UN Selects Riyadh to Host the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024

General view of Riyadh city. Reuters file photo
General view of Riyadh city. Reuters file photo
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UN Selects Riyadh to Host the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024

General view of Riyadh city. Reuters file photo
General view of Riyadh city. Reuters file photo

The United Nations has selected Riyadh to host the 19th edition of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in 2024.
The IGF is an annual event organized by the United Nations, bringing together global experts to discuss and formulate international trends and policies regarding the developments of internet governance in a collaborative manner between governments, the private sector, and non-profit organizations.
The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, affirmed that the Kingdom is leading international efforts to increase digital inclusion and bridge the digital divide worldwide.

It aims to contribute to building a thriving and inclusive digital economy for all.

This comes in light of the unlimited support received by the sector from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The Governor of the Digital Government Authority, Eng. Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, pointed out that the United Nations' selection of Riyadh to host this global forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s leading role and efforts in maximizing the impact of digital infrastructure to achieve sustainable development goals and serve communities and business sectors.

The trust placed by international organizations in Saudi Arabia’s ability to host major exhibitions and global conferences confirms its position as an advanced country in the field of communications, information technology, and digital government. It also recognizes its excellence in various fields in line with the programs and initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030.

IGF brings together more than 160 countries and features over 1,000 speakers consisting of global experts and specialists. It hosts more than 300 sessions and workshops, in addition to awards, and cooperative agreements that will take place over five days. These activities aim to facilitate the exchange of expertise, success stories, and best practices in public policy issues related to the Internet.

The forum seeks to shape the future of the Internet and technology and build a secure digital future for all.



Oil Sinks 4% as US Kicks Off 104% Tariffs on China

NOLAN, TEXAS - APRIL 08: An oil pumpjack is seen in a field on April 08, 2025 in Nolan, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images/AFP
NOLAN, TEXAS - APRIL 08: An oil pumpjack is seen in a field on April 08, 2025 in Nolan, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images/AFP
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Oil Sinks 4% as US Kicks Off 104% Tariffs on China

NOLAN, TEXAS - APRIL 08: An oil pumpjack is seen in a field on April 08, 2025 in Nolan, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images/AFP
NOLAN, TEXAS - APRIL 08: An oil pumpjack is seen in a field on April 08, 2025 in Nolan, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images/AFP

Oil prices dropped to their lowest in more than four years on Wednesday on looming demand concerns fueled by an escalating tariff war between the US and China, the world's two biggest economies, and a rising supply outlook.
Brent futures lost $2.38, or 3.79%, to $60.44 a barrel as of 0423 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $2.46, or 4.13%, to $57.12. Both contracts touched their lowest level since February 2021.
The six-month spread for Brent <LCOc1-LCOc7> slumped to 79 cents, its lowest level since mid-November, as the market was seen moving into a potential surplus. The spread has collapsed 86% from a high of $5.69 on January 15 that reflected tightening supply and expectations of a revival in Chinese demand.
Both Brent and WTI have tumbled over the five consecutive sessions since US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on most imports sparking concerns a global trade war would dent economic growth and hit fuel demand, Reuters reported.
Trump's 104% tariffs on China kicked in from 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT) on Wednesday, adding 50% more to tariffs after Beijing failed to lift its retaliatory tariffs on US goods by a noon deadline on Tuesday set by Trump.
Beijing vowed not to bow to what it called US blackmail after Trump threatened the additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods if the country did not lift its 34% retaliatory levy.
"China’s aggressive retaliation diminishes the chances of a quick deal between the world’s two biggest economies, triggering mounting fears of economic recession across the globe," said Ye Lin, vice president of oil commodity markets at Rystad Energy.
"China’s 50,000 bpd to 100,000 bpd of oil demand growth is at risk if the trade war continues for longer, however, a stronger stimulus to boost domestic consumption could mitigate the losses," she said.