UN Secretary-General António Guterres Engages With Digital Government Authority On Innovation And Cooperation

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, along with his delegation, visited the Digital Government Authority (DGA) Innovation Center in Riyadh. During this visit, he met with DGA Governor Eng. Ahmed Alsuwaiyan and Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil. They discussed various topics of mutual interest, including digital government development and sustainable digital transformation.

The meeting also explored potential cooperation between the DGA and UN organizations. Key areas included knowledge exchange, developing digital standards, and enabling emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. The focus was on enhancing digital capabilities and forming partnerships to improve global digital service quality.

Guterres received a briefing on the DGA Innovation Center's facilities. These include specialized labs like the Digital Inclusion Lab, Service Design Lab, Learning Experience Lab, and AI and Emerging Technologies Lab. These resources are pivotal in supporting innovation and developing government digital solutions.

The DGA team showcased Saudi Arabia's digital government strategy and progress in UN e-government development indicators. This reflects the maturity of the national digital experience and advances in the Kingdom's digital infrastructure.

During discussions, participants reviewed Saudi Arabia's efforts in digital enablement to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhance government sector efficiency. The conversation highlighted how these efforts align with global development objectives.

At the end of his visit, Guterres praised Saudi Arabia's significant progress in digital government. He noted that their achievements set a leading international example and demonstrate a strong commitment to innovative government services.

Strengthening Future Cooperation

The secretary-general emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to support initiatives that promote an advanced digital future for global development. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and effective government services worldwide.

The meeting underscored avenues for collaboration between DGA and UN entities. It focused on sharing knowledge, developing standards for emerging technologies, enhancing digital skills, and building partnerships to elevate international digital service quality.

With inputs from SPA