Kingdom positions itself as leader in global tech diplomacy with ITU-backed symposium
As geopolitical rivalries simmer over control of digital infrastructure and AI regulation, Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome more than 190 nations for one of the world’s most influential telecom and tech policy gatherings. The Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR25)—co-hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST)—will run from August 31 to September 3 in Riyadh.
The annual event, themed “Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development,” signals a turning point in the Kingdom’s bid to become a digital governance powerhouse—less than a decade after it began diversifying from oil under Vision 2030.
With ministers, regulators, and tech executives converging from every continent, the forum will debate how the world should regulate next-generation technologies—from generative AI and satellite internet to spectrum use and cybersecurity. Saudi Arabia, a country that until recently relied heavily on imported digital expertise, now finds itself setting the table for global consensus.
A Quiet Power Play in the Global Digital Arena
For decades, digital regulation was dominated by transatlantic alliances. But the locus of influence is shifting, and Saudi Arabia is moving fast to assert itself as a rule-maker—not just a market.
“This is not just a hosting gig. It’s a signal,” said Ghada Al-Ali, a Riyadh-based tech policy researcher. “Saudi Arabia is telling the world it wants a say in how the internet is governed, how AI is regulated, and how digital opportunity is shared. They’re stepping into roles traditionally held by Brussels, Geneva, or Washington.”
Saudi officials echo that ambition. Eng. Haitham AlOhali, Acting Governor of CST, called the symposium “a transformative opportunity,” stressing that the Kingdom is now viewed as a “proactive” contributor to sustainable global tech solutions.
The ITU’s Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the first woman to lead the UN telecom body, praised the GSR’s legacy:
“For 25 years, GSR has shaped the rules through mobile booms, broadband revolutions, and now AI. This year, we face a fresh imperative: ensuring inclusivity in the digital era.”
What’s on the Agenda?
Behind the diplomatic niceties lies a packed policy docket. Organizers are expected to push forward multi-stakeholder governance models and spectrum-sharing frameworks, especially for space-based and rural connectivity.
Sessions will touch on:
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AI regulation and algorithmic accountability
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Cross-border data flows and privacy laws
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Spectrum allocation for emerging technologies like 6G
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Digital inclusion for underserved populations
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Cybersecurity harmonization and threat coordination
Who’s Coming to Riyadh?
The GSR25 is expected to draw over 1,000 delegates. Confirmed attendees include:
| Category | Key Participants |
|---|---|
| Ministers & Officials | ICT ministers from UAE, Singapore, Kenya, Brazil, Germany |
| Regulators | FCC (USA), Ofcom (UK), TRAI (India), Anatel (Brazil) |
| Tech Industry | Executives from Huawei, Microsoft, STC, Ericsson, Amazon Web Services |
| Multilateral Orgs | World Bank, OECD, WEF, African Union ICT Commission |
More than 90 private-sector firms have registered, including a growing number of Middle East startups focused on edtech, fintech, and AI deployment.
Saudi Arabia’s Digital Diplomacy Strategy
Saudi Arabia’s GSR25 hosting follows a string of high-profile tech engagements in recent years. The Kingdom launched a $6.4 billion investment plan in 2022 aimed at becoming a regional digital hub. It has since:
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Hosted LEAP, the region’s largest emerging tech expo
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Unveiled Neom’s tech-first city project with smart governance pilots
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Partnered with US, Chinese, and European firms on AI and cloud infrastructure
While critics have raised concerns about internet freedom and digital surveillance in the Kingdom, Riyadh has marketed its regulatory modernization as “future-forward” and “investment-friendly.”
“This is a way to show soft power,” said a European delegate set to attend. “Saudi Arabia wants to shape rules, not just follow them. And GSR is a good place to start doing that, especially with the ITU’s backing.”
The ITU’s Balancing Act
The ITU’s involvement gives the forum institutional clout but also global complexity. As a UN body, the ITU walks a delicate line between respecting sovereign regulation models and promoting global interoperability.
In a world fractured by divergent data laws—between Europe’s GDPR, China’s data localization mandates, and U.S. laissez-faire—the GSR must thread the needle.
“The goal isn’t to force one-size-fits-all policies,” said ITU spokesperson Leila Majnoun. “It’s to foster regulatory convergence where possible, and dialogue where not.”
Why It Matters
As the global internet fractures into rival zones—some open, others state-controlled—the GSR25 arrives at a pivotal moment. The symposium’s outcomes may not be legally binding, but they help set the tone for how nations regulate increasingly powerful digital forces.
Saudi Arabia, once a digital follower, is now hosting the conversation. And in today’s world, hosting means influence.
