Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority has said it held discussions with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) to host in Riyadh a digital government centre affiliated with the UN to enhance international cooperation, exchange expertise, and develop best practices.
A letter of intent was signed between the DGA and the UN on the sidelines of the Science, Technology and Innovation Forum held in New York this week.
DGA Governor Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Suwaiyan said that choosing Riyadh as the centre’s headquarters reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership and global role as a model in building an integrated digital ecosystem that is human-centric and future-oriented.
He added 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.
Al-Suwaiyan stressed that this step is a result of the support that digital government receives from the Saudi leadership in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
Bjorg Sandkjaer, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination in DESA, indicated that the current discussions are an extension of the ongoing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UN, and lay the foundation for a long-term partnership aimed at supporting digital government and strengthening the public sector.
She said the center will work on developing frameworks, standards, and best practices to help member states build comprehensive and sustainable digital strategies that contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals and enhancing their inclusiveness globally.
Saudi Arabia launched the Riyadh Declaration during the 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2024), which was held in Riyadh. The forum is organized annually by the UN and brings together global experts to discuss and shape international policies in internet governance.
