Saudi Arabia to host Global Symposium for Regulators in partnership with ITU
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia, represented by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), will host the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR25) in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) from August 31 to September 3 in Riyadh.
Themed 'Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development,' the symposium is set to bring together ministers, ICT regulators, policymakers, private sector leaders, and industry stakeholders from over 190 countries.
Eng. Haitham AlOhali, Acting Governor of CST, said the Kingdom's hosting of GSR25 reflects the international community's confidence in Saudi Arabia's digital leadership and regulatory innovation.
'We are committed to playing a proactive role in advancing sustainable digital development and finding inclusive solutions to connect humanity. The symposium is poised to drive a transformative shift in digital regulation on a global scale,' he said.
Since its inception 25 years ago, GSR has served as a global platform for dialogue between regulators and ICT stakeholders, promoting knowledge exchange and the adoption of best-in-class regulatory practices.ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin praised GSR's legacy, stating: 'For 25 years, GSR has played a key role in shaping digital regulation through major technological advances—from the rise of mobile and internet services to the emergence of artificial intelligence. Let's reaffirm our shared commitment to connecting everyone, everywhere; promoting innovation, trust, and social good; and uniting around a common vision for the digital future.'Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, added: 'Built around interactive high-level panels on cutting-edge policy issues, GSR25 will offer a unique opportunity for global regulators and policymakers to address key challenges and drive a sustainable digital future. We thank Saudi Arabia's CST for hosting this milestone event.'The symposium will explore strategic topics such as collaborative regulation, digital inclusion, trust and user protection, capacity building in emerging technologies, and regulatory models that support long-term sustainability in the digital ecosystem.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
3 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Over 424,000 Saudis enroll in AI training as SDAIA scales national transformation
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — More than 424,000 Saudi citizens have enrolled in the "SAMAI" initiative — an artificial intelligence (AI) awareness and training program led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) — as part of the Kingdom's ambitious plan to equip 1 million Saudis with foundational AI knowledge. The initiative reflects the nation's broader efforts to build a digitally empowered society aligned with Vision 2030. SDAIA highlighted the growing global impact of data and AI technologies, which it said are driving transformative change across sectors such as education, healthcare, industry, cybersecurity, agriculture, energy, and national security. These technologies are not only enhancing productivity and innovation, but also helping solve complex developmental challenges to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful world. Since its establishment in 2019, SDAIA has become the Kingdom's national reference in the regulation and advancement of data and AI. The authority focuses on maximizing the economic value of data, ensuring ethical AI practices, and developing local capabilities through specialized courses and certifications. SDAIA also issued a comprehensive set of AI regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines for both government entities and the public, including principles on generative AI, deepfake content, national data governance, and academic standards for AI-related disciplines. These guidelines aim to ensure safe, responsible, and culturally aligned adoption of AI technologies. To raise trust in AI systems, SDAIA launched an AI service provider certification program for the private sector. Certified providers are evaluated across five maturity levels—from 'Aware' to 'Leader'—and are granted a validity period of one year, encouraging higher quality AI applications and services. The authority further introduced a self-assessment tool on AI ethics via the National Data Governance Platform. This tool supports public and private institutions in evaluating their ethical compliance during AI development and deployment phases. In a move to address global concerns, SDAIA released a specialized report on AI bias, highlighting risks that emerge as AI adoption grows across critical sectors worldwide. The report emphasizes the need for fairness and inclusivity in algorithmic decision-making. SDAIA has also advanced personal data protection by introducing the Kingdom's 'Personal Data Protection Law,' which regulates how personal data—such as names, addresses, ID numbers, images, and financial information—is processed and shared. The law seeks to preserve privacy and prevent misuse of data in both public and private sectors. One of SDAIA's most impactful projects to date is its partnership with the Expenditure and Project Efficiency Authority, which resulted in over SR5 billion in financial impact through the 'DEEM Cloud' platform. The platform consolidated 230 data centers and now offers 49 services to more than 180 government entities. Looking ahead, AI is projected to play a major role in global employment shifts. According to the World Economic Forum's latest 'Future of Jobs' report, AI will contribute to the creation of 69 million new jobs over the coming years. Complementary research by the International Labour Organization suggests generative AI will support human roles rather than eliminate them by automating selected tasks. In terms of efficiency, consulting firms Deloitte and McKinsey estimate that generative AI can reduce operational costs by up to 30%. McKinsey's study of over 1,300 companies revealed significant cost savings in HR departments (10–37%) and profit growth in supply chain divisions, in some cases exceeding 6%.
Saudi Gazette
5 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia sees 144% surge in new mining exploitation licenses in H1 2025
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia recorded a 144 percent increase in new mining exploitation licenses during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. The ministry said it issued 22 exploitation and small-mine licenses in the six-month period, up from just nine in H1 2024, representing a total investment exceeding SR134 million ($35.7 million). The ministry attributed the significant growth to reforms aimed at improving the investment climate in the mining sector, which is emerging as a central pillar in the Kingdom's economic diversification plans. Ministry spokesperson Jarrah Aljarrah confirmed that 23 mining companies obtained licenses in the first half of 2025, including 16 firms receiving their first-ever mining license. The licensed areas span 47 square kilometers and are expected to produce 7.86 million tons annually of various minerals including salt, clay, silica sand, low-grade iron ore, feldspar, and gypsum. As of June 2025, Saudi Arabia had 239 active exploitation and small-mine licenses, including 32 category A licenses for strategic minerals such as gold, copper, phosphate, and bauxite. The remaining 207 category B licenses cover industrial minerals like silica sand, gypsum, limestone, salt, and clay. The ministry reiterated its commitment to expanding the mining sector as a key driver of the Kingdom's industrial future. It aims to unlock an estimated SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion) in untapped mineral resources, positioning the sector as a third pillar of the Saudi industrial economy.
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Syria adopts Saudi investment protection agreement to attract investors
Saudi Gazette report DAMASCUS — Syria has formally adopted a Saudi-developed agreement for the protection of foreign investors, laying the foundation for future investments flowing into the country. The move marks a key milestone in Syria's efforts to rebuild its economy with support from Saudi expertise, which has driven transformative growth in multiple sectors in recent years. The announcement was made during a ministerial session of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum 2025, held Thursday with the participation of senior ministers and officials from both countries. Saudi Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih said Syria was entering a new phase with strong appetite for investment and discovery of opportunities. 'We are confident that Syrians will revive their country's economy. Transparency and investor guarantees are essential and encouraging,' he said. 'What we're witnessing today will spark a wave of projects in Damascus.' Syria's Minister of Economy, Mohammad Al-Shaar, emphasized that the country had waited decades for this moment to initiate a genuine economic partnership with Saudi Arabia. 'We were deprived of this relationship for 60 years due to personal interests on the Syrian side,' he said, praising Saudi Arabia's model of economic transformation as one to emulate. Al-Shaar explained that every investment project passes through three phases: opportunity exploration, investor consultation, and a final decision leading to execution. He confirmed that Syria would secure the investment environment through a combination of constitutional guarantees, investment laws, and the adoption of the Saudi-developed foreign investment protection framework. Tourism Minister Mazen Al-Salehani announced the preparation of new four- and five-star resorts and hotels, alongside the launch of a revamped ministry website to facilitate investor engagement. He highlighted Syria's vast archaeological and heritage sites, and the growing interest in "return tourism" — a term for Syrians abroad returning to reassess past assets and reinvest. He also emphasized community inclusion in new tourism projects: 'Every investment will involve the local population in building the future.' Saudi-Syrian Business Council Chairman Mohammed Abunayyan underscored the Kingdom's efforts to form global alliances to invest in Syria. He praised Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa's comprehensive economic vision and called it a reassuring sign for strategic development. 'Saudi investors are here as long-term partners, not merchants,' he said, adding that Saudi Arabia aims to lead international investment coalitions into Syria. Director General of the Syrian Investment Authority, Talal Al-Hilali, affirmed Syria's intent to work hand-in-hand with Saudi Arabia to ensure investor confidence, saying the top priority now is to protect investors and provide business certainty.
