving economic growth.
The declaration was launched during the 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2024), which gathered global experts to discuss and shape international directions and policies in internet governance.