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(Formal Photo for Speakers of the Arab Digital Agenda Partners)
Description:
The workshop will have the following key objectives:
Assess the Current State: Evaluate existing infrastructure and regulatory frameworks in the Arab region, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Explore Best Practices: Showcase successful models and case studies from around the world on developing and managing digital infrastructure and implementing effective regulatory policies.
Identify Key Challenges: Address common obstacles and challenges faced by Arab countries in building and maintaining a modern digital infrastructure and establishing a conducive regulatory environment.
Foster Collaboration: Encourage dialogue and knowledge-sharing among policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and partnerships.
Develop Recommendations: Formulate actionable recommendations and strategies to enhance infrastructure development and regulatory frameworks for a thriving digital economy in the Arab world.
Mr. Belal Khaled Al-Hafnawi,
Commissioner and Full-Time Board Member, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), Jordan
Description:
This session, aligned with WSIS Action Line C2: Information and Communication Infrastructure, will examine the current status and future prospects of digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks in the Arab region. Discussions will focus on the challenges and opportunities associated with building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable digital infrastructure. Additional topics will include regional connectivity, spectrum allocation, regulatory harmonization, and the role of public-private partnerships in driving growth.
Mr. Bassam Fadel Al-Sarhan,
CEO & Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRC), Jordan (TBC)
Mr. Imad Kreidieh,
Chairman and Director General, Ogero, Lebanon
Mr. Jawad Abbassi,
Head of Middle East and North Africa (MENA), GSMA
Ms. Ava Nadir, Board Member,
Communications and Media Commission (CMC), Iraq (Remote)
Mr. Karim Abdelghani,
Programme Coordinator, ITU Arab Regional Office
Description:
The digital economy is rapidly becoming a key driver of global and regional development, with immense potential to foster innovation, enhance productivity, and promote inclusive growth. However, it also presents complex challenges, including infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, digital skills development, and cross-border e-commerce.
This session will explore both the opportunities and challenges of the digital economy while highlighting the role of key enablers in fostering a sustainable and inclusive digital future. A particular focus will be given to the transformative role of the postal sector, which, with its vast infrastructure and trusted networks, is uniquely positioned to bridge digital divides, support the delivery of essential government services, and drive the growth of domestic and cross-border e-commerce—one of the cornerstones of the digital economy.
Bringing together experts from various sectors, the session will present innovative strategies, successful regional and global case studies, and policy frameworks that can help Arab countries maximize the benefits of digital transformation while addressing key barriers. The discussion will also align with the Arab Digital Agenda’s objectives of advancing digital economy initiatives, strengthening regional cooperation.
Mr. Torbjörn Fredriksson,
Head E-commerce and Digital Economy Branch, UNCTAD
Mr. Saoud Humaid AL Shoaili,
DG- Policies & Governance, Head- National Space Program, Ministry of Transport & ICT, Oman
Mr. Ayman Ghoneim,
Assistant Secretary-General, Arab Federation for the Digital Economy (AFDE)
Mr. Juan Cruz Moroni,
Digital Transformation and Policy Expert, Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Ms. Suhair Wraikat,
International Relations Manager, representing Ms. Hanadi Altayyeb, CEO, Jordan Post
Mr. Fadi Salem,
Director of Policy Research Dept, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG)
Mr. Syed Mohammad Shaharyar Jawaid,
Senior ICT Specialist, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
Mr. Rami Zaatari,
UN-ESCWA
Mr. Ayman El-Sherbiny,
Chief of ICT Policies and Digital Cooperation and Digital Development, UN-ESCWA
Description:
Institutional development and capacity building—whether at the governmental, societal, or organizational levels—cannot be separated from the broader goal of advancing ministries and institutions in Arab countries and ensuring an effective digital transformation. Digital transformation plays a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the Arab Digital Agenda 2033, as reflected in the region’s overarching ICT policies and strategies.
This workshop will focus on the specificities of institutional development strategies and capacity-building efforts within the framework of digital transformation policies in Arab countries. Achieving this transformation requires smart digital governance and innovation, both in the public sector and across society, to foster sustainable smart living for citizens of all social groups in collaboration with local governance institutions.
It is also essential to recognize that this transformation extends beyond governance, education, and health to encompass sustainable development objectives as outlined in the Arab Digital Agenda 2023-2033. Key sectors such as culture, tourism, industry, and the digital economy play a fundamental role in shaping this transformation.
This workshop will explore challenges, priorities, and strategic policy considerations for advancing digital transformation in Arab cities, positioning it within the broader information society framework. It will also highlight strategic thinking and policy measures necessary for fostering inclusive and sustainable digital development across the region.
Mr. Mustafa Khattab,
Director of Research and Consulting Studies Department, Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO)
Mr. Saleem Zoughbi,
Senior Research Consultant at the United Nations University (UNU-EGOV).
Ms. Ghada Mostafa Labib,
Deputy Minister for Institutional Development at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Egypt.
Mr. Mustafa Khattab,
Director of Research and Consulting Studies Department, Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO)
Description:
The 3rd Round of Arab Consultation on WSIS and GDC brings together key stakeholders from the Arab region and beyond to discuss the latest developments in digital cooperation processes, including the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the WSIS+20 Review. Building on the success of the first consultative meeting (Dubai, 22 May 2024), and the second (Riyadh, 17 December 2024), this 3rd edition will leverage the ADA’s alignment with WSIS and GDC to drive ambitious digital development in the Arab region. It will also advance multi-stakeholder collaboration for ADA implementation, fostering inclusive partnerships. Additionally, it will utilize the DCDF 2025 as a platform to come up with actionable policy recommendations and amplify the region’s voice by aligning initiatives such the Arab IGF and AHLF with global platforms.
This session will focus on the following objectives:
Highlight synergies between the GDC objectives and the WSIS 11 action lines, emphasizing the importance of complementarity and coherence between these processes.
Discuss actionable policies, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and regional partnerships to address emerging challenges in digital development.
Align regional initiatives such as the Arab IGF with global platforms to amplify the Arab region’s voice and influence globally.
Strengthen regional and global digital cooperation for sustainable development.
Contribute key messages and recommendations to guide future efforts on the subject.
Ms. Ana Neves: Vice-Chair,
the Commission on Science and Technology for Development y
Mr. Mehdi Snene,
Senior Advisor, United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, (ODET)
Mr. Torbjörn Fredriksson,
Head E-commerce and Digital Economy Branch, UNCTAD
Mr. Karim Abdelghani,
Programme Coordinator, ITU Arab Regional Office
Mr. Deniz Susar,
Governance and Public Administration Officer, Digital Government Branch, Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government, UNDESA
Mr. Amr Aljowaily,
Assistant Foreign Minister, MFA, Egypt
Ms. Nermine El Saadany,
Regional Vice President for the Middle East, the Internet Society (ISOC)
Ms. Samah Aziz,
Director of International Relations, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Egypt
Mr. Adel Abdel-Sadek