Simply select any text on the page to have your computer read it to you.
Choose the preferred Text to Speech accent from your available system voices.
ADA Partners HL Statements (30 minutes)
(Formal Photo for Speakers of the Arab Digital Agenda Partners)
ITU: Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin,
Secretary-General (recorded message)
UNCTAD: Mr. Torbjorn Fredriksson,
Head E-commerce and Digital Economy Branch
UNDP-RBAS: Ms. Mary Kawar,
Regional Hub Director
AICTO: Mr. Mohamed Ben Amor,
Director General
ARADO: Mr. Mostafa Khattab,
Director of Research, Studies, and Consulting Department
AFDE: Mr. Abdalla Al Darmaki,
Deputy Secretary General
AASTMT: Mr. Mostafa Rashid,
Vice President
MBRSG: Mr. Fadi Salem,
Director of Policy Research Department.
Description: The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Process has stood the test of time and is highly relevant in the digital age, as it continues to remain at the forefront of leveraging the power of digital for sustainable development. It serves as a UN multistakeholder coordination mechanism on digital and emerging technologies topics.
The WSIS process has a long history, starting with the first phase in Geneva in 2003 and continuing through subsequent phases and reviews. Its longevity and continuity provide a stable and reliable platform for ongoing discussions, evaluation of progress, and adaptation to emerging challenges and opportunities. This long-term commitment ensures that WSIS remains relevant and effective in addressing the evolving digital landscape.
The upcoming WSIS+20 review is critical to assess the progress made since WSIS, identify gaps, and recommend future actions beyond 2025. As we approach the milestone of WSIS+20, the global community has a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress made and to actively shape the future of digital cooperation.
This side event, “The 20-Year Journey of the WSIS Process,” will bring together key stakeholders from the Arab region and beyond to exchange insights, foster collaboration, and contribute to a shared vision for the future of digital cooperation. Through this dialogue, participants will reflect on the WSIS journey, discuss emerging challenges, and explore opportunities for strengthening digital cooperation beyond 2025.
Ms. Ruth Sidabutar,
Project Officer at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Mr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti,
Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC), UAE (Remote)
Mr. Mr. Karim Abdelghani,
Programme Coordinator, ITU Arab Regional Office
Mr. Chafic Chaya,
Regional Manager, Public Policy and Government Affairs Middle East Region, RIPE NCC
Ms. Heba Mohamed Ismail,
Vice President, Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) (Remote)
Mr. Kassem Istanbouli,
Secretary, Tiro Association For Arts (TAA) (Remote)
Mr. Sami Almalki,
Technical & Vocational Training Corporation, Habka (Remote)
Description: This session will provide an overview of the Arab Digital Agenda (ADA) 2023-2033, focusing on its vision, core objectives, and strategic priorities. The session aims to explore how the ADA is shaping the digital landscape in the Arab region, highlighting its key goals, targets, and proposed actions. Participants will gain insights into the guiding principles behind the agenda, including its implementation mechanisms, monitoring and follow-up, and management and sustainability framework.
Ms. Mirna El Hajj,
UN-ESCWA
Mr. Rami Zaatari,
UN-ESCWA
Mr. Ayman El-Sherbiny,
Chief of ICT Policies, Digital Cooperation and Digital Development, UN-ESCWA
Description: (Closed to Ministers)
Description: The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for the global digital governance ecosystem: the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Over the past two decades, the WSIS vision of an inclusive, people-centered, resilient, and sustainable information society has gradually become a reality. Among its key outcomes, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and more than 170 national, regional, and youth IGF initiatives have played a vital role in fostering multistakeholder collaboration and creating interoperable digital policy environments. However, despite the progress made, significant challenges remain in realizing a truly inclusive and sustainable digital future for all. Key barriers include the persistent digital divide and uneven policy frameworks across regions, preventing equitable access to the benefits of digital technologies.
While digital technologies have proven to be powerful drivers of sustainable development, we are still falling short of meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This raises an important question: What more can existing mechanisms, like the IGF, do to ensure that everyone benefits from the digital age?
This session will spotlight the critical role of the IGF and its vast network of national, regional, and youth IGFs in advancing global digital governance. It will explore the IGF’s contributions to shaping inclusive Internet governance, drawing on examples like the Arab IGF, and will discuss how the IGF can better address global digital challenges. Additionally, the session will examine the IGF's potential as a key follow-up mechanism for the Global Digital Compact and the WSIS+20 review, ensuring that the outcomes of these processes translate into tangible benefits for people around the world.
