Saudi Arabia has been elected as the Vice President of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, represented by Engineer Mansour Al-Qurashi, the Deputy Minister of International Cooperation and Partnerships at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. This announcement follows the session held in Geneva for the ITU Council for 2026, highlighting the Kingdom's increasing influence in international affairs.
Saudi Arabia has been a member of the ITU Council since 1965, which is considered the highest authority managing the Union's affairs between diplomatic conferences. The council is responsible for overseeing operations, setting policies, and approving strategic and financial plans.
Event Details
The ITU Council consists of 48 countries out of 190 member states in the Union, playing a central role in guiding the Union's work, monitoring programs, and ensuring the effective implementation of policies. This election demonstrates the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing international cooperation in the fields of telecommunications and information technology.
This step comes at a time when the Kingdom is experiencing significant transformations in technology and telecommunications, as it seeks to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 aimed at diversifying the economy and fostering innovation.
Background & Context
The ITU was established in 1865 and is one of the oldest international organizations. The Union aims to improve and coordinate telecommunications services worldwide. Since Saudi Arabia joined the Union, it has played an important role in developing telecommunications policies at the international level.
In recent years, the Kingdom has witnessed remarkable developments in the telecommunications sector, having invested in digital infrastructure and expanding internet services. These developments reflect the government's commitment to achieving digital transformation and providing advanced services to citizens and residents.
Impact & Consequences
This election is a strategic step that enhances Saudi Arabia's position on the international stage, allowing it to influence global policies related to telecommunications. It also reflects the Kingdom's ability to lead international dialogue in technology and innovation.
This membership is expected to contribute to strengthening cooperation among member states in research and development, benefiting all stakeholders involved. Additionally, it will provide Saudi Arabia with the opportunity to exchange experiences with other countries in the telecommunications sector.
Regional Significance
This election represents a significant achievement for the Arab region, showcasing the ability of Arab countries to compete on the international stage. It also enhances Arab cooperation in the fields of technology and telecommunications, contributing to sustainable development in the region.
Arab countries are striving to enhance their capabilities in telecommunications, and this step serves as evidence of the importance of international cooperation in achieving developmental goals. This election is expected to inspire other countries in the region to activate their roles in international organizations.