The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), Saudi Arabia Governor Dr. Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Tamimi announced the Kingdom's candidacy for membership of the ITU Council at the ITU Council 2022 session in Geneva.
Al-Tamimi said at the Council that the Kingdom has worked together with the ITU on many successful programmes to strengthen digital infrastructure in developing countries. "We are committed to the ITU's continued success in connecting people and ensuring a sustainable digital future for all and supporting the ICT sector globally," he said.
Al-Tamimi added that Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable period of digital transformation. The Kingdom s telecommunications and information technology market size reached $40 billion, making it the biggest market in the MENA region. Over the last five years, there has been over $19 billion worth of government-led investments. This resulted in many achievements that led to the adoption of several digital technologies.
Saudi Arabia launched the world's first successful trial to provide 5G connectivity through high-altitude platform systems 5G HAPS and the launch of WiFi 6 e technology, which will improve internet speeds by 5 fold for WiFi users.
Saudi Arabia is a member of the ITU Council for over 57 years, through which it had made major contributions in the ICT sector alongside the ITU members, making a significant impact on the global economy.
The ITU Council consists of 48 countries, elected among the agency’s 193 member states. As the Union’s governing body, central to the Council's mandate is ensuring the activation of timely policies, strategies, and programmes to guide the global ICT sector through today’s rapid transformations. In addition, the Council oversees the day-to-day running of the Union, approving budgets and coordinating work programmes.
