Saudi Arabia Engages With Global Leaders At WTSA-2024 In India To Enhance Telecommunications Standards

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), took part in the ITU's 2024 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24) in New Delhi, India. The delegation was led by CST Governor Dr. Mohammed Altamimi. The event saw participation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside high-ranking officials and policymakers from the ITU's Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) globally.

Dr. Altamimi also engaged in the Global Standards Symposium (GSS) during WTSA. He joined a panel discussion titled "Catalyzing Change: Industry & Ministerial Leaders Crafting the Future of Innovation." This session highlighted Saudi Arabia's leadership role in fostering collaboration among ICT regulators under Saudi Vision 2030. It emphasized efforts to create a cooperative regulatory environment aimed at boosting investment in the digital economy and facilitating a shift towards a digital society.

CST continues to spearhead Saudi Arabia's initiatives within the ITU by leading the Arab group team for WTSA-24 preparations. Eng. Abdullah AlMubadal, Deputy Governor of the Telecom Sector at CST, represents this effort. His responsibilities include steering key topics at the assembly and holding several leadership roles within ITU-T to set international technical standards that underpin innovation and development across various sectors.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN specialized agency for information and communication technologies, organizes WTSA every four years. This assembly approves strategies for upcoming periods, appoints chairs and vice-chairs of study groups, and makes essential decisions for global telecommunications standardization through ITU-T.

The ITU-T sector comprises 194 countries, over 260 private sector members, and more than 160 research and academic organizations. These diverse participants collaborate to establish common standards that facilitate technological advancement worldwide.

Saudi Arabia's involvement underscores its commitment to advancing global telecommunications standards while aligning with its national vision for digital transformation. By actively participating in international forums like WTSA-24, Saudi Arabia aims to contribute significantly to shaping future ICT policies and frameworks on a global scale.

With inputs from SPA