CST and Ithra Host Digital Wellbeing Workshop at IGF in Riyadh

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) jointly hosted a workshop on ‘Digital Wellbeing’ on the sidelines of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh. The workshop, held during the IGF from December 15 to 19, 2024, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to managing the societal impacts of rapid digital transformation.

Context and Background

The workshop took place as part of the Internet Governance Forum, a premier global platform for discussing internet policy. By hosting this session, Saudi Arabia demonstrated its commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities of digitization. The event focused on the Global Digital Wellbeing Index, a new metric designed to assess and guide policies that ensure technology serves humanity positively, aligning with international sustainable development goals.

Key Details

Deputy Governor of Strategy and Digitalization Sector at CST, Naif Sheshah, participated in the workshop, emphasizing the need to strengthen the relationship between users and digital technologies. He called for achieving digital balance and inclusiveness through a secure and reliable digital environment. The workshop specifically aimed to highlight Saudi efforts to keep pace with global digitization while safeguarding quality of life, and to discuss the index’s role in enabling sustainable development.

Implications and Impact

The Global Digital Wellbeing Index aims to promote collaboration among policymakers and regulators worldwide by providing best practices and standards for optimizing the use of digital technologies. It also seeks to bridge the digital divide for unconnected communities, promote digital balance, and raise awareness among digital users globally. This initiative positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in shaping a human-centric digital future.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This workshop directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 by advancing the Kingdom’s goal of building a vibrant society and a thriving economy through digital innovation. By championing the Global Digital Wellbeing Index, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its commitment to responsible digital growth that improves quality of life, fosters sustainability, and strengthens its role as a global hub for technology and policy dialogue.

20 Questions

Q1. Who organized the ‘Digital Wellbeing’ workshop?

A1. The workshop was jointly organized by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).

Q2. What was the main topic of the workshop?

A2. The main topic was ‘Digital Wellbeing,’ focusing on balancing digital technology use with quality of life and sustainability.

Q3. During which event was the workshop held?

A3. It was held on the sidelines of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), taking place in Riyadh from December 15 to 19, 2024.

Q4. What is the Global Digital Wellbeing Index?

A4. The Global Digital Wellbeing Index is a metric aimed at promoting collaboration among policymakers to optimize digital technology use and maximize its positive impact.

Q5. Who represented CST at the workshop?

A5. Deputy Governor of Strategy and Digitalization Sector at CST, Naif Sheshah, represented the commission.

Q6. What is the main goal of the Global Digital Wellbeing Index?

A6. It aims to bridge the digital divide, promote digital balance, and raise awareness among digital users worldwide.

Q7. How does the workshop support sustainable development?

A7. The workshop discussed how the index enables sustainable development goals by ensuring digital sustainability while meeting daily needs.

Q8. What is Saudi Arabia’s role in this initiative?

A8. Saudi Arabia is highlighting its efforts to keep pace with global digitization while safeguarding quality of life through initiatives like the index.

Q9. Why was Ithra involved in the workshop?

A9. Ithra, as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, co-organized to promote cultural and digital awareness in alignment with Vision 2030.

Q10. What did Naif Sheshah emphasize in his remarks?

A10. He stressed the importance of enhancing the relationship between users and digital technologies, achieving digital balance and inclusiveness.

Q11. How does the index promote collaboration?

A11. The index provides best practices and standards for policymakers and regulators worldwide to improve digital governance.

Q12. What is the target audience for the index?

A12. The index targets unconnected communities to bridge the digital divide and digital users globally to raise awareness.

Q13. What is digital sustainability?

A13. Digital sustainability involves using technology to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Q14. How does this workshop relate to Vision 2030?

A14. It supports Vision 2030 by advancing a vibrant society and thriving economy through responsible digital innovation and improved quality of life.

Q15. What is the significance of hosting the IGF in Riyadh?

A15. Hosting the IGF positions Riyadh as a global hub for internet governance dialogue, showcasing Saudi leadership in technology policy.

Q16. Does the index address cybersecurity?

A16. The index focuses on digital wellbeing and inclusiveness, but creating a secure digital environment is part of its broader goals.

Q17. How can countries adopt the Global Digital Wellbeing Index?

A17. Countries are invited to adopt the index to integrate best practices into their national digital policies for balanced growth.

Q18. What is digital balance?

A18. Digital balance refers to a healthy relationship with technology, where usage enhances life without causing harm or addiction.

Q19. How does the workshop benefit Saudi citizens?

A19. It helps create policies that ensure digital technologies improve quality of life, supporting the well-being of all citizens.

Q20. What is the next step after this workshop?

A20. The workshop encourages further collaboration among nations to implement the index, advancing global digital wellbeing standards.

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