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

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.



Bitcoin Jumps to Record on Institutional Investor Demand

FILE PHOTO: A bitcoin symbol is displayed on a screen before US Vice President JD Vance speaks at a Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, May 28, 2025.   REUTERS/Steve Marcus/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A bitcoin symbol is displayed on a screen before US Vice President JD Vance speaks at a Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, May 28, 2025. REUTERS/Steve Marcus/File Photo
TT
20

Bitcoin Jumps to Record on Institutional Investor Demand

FILE PHOTO: A bitcoin symbol is displayed on a screen before US Vice President JD Vance speaks at a Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, May 28, 2025.   REUTERS/Steve Marcus/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A bitcoin symbol is displayed on a screen before US Vice President JD Vance speaks at a Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, May 28, 2025. REUTERS/Steve Marcus/File Photo

Bitcoin rallied to an all-time high on Friday, powered by demand from institutional investors and crypto-friendly policies from US President Donald Trump's administration.
The world's largest cryptocurrency rose to a peak of $116,781.10 in the Asian session on Friday, taking its gains for the year so far to more than 24%. It was last trading at $116,563.11, Reuters said.
"Bitcoin's new all-time high is being driven by relentless institutional accumulation - major players are scooping up supply and drying up liquidity on exchanges," said Joshua Chu, co-chair of the Hong Kong Web3 Association.
In March, Trump signed an executive order to establish a strategic reserve of cryptocurrencies. He has also appointed several crypto-friendly individuals, including Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins and White House artificial intelligence czar David Sacks.
Trump's family businesses have also made forays into cryptocurrencies. Trump Media & Technology Group is looking to launch an exchange-traded fund to invest in multiple crypto tokens including Bitcoin, an SEC filing on Tuesday showed.
Ether, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency, similarly jumped nearly 5% to $2,956.82, after earlier hitting a five-month high of $2,998.41.