Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Alswaha delivered the Kingdom's keynote address at the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva.

 

In his speech, Alswaha emphasized that the vision of HRH Crown Prince positioned Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) through a series of bold initiatives. The Crown Prince launched the “HUMAIN” project to provide the full spectrum of AI capabilities — from advanced processors to top talent- and to position the Kingdom as a global AI pioneer.

 

Minister Alswaha stated that “the Kingdom’s efforts are a direct response to urgent global challenges. Today, the world faces an 'existential gap’ due to alarming disparities in access to AI technologies.”  He warned that these persistent gaps could slow advances needed to support human progress. 

 

Alswaha reiterated Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to supporting and leading international efforts aimed at closing the technological divides emerging in the AI era. He stressed the need for decisive international collaboration to build a more inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem, underscoring the importance of unity in addressing global issues.

 

Alswaha outlined the three major phases of technological transformation: the analog era, which took more than a century to connect 800 million people; the digital era, which linked 5.5 billion individuals in just 50 years — yet still left 2.6 billion unconnected; and the AI era, in which the current gaps lie in computing infrastructure, data availability, and algorithms.

 

He also highlighted the global scale of inequality,  including the concentration of computing power in a few regions, the lack of AI infrastructure in many countries, and the limited participation of the Global South in shaping governance frameworks and regulatory policies.

 

His Excellency detailed the Kingdom’s initiatives aimed at addressing these gaps. He pointed to the inspiring digital empowerment of women in Saudi Arabia, who have a participation rate exceeding 35%, as well as the Kingdom's leading global digital competitiveness rankings for two consecutive years. Additionally, he highlighted that Saudi researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology rank among the top 1% globally in scientific citations, instilling hope for the future of AI. 

 

Alswaha also emphasized the Kingdom’s advancements in data protection regulations and the development of language models that promote inclusive access to technology across diverse communities.

 

The Minister concluded his speech by emphasizing that the next 10 years will be crucial for bridging the AI era's divides. He called for multilateral partnerships under the umbrella of the ITU to build a fair, safe, and inclusive AI ecosystem that supports sustainable development and enhances human well-being.