Mr. Chengetai Masango,
Head of Office, United Nations Secretariat of the Internet Governance Forum (Remote)
Ms. Christine Arida,
Board Member and Strategic Advisor to the Executive President, National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), Egypt.
Mr. Ayman El-Sherbiny,
Chief of ICT Policies, Digital Cooperation and Digital Development, UN-ESCWA
Mr. Chafic Chaya,
Regional Manager, Public Policy and Government Affairs Middle East Region, RIPE NCC
Ms. Wassan Alabbadi,
Youth representative, Youth Media Literacy Ambassadors Program (YMLAP), Civil Society, Jordan
Ms. Anja Gengo,
Programme Management Officer, UN IGF Secretariat
Description:
This High-Level Policy Dialogue panel will convene key stakeholders to address the development of a robust digital infrastructure within the Arab region, with a focus on ensuring the provision of world-class services that are both secure and reliable. The session will delve into two critical ADA pillars: Pillar 3 – Regulatory Environment and Digital Infrastructure and Pillar 4 – Legal Environment and Trust.
The discussions will center on identifying optimal strategies and fostering collaborative efforts among stakeholders to achieve the goals outlined in ADA Cluster 2, specifically:
• 2.1 – Maximize competitiveness and strengthen regulation in the telecommunications sector in Arab countries.
• 2.2 – Enhance regulatory collaboration and coordination between Arab countries to provide and improve telecommunications and regional digital services.
• 2.3 – Improve access to basic telecommunications services.
• 2.4 – Improve Internet speed for users and increase the benefits from Internet services and content.
• 2.5 – Develop the infrastructure of Internet networks and the structure of interconnection at the national and regional levels.
• 2.6 – Activate the use of digital signature services and electronic transactions at the national and regional levels.
• 2.7 – Personal data protection of users.
• 2.8 – Enhance cybersecurity in the Arab region.
This session will serve as a platform for sharing insights and forging actionable solutions promoting regional integration, empowering digital trust, and building a strong regulatory and legal framework.
Mr. Bassam Fadel Al-Sarhan,
CEO & Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRC), Jordan
Mr. Babiker Elturabi,
Manager- General administration of planning, Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority (TPRA), Sudan
Mr. Bassel AL-Ayoubi,
General Director of Investment and Maintenance, Ministry of Telecommunications, Lebanon
Mr. Laredj zerrouki,
Director of Information Society Development, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Algeria
Mr. Mohamed Ben Amor,
Secretary-General of the Arab ICT Organization (AICTO)
Mr. Belal Khaled Al-Hafnawi,
Commissioner and Full-Time Board Member, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), Jordan
Mr. Baher Esmat,
Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, ICANN
Description:
This High-Level Policy Dialogue panel will bring together key stakeholders to unlock innovations and chart a profitable future for the ICT sector, with a focus on fostering a dynamic and thriving ICT landscape. The session will explore strategies to drive growth, innovation, and investment, ensuring a lucrative and forward-thinking ICT ecosystem.
Discussions will concentrate on identifying the most effective approaches and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the goals outlined in ADA Cluster 3, specifically:
• 3.1 – Classify companies operating in the ICT sector and avail their data.
• 3.2 – Encourage investment in ICT companies.
• 3.3 – Activate and revitalize R&D efforts in the ICT field.
• 3.4 – Monitor the contribution of the ICT sector to the national economy.
• 3.5 – Promote the ICT sector in the Arab region.
• 3.7 – Promote exports of ICT goods and services in Arab countries.
• 3.8 – Expand the e-commerce market in Arab countries.
This session will serve as a crucial platform for shaping the future of the ICT sector in the Arab region, fostering collaboration, and driving sustainable development and economic growth.
Mr. Haidar Fraihat,
Director General of the Department of Statistics, Jordan
Ms. Sameera Mohammed Al-Zou'bi.
Secretary General for Administrative & Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Digital Economy & Entrepreneurship (MOODE), Jordan
Mr. Torbjörn Fredriksson,
Head E-commerce and Digital Economy Branch, UNCTAD
Ms. Deemah AlYahya,
Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)
Mr. Abdullah Al-Darmaki,
Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy (AFDE)
Ms. Nermine El Saadany,
Regional Vice President for the Middle East, the Internet Society (ISOC)
Mr. Ahmad Said,
Advisor to the Minister for economic and statistical affairs, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Egypt
Mr. Fadi Salem,
Director of Policy Research Dept, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG)
Description:
This High-Level Policy Dialogue panel will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the multi-dimensional transition to a digital economy and digitally enabled government sectors. The session will explore strategies for advancing this transition, with a focus on fostering the adoption of digital technologies across all sectors of the economy and enhancing e-government services.
Discussions will concentrate on identifying the most effective approaches and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the goals outlined in ADA Clusters 3 and 4, specifically:
• 3.6 – Enhance ICT use in the various productive sectors.
• 3.10 – Develop individuals’ ICT skills.
• 4.3 – Strengthen digital accessibility for persons with disabilities in the Arab region and enable them to access e-services.
• 4.7 – Develop integrated e-government infrastructure and services in Arab countries.
• 4.8 – Increase the efficiency and quality of infrastructure used in the provision of e-government services.
This session will serve as a platform for discussing innovative solutions and fostering cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the digital transformation across the Arab region, ensuring a more inclusive, efficient, and digitally empowered future.
Mr. Saoud Humaid AL Shoaili,
Director General, Head National Space Program, Oman
Mr. Mohamed Ould Boba Mohamed Saleck,
Director of Development and Interoperability, Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administration Modernization, Mauritania
Mr. Nabeel Al Fayoumi,
VP of Royal Scientific Society (RSS), Jordan y
Mr. Mustafa Khattab,
Director of Research and Consulting Studies Department, Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO)
Mr. Mostafa Rashid,
Assistant to President, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)
Mr. Driss El Hadani,
Deputy Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Mr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri,
Executive President, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) (TBC)
Representative from MODEE (TBC)
title, organization, country
Description:
This session will explore the Global Digital Compact (GDC), emphasizing its potential to catalyze transformative digital cooperation across the Arab region. It will address how this international framework can support Arab nations in achieving enhanced digital sovereignty and promote ethical digital governance. Special focus will be on the development of digital public infrastructure and the integration of AI technologies to foster economic and social development through technology.
H.E. Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill,
Under-Secretary-General and Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET)
Mr. Mehdi Snene,
Senior Advisor, United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET)
Mr. Ayman El-Sherbiny,
Chief of ICT Policies, Digital Cooperation and Digital Development, UN-ESCWA
Mr. Amr Aljowaily,
Assistant Foreign Minister (MFA), Egypt
Description:
This session aims to discuss accelerating the achievement of key strategic objectives, particularly in the short term until 2027. It will explore implementation pathways through three main mechanisms:
- Implementation support mechanisms
- Analysis, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms
- Governance and sustainability framework
The discussion will emphasize the importance of partnership and cooperation, as well as the periodic review of the agenda to ensure its alignment with global and regional developments.
Topics Covered in the Session :
This session will seek to answer the following questions:
- How prepared are Arab countries to adopt and localize mechanisms for implementing the Arab Digital Agenda, measuring performance, monitoring, and tracking progress at the national level?
- What mechanisms can accelerate the implementation of the Arab Digital Agenda at the national and regional levels?
- To what extent are Arab countries ready to engage in future updates of the Arab Digital Agenda, and what are the proposed areas for its revision?
- What role do different sectors play in achieving the goals of the Arab Digital Agenda, and how can a future roadmap be developed to advance these sectors through digital technology?
Expected Outcomes :
- The session’s findings will contribute to the general recommendations of the High-Level Segment of the second edition of the Arab International Forum on Digital Cooperation and Development.
- Additionally, these discussions may inform the deliberations of the fifth session of the Committee on Technology for Development, which will take place immediately after the forum.
H.E. Mr. Sami Smeirat,
Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MODEE), Jordan
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Adam Moalim,
Minister of Communications and Technology, Somalia
H.E. Mr. Adel Hassan Mohamed Al-Hussein,
Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Sudan
H.E. Mr. Waed Abdullah Abdulrazzaq Badhib,
Minister of Planning and International cooperation, and acting Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology, Yemen
Ms. Ghada Mostafa Labib,
Deputy Minister for Institutional Development at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Egypt
Mr. Meshal Alzaid,
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications, Kuwait
Mr. Abdul Basit Salem Al-Baour,
President of the General Information Authority, Libya
Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi,
Deputy of the Digital Government Authority, Saudi Arabia (TBC)
