Saudi Minister Highlights Women and Youth Empowerment at UN

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, told the UN Summit of the Future in New York that the support and empowerment of youth and women by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has produced one of the Kingdom’s greatest success stories of inclusion and empowerment. Speaking during the session titled “The Hope of Digital,” the minister outlined how this vision has become a source of inspiration for the Saudi people and is driving global momentum to diversify the economy by harnessing technology and innovation.

Context and Background

Eng. Alswaha’s remarks at the United Nations come as Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation under Vision 2030, a national blueprint to diversify the economy and unlock the potential of all citizens. The minister noted that the Crown Prince’s leadership has placed women and young people at the heart of this effort, and that this approach is now recognized internationally as a model for inclusive growth. He pointed to the rapid changes seen across Saudi society, where technology has created new pathways for education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Key Details

The minister highlighted that Saudi Arabia has recorded the highest percentage of women’s participation in the tech sector, reaching 35% in just six years—surpassing both the European Union and G20 averages. He also shared inspiring stories of women and youth empowerment, including the largest women and youth participation in programming led by the Misk Foundation, which trained one million women and youths through the “Saudi Codes” program. Another landmark achievement was sending the first Muslim Arab female astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, to the International Space Station. These successes, he said, have contributed to Saudi Arabia’s high rankings in global indices, such as the UN E-Government Development Index 2024, where the Kingdom placed fourth globally and second among G20 countries in the digital services index.

Implications and Impact

These achievements signal a profound shift in Saudi Arabia’s human capital landscape and have far-reaching implications. For the region, the Kingdom’s progress offers a replicable model for leveraging technology to drive social and economic inclusion. Internationally, it strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a digital leader and a destination for innovation and investment. The emphasis on women and youth is expected to further accelerate the growth of the tech ecosystem, creating a pipeline of skilled talent that can compete globally and attract partnerships.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The empowerment of women and youth is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, which seeks to build a vibrant society and a thriving economy. By enabling broader participation in the digital economy, Saudi Arabia is not only fulfilling its national ambitions but also contributing to global efforts to close gender and skills gaps. As the Kingdom continues to invest in technology and innovation, the success stories shared by Minister Alswaha underscore the transformative power of inclusive policies and the enduring impact of bold leadership.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did Eng. Abdullah Alswaha speak at?

A1. Eng. Abdullah Alswaha spoke at the UN Summit of the Future in New York, during a session titled “The Hope of Digital,” where he highlighted Saudi Arabia’s achievements in inclusion.

Q2. What did the minister say about the Crown Prince’s support for youth and women?

A2. He stated that HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support has led to one of the Kingdom’s greatest success stories of inclusion and empowerment, creating global momentum for economic diversification.

Q3. What percentage of women participate in Saudi Arabia’s tech sector?

A3. Saudi Arabia has achieved 35% women’s participation in the tech sector in just six years, surpassing the EU and G20 averages, as noted by Minister Alswaha.

Q4. Which program trained one million women and youths?

A4. The “Saudi Codes” program, led by the Misk Foundation, trained one million women and youths, representing the largest such participation in programming.

Q5. Who is the first Muslim Arab female astronaut sent to space?

A5. Rayyanah Barnawi became the first Muslim Arab female astronaut, sent to the International Space Station as part of Saudi Arabia’s space endeavors.

Q6. How did Saudi Arabia rank in the UN E-Government Development Index 2024?

A6. Saudi Arabia ranked fourth globally and second among G20 countries in the digital services index of the UN E-Government Development Index 2024.

Q7. What is the significance of these achievements for Saudi Arabia?

A7. These achievements highlight the Kingdom’s progress in digital transformation and inclusive growth, positioning it as a global leader in technology and innovation.

Q8. How does the Crown Prince’s vision inspire Saudis?

A8. The Crown Prince’s vision inspires Saudis by creating opportunities and fostering a culture of innovation, empowering women and youth to contribute to national development.

Q9. What role does technology play in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification?

A9. Technology is a key driver of economic diversification, enabling new industries, creating jobs, and empowering women and youth to participate in the digital economy.

Q10. What did the minister say about global momentum?

A10. He said the Crown Prince’s approach creates global momentum for diversifying economies through empowering women and youth, as well as harnessing technology and innovation.

Q11. Which foundation led the programming initiative for women and youth?

A11. The Misk Foundation led the initiative, resulting in the training of one million women and youths through the “Saudi Codes” program.

Q12. How does Saudi Arabia’s tech sector compare to the EU and G20?

A12. Saudi Arabia’s 35% women’s participation in the tech sector exceeds both the EU and G20 averages, according to Minister Alswaha.

Q13. What is the “Saudi Codes” program?

A13. “Saudi Codes” is a training program by the Misk Foundation that has equipped one million women and youths with programming skills, boosting digital talent.

Q14. Why is women’s inclusion in tech important for Vision 2030?

A14. Women’s inclusion in tech is vital for Vision 2030 as it expands the talent pool, drives innovation, and supports economic diversification and social progress.

Q15. What does the UN E-Government Development Index measure?

A15. The index assesses countries’ digital government services and e-participation; Saudi Arabia ranked fourth globally and second in the G20 for digital services.

Q16. How does Saudi Arabia support youth empowerment?

A16. Saudi Arabia supports youth empowerment through initiatives like the Misk Foundation, training programs, and policies that encourage participation in technology and innovation.

Q17. What message did Minister Alswaha convey to the international community?

A17. He conveyed that Saudi Arabia’s inclusive approach, driven by the Crown Prince’s vision, serves as a model for empowering women and youth globally.

Q18. What are the implications of Saudi Arabia’s digital leadership?

A18. It strengthens the Kingdom’s global standing, attracts investment, and fosters partnerships, while providing a blueprint for other nations to follow.

Q19. How does Rayyanah Barnawi’s mission reflect Saudi progress?

A19. Her mission symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s strides in science and technology, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering women and advancing space exploration.

Q20. What future steps are expected in Saudi Arabia’s empowerment journey?

A20. Continued investment in technology and education is expected to further empower women and youth, driving innovation and sustainable growth in line with Vision 2030.

---