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.



Gold Rebounds from Two-week Low; US Jobs Data in Focus

FILE PHOTO: Gold bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth//File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth//File Photo
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Gold Rebounds from Two-week Low; US Jobs Data in Focus

FILE PHOTO: Gold bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth//File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth//File Photo

Gold gained on Friday as investors rushed to buy the metal a day after its prices hit a two-week low amid receding trade tensions, while the market's focus shifted to the US non-farm payrolls report due later in the day.

Spot gold rose 0.4% to $3,254.51 an ounce, as of 0610 GMT.

Gold hit its lowest level since mid-April in the previous session and has lost nearly 2% so far this week, the steepest weekly fall since late February.

US gold futures rose 1.3% to $3,263, Reuters reported.

"There have been softening stance (on tariffs) and situation has improved a bit, but still there are a lot of uncertainties so gold will still be preferred by investors," said ANZ Commodity Strategist Soni Kumari, adding that every price correction in gold is seen as a buying opportunity.

"If prices continue to decline and approach the $3,000 level, it could attract a lot of investment demand."

Beijing is "evaluating" an offer from Washington to hold talks over US President Donald Trump's 145% tariffs, China's Commerce Ministry said, although it warned US not to engage in "extortion and coercion."

Bullion, a safeguard against political and financial turmoil, last soared to a record high of $3,500.05 on April 22.

The market now awaits the US non-farm payrolls report due at 1230 GMT for more cues on the Federal Reserve's policy path.

Non-farm payrolls likely increased by 130,000 jobs in April after rising by 228,000 in March, a Reuters survey showed.

Chinese markets are closed for the Labor Day holiday from May 1-5 and will resume trade on Tuesday, May 6.

Gold started trading in premium in India this week for the first time in five months as demand revived due to a key festival and as prices corrected sharply from last week's record high.

Spot silver rose 0.5% to $32.57 an ounce, platinum firmed 1.1% to $968.76 and palladium gained 1.1% to $950.79.