Saudi Cabinet Keen to Continue Economic Growth, Comprehensive Development

King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
TT
20

Saudi Cabinet Keen to Continue Economic Growth, Comprehensive Development

King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Saudi government stressed on Tuesday its determination to continue to forge ahead on the path of economic development and comprehensive development.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held virtually amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The cabinet added that it will continue to preserve financial sustainability and implement financial reforms that would support economic growth and diversify its activities with the aim of achieving the Kingdom’s ambitious development goals.

King Salman briefed the cabinet on the telephone talks he held on Monday with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in wake of the cyclone that struck the Sultanate and left at least 11 people dead. He also briefed the ministers on the message he received from US President Joe Biden that hailed the historic relations between their countries.

The ministers reviewed the Pre-Budget Statement for the Fiscal Year 2022, including the Fiscal and Economic Performance Report FY 2021. They also tackled the main fiscal objectives and economic indicators estimates for Fiscal Year 2022 over the medium term, as well as the key initiatives and programs that will be implemented during the coming fiscal years within the framework of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi said that the cabinet reviewed the efforts to develop the tourism sector and increase its contribution to the GDP. It highlighted efforts to develop several tourist destinations in the Kingdom, including the recent launch of the Strategy for the Development of Aseer Region.



UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
TT
20

UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission

The United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a Saudi-drafted resolution aimed at enhancing child protection in the digital realm, a move rooted in a global initiative launched by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The resolution, introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the UN and international organizations in Geneva, seeks to advance the goals of the Kingdom’s “Child Protection in Cyberspace” initiative.

It aims to translate the initiative’s vision into concrete action through enhanced technical cooperation and capacity building.

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, presented the draft during the Council’s 59th session under Agenda Item 10, which focuses on technical assistance and capacity development.

The proposal received broad support and was adopted by consensus, with co-sponsorship from Kuwait, Algeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam.

Addressing the Council, Khothaila stressed that the digital space has become an integral part of children’s lives, offering immense opportunities for learning and connection, while also exposing them to growing risks.

He underscored the need for stronger international cooperation, national capacity building, and technical support to reinforce national frameworks aimed at child protection.

The resolution reflects the core objectives of the Crown Prince’s initiative, including fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, raising awareness, and equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills to ensure a safer digital environment for children.

It also highlights the importance of tailoring technical assistance to the specific needs and priorities of each country, with the aim of building sustainable national capacities and enhancing communities’ ability to respond to digital threats facing children.

The resolution underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting global cooperation for a secure and inclusive digital space for children worldwide, in line with its leadership role and pioneering efforts in cybersecurity and child protection.