Saudi Arabia Highlights Innovations For Sustainability And Economic Growth At STS Forum In Japan

Dr. Munir Eldesouki, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), recently spoke at the Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum in Kyoto, Japan. He highlighted the pivotal role of science and technology in Saudi Vision 2030. These fields are essential for achieving sustainability, economic growth, and tackling global issues such as climate change, food security, health crises, and AI advancements.

Eldesouki emphasized Saudi Arabia's ambitious plan to produce up to 600 tons of green hydrogen by 2026 through the establishment of the world's largest green hydrogen plant. This initiative could potentially reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 5 million tons annually. The Kingdom is also developing renewable energy technologies and aims to have the largest carbon capture and storage centers globally, with a capacity of 9 million tons annually by 2027, expanding to 44 million tons by 2035.

The Kingdom has made significant strides in addressing environmental challenges. By employing space technologies to monitor land and agricultural activities, it has conserved 9 billion cubic meters of groundwater resources. Additionally, KACST has developed eco-friendly biological control technologies to combat dengue fever, aiming to reduce cases by 70% by 2027.

Saudi Arabia is committed to nurturing young scientists, researchers, and innovators. "KACST has launched initiatives in Web3 applications for immersive technologies, electronic games and augmented reality," Eldesouki stated. These initiatives aim to equip individuals with skills necessary for digital transformation and economic diversification.

The Kingdom established "The Garage" incubator and business accelerator to support entrepreneurs and startups in deep technologies. This facility provides an integrated workspace that aids in development from the laboratory to the market. "The Garage hosts more than 200 startups and entrepreneurs from over 50 countries," reflecting its importance in fostering innovation.

Eldesouki invited leaders in R&D and innovation attending the October forum to visit Riyadh Expo 2030 themed "A Different Tomorrow". The event will showcase how innovations contribute to building a sustainable future for generations ahead, focusing on science and technology's impact.

International Collaborations

During the STS forum, Eldesouki met with Dr. Nicodemos Damianou from Cyprus to discuss potential collaborations in R&D, innovation promotion, healthcare investment, and cybersecurity. In another meeting with Kenji Yabuta from Mitsubishi Research Institute, they explored cooperation opportunities related to AI, renewable energy, healthcare, and digital transformation.

The Kingdom's efforts underscore its commitment to sustainability through science and technology while fostering international partnerships for mutual growth.

With inputs from SPA