عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

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
TT
20
TT

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.

Most Viewed

 
Business

EU Needs Rare Earths Strategic Reserves against China Threat

File photo: A mining machine is seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China July 16, 2011. Picture taken July 16, 2011. (Reuters)
File photo: A mining machine is seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China July 16, 2011. Picture taken July 16, 2011. (Reuters)
TT
20
TT

EU Needs Rare Earths Strategic Reserves against China Threat

File photo: A mining machine is seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China July 16, 2011. Picture taken July 16, 2011. (Reuters)
File photo: A mining machine is seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China July 16, 2011. Picture taken July 16, 2011. (Reuters)

European Union countries should create joint reserves of rare earths to prevent supply chain disruptions and economic blackmail from China, the EU's Commissioner for Industrial Strategy, Stephane Sejourne, told the Handelsblatt newspaper.

Sejourne also said he would launch further tenders this year to promote alternative raw material sources, the German newspaper said.

"All European countries today have strategic reserves for oil and gas. We should do the same for strategic raw materials," Sejourne was quoted as saying on Monday.

The European Union in June announced 13 new raw material projects outside the bloc to increase its supplies of metals and minerals essential to its competitiveness in the energy transition as well as defense and aerospace.

The announcement followed China's decision in April to impose export curbs on rare earth magnets until new licenses are obtained, leaving diplomats, carmakers and other companies from Europe and elsewhere scrambling to secure meetings with Beijing officials and avert factory shutdowns.

Sejourne also warned Beijing that the EU has the tools to defend itself in a potential trade war. "Europe must finally use the same weapons as its competitors," he said.

China in June said it attached great importance to the EU's concerns and would look into speeding up the approval process to ship rare earth exports to the EU.