Riyadh: The Digital Government Authority (DGA) has announced a strategic collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) to establish a digital government center in Riyadh. This new initiative aims to bolster international cooperation, share experiences, and cultivate best practices in the realm of digital governance.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the announcement followed the signing of a letter of intent between the DGA and the United Nations, which took place on the sidelines of the Science, Technology and Innovation Forum (STI) in New York. Eng. Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, the Governor of the DGA, highlighted that choosing Riyadh as the center's headquarters underscores Saudi Arabia's leadership and its influence as a model of an integrated, human-centric, and future-focused digital ecosystem. He emphasized that this milestone will advance global digital government practices, support member states, and enhance knowledge exchange, particularly in leveraging artificial intelligence and modern technologies. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, driven by the support and enablement from the nation's leadership.
Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination at DESA, Bj¸rg Sandkj¦r, noted that the discussions are an extension of the ongoing collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the United Nations. The partnership aims to support digital government initiatives and strengthen public sector capabilities. Sandkj¦r added that the center will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by developing frameworks, standards, and best practices. These efforts will assist member states in creating comprehensive, sustainable digital strategies that advance the Sustainable Development Goals and enhance global inclusivity.
The announcement builds upon Saudi Arabia's recent launch of the Riyadh Declaration during the 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2024). Hosted annually by the UN, this forum gathers global experts to discuss and shape policies in internet governance. The envisioned center aligns with the declaration's focus on international cooperation, digital inclusion, and sustainable development. It aims to improve quality of life, foster environmental protection, and drive economic growth, while enabling responsible innovation and increasing global productivity.