GENEVA — At the recent World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Saudi Arabia stood out by winning several prestigious awards, showcasing its advancements in information and communication technologies (ICT).

The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) won the award in the "role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for Development" category for its National Data Bank (NDB) and Estishraf project. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of data within the Kingdom, promote international cooperation, and contribute to a data-driven digital economy through specialized platforms.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia received three excellence certificates. The "AI Principals Project" by SDAIA was recognized for its focus on ethical AI development and implementation across its lifecycle. The "Elevate" project, also by SDAIA, was celebrated for its efforts in empowering women and providing training in data and AI to over 1,000 women from 28 countries since its inception.

Furthermore, the "SmartTruck" project by the Saudi Telecom Company (STC) in partnership with HUAWEI, aimed at bridging the digital divide for seniors through digital skills training programs, was also acknowledged.

These accolades reflect the Kingdom’s significant strides in enhancing its ICT infrastructure, fostering national capabilities, and aligning with global advancements in sectors like government services, healthcare, education, and entertainment. — SG