Saudi Arabia represented by Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, governor of the Saudi Communication and Information Technology Commission, took part in a virtual meeting of the UN Commission on Broadband and Sustainable Development. Global leaders in the field of communications and IT attended the meeting.

The UN body works to launch initiatives related to the use of broadband as a tool for socioeconomic development around the world.

Al-Tamimi highlighted the reach and role of the internet in the Kingdom and the strides the Kingdom has made in the field of technology. He also outlined the steps Saudi Arabia has taken as chair of the G20 presidency this year to promote the use of digital technology around the world and to bridge the digital gap and confront the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic using modern technology.

The participants discussed the use of technology in the health and education sectors and ways to encourage young entrepreneurs to use the internet for online businesses.

Saudi Arabia is an active member of the UN committee, which was launched 10 years ago. One of the commission’s goals is to advocate that broadband infrastructure be given the highest priority level in future development policy and city planning frameworks.

Since 2012, it has published an annual State of Broadband report, positioned as a snapshot of the global broadband industry.