Saudi Arabia and Pakistan jointly advanced the role of digital innovation in sustainable development during an event held in New York on the sidelines of the UN Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum. The session, titled "Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development," was co-chaired by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, and Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asima Iftikhar Ahmad.

The event was organized by the UN Group of Friends for Digital Cooperation in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization and the UN Conference on Trade and Development. It aimed to explore the ways in which digital technologies can drive economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability at a global scale.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Alwasil highlighted the transformative impact of digital innovation on economic and social development. He detailed Saudi Arabia’s advancements in digital infrastructure, data management, and innovation as part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to enhance quality of life under its Vision 2030 initiative. Alwasil emphasized that international cooperation in digital fields is essential to bridge the global digital divide, enabling developing nations to harness the benefits of emerging technologies.

The discussion underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, international organizations, and private sector stakeholders to foster inclusive and equitable technological progress. Both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging digital innovation as a pivotal tool for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The event contributed to ongoing dialogues at the UN about the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in addressing global challenges and creating opportunities for sustainable development worldwide.