The meeting was attended by officials from SDAIA and various government entities
In a significant step towards enabling growth and prosperity in developing countries, His Excellency Dr. Esam A. Alwagait, Director General of the National Information Center at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), welcomed Christine Zhenwei Qiang, Director of the Digital Development Global Practice at the World Bank, and her delegation at the SDAIA headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting, attended by officials from SDAIA and various government entities, focused on the Kingdom’s involvement in the Digital Development Partnership (DDP) and its commitment to international digital development efforts.
The discussions highlighted the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia in the DDP, a collaboration aimed at driving economic growth and fostering digital innovation in developing countries. Both parties engaged in productive conversations regarding SDAIA’s active participation in the DDP Partnership Council, where the Kingdom shares its expertise and competitive gains at the global level. Of particular interest was the DDP 2.0 strategy, which outlines key areas and priorities for digital development policies in developing nations.
Last year, Saudi Arabia, represented by SDAIA, joined the multi-donor trust fund administered by the World Bank as a partner. This step showcased the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting digital development initiatives worldwide, facilitating knowledge sharing, and contributing to sustainable progress in developing countries.
During the visit, SDAIA organized a meeting that brought together representatives from several prominent government entities, including the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Fund for Development. Also present were representatives from the Communications and Information Technology Commission, the National Cybersecurity Authority, the Digital Government Authority, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and the Public Investment Fund, represented by its subsidiaries, SCAI and Elm.
The gathering provided an opportunity to discuss the Kingdom’s leading practices in digital development, its progressive policies in the field, and its influential role in promoting digital development policies globally. Participants also explored ways to align and support efforts related to digital development in developing countries, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and expertise to those in need.
By leveraging its vast experience and advancements in the digital sector, Saudi Arabia aims to play a transformative role in supporting the growth of digital economies worldwide. The meeting between SDAIA and the World Bank emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to sharing its success stories, policies, and strategies to contribute to the sustainable development of other nations.
The collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the World Bank in the field of digital development is expected to pave the way for greater international cooperation, foster innovation, and create opportunities for digital advancement in developing countries.
