Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha recently spoke at the UN Summit of the Future in New York, highlighting the transformative support for youth and women initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He praised this initiative as a major success story of inclusion and empowerment in Saudi Arabia. Al-Swaha emphasized that the Crown Prince’s vision inspires the Saudi people and fosters global momentum for economic diversification through the empowerment of women and youth, along with the advancement of technology and innovation.
During the “Hope of Digital” session, Al-Swaha pointed out that Saudi Arabia has achieved the highest percentage of women participation in the tech sector, reaching 35% within just six years. This surpasses both the EU and G20 averages, showcasing the country’s commitment to empowering women in the technology field. He shared compelling stories of empowerment, including the participation of women and youth in programming led by the Misk Foundation. The foundation trained one million individuals through the “Saudi Codes” program, showcasing the impact of educational initiatives in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Swaha also celebrated the achievement of sending Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Muslim Arab female astronaut, to the International Space Station. This milestone highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. The minister concluded his speech by stating that these initiatives have propelled Saudi Arabia to high rankings in various global indices. Notably, the country secured fourth place globally in the UN E-Government Development Index 2024, and second among G20 nations in the digital services index. This recognition demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s dedication to embracing digital transformation and promoting innovation in the tech sector.
In conclusion, Minister Al-Swaha’s speech at the UN Summit of the Future highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to empowering women and youth in the technology sector. Through initiatives led by the Crown Prince, the country has achieved significant progress in increasing women’s participation in tech, surpassing both EU and G20 averages. The minister shared inspiring stories of empowerment, including the training of one million individuals through the “Saudi Codes” program and sending the first Muslim Arab female astronaut to the International Space Station. These achievements have not only inspired the Saudi people but also placed the country at high rankings in global indices, showcasing its dedication to digital transformation and innovation. Saudi Arabia’s success story of inclusion and empowerment serves as a model for other nations looking to diversify their economies and harness the potential of women and youth in the tech sector.
