Saudi Arabia Commits To Science And Technology For Future Global Stability At G20 Summit

The President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud Eldesouki, affirmed Saudi Arabia's dedication to investing in science and technology. The aim is to position the Kingdom among the world's leading nations by 2030. This commitment aligns with national aspirations and priorities for research, development, and innovation, promoting global stability and prosperity for future generations.

Dr. Eldesouki highlighted the Kingdom's ambition to lead in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This involves a strong commitment to governance, innovation, and ethical principles in AI research and development. He stressed that international cooperation and knowledge exchange are crucial for ensuring global security and ethical considerations in AI advancements.

At the G20 Science Summit (Science20) held in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil's presidency, Dr. Eldesouki led the Saudi delegation. Representatives from G20 scientific academies, international scientific institutions, and national networks attended the summit. During his speech, he emphasized the importance of economic diversification and sustainability as central elements of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

The 'Green Saudi Arabia' initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees over the coming decades. This effort seeks to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually and protect 30% of land and marine areas by 2030. Additionally, the Kingdom is investing in bioeconomy, desert agriculture, water conservation technologies, and renewable energy solutions.

In the energy sector, Dr. Eldesouki noted that Saudi Arabia aims to lead in clean energy production. The goal is to diversify the national energy mix used for electricity production by incorporating 50% renewable energy and gas while phasing out liquid fuel. The Kingdom plans to add 20 gigawatts of renewable energy annually to reach 130 gigawatts by 2030.

Health Sector Advancements

Dr. Eldesouki mentioned that Saudi Arabia has launched a national biotechnology strategy to tackle health challenges. This strategy promotes medical innovation through genomics and precision medicine, aiming to transform healthcare outcomes and improve quality of life nationwide. Mental health care has also been strengthened through programs targeting vulnerable populations.

The Kingdom's efforts in social justice were also highlighted by Dr. Eldesouki. He confirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and empowering women. In 2020, the Kingdom received the Global Award for Empowerment of Women in technology from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Women's Empowerment

The World Economic Forum ranked Saudi Arabia among the top three most improved countries globally in closing the gender gap in 2022. The Kingdom became the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to receive an award for women's empowerment in technology. By 2023, women's participation in the communications and information technology sector increased to 35%, surpassing figures from the European Union, G20 countries, and Silicon Valley.

Dr. Eldesouki concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to Brazil for its leadership during the G20 Science Summit. He called for a framework agreement aligned with participants' aspirations to address future challenges in science and technology sectors effectively.

With inputs from SPA