Riyadh, September 14, 2024 – Ahmed Mohammed Al-Suwaiyan, Head of the Saudi delegation to the Group of Twenty (G20) digital economy working group in Brazil and Governor of the Saudi Digital Government Authority, highlighted Saudi Arabia's significant strides in generative artificial intelligence (AI). His remarks focused on how AI is being utilized to empower individuals, protect the environment, and generate new opportunities through technological advancements and innovation.
At the ministerial meeting, Al-Suwaiyan detailed the substantial support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister in advancing the digital economy and innovation sector. He showcased Saudi Vision 2030's achievements, particularly in fostering a digital society and economy. Notably, women’s participation in the technology sector has surged from 7% in 2018 to 35% today, reflecting a commitment to youth and women empowerment.
On the topic of digital governance, Al-Suwaiyan emphasized the critical role of digital identity in enhancing digital inclusion and building trust in the digital economy. He proudly noted Saudi Arabia's third-place ranking globally in the World Bank’s e-government maturity index (GOVTECH).
Al-Suwaiyan also highlighted several key achievements in the realm of digital economy and AI, including the launch of the AI framework at the Global AI Summit hosted by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the establishment of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics in collaboration with UNESCO.
Over the course of two days, Al-Suwaiyan engaged in productive meetings with high-level officials, including Brazilian Minister of Communications Juscelino Filho, Norwegian Minister of Digital Transformation and Public Governance Kariann Tong, Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mohammad Cagir, Spanish Minister of Digital Transformation and Public Works José Luis, UN International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan, and UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information Tawfiq Jlassi. These discussions aimed to explore potential partnerships in various areas such as digital economy, digital government, digital entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, space connectivity technologies, and expanding technological investments between Saudi Arabia and its international counterparts.