Riyadh, Saudi Arabia–Saudi Arabia has presided over the 26th session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The kingdom was represented by the Director General of International Affairs at the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission, Eng. Mansour Al-Qurashi, to review and achieve the interests of the Kingdom.
In addition, the session enhances the Kingdom’s position, highlights its efforts and achievements internationally, and cooperates with the international community to develop the communications and technology sectors.
Several officials from the private sector, civil society, academic bodies, and international and regional organizations attended the CSTD session.
The attendees discussed several topics, including developing science, technology, and innovation for the environment and society’s development, formulating future directions, and ensuring CSTD coordination and planning to achieve the goals of the UN.
In addition, it reviewed the progress made in implementing the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) outcomes and appraising at regional and international levels.
The kingdom’s participation and chairmanship in the CSTD come as a result of its pioneering experience in the field and its influential contributions to strengthening the digital infrastructure of developing countries by harnessing its resources for the international community, in addition to its leadership in the communications and technology sector at the regional level and the field of digital readiness.
Notably, the CSTD, whose membership includes 43 countries, was established in 1992 to advise the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and ECOSOC on issues related to science and technology and their effects on the development of their policies in developing countries.
It also aims to formulate recommendations and guidelines within the UN system and fulfill its responsibility for the periodic follow-up to the implementation of the WSIS outcomes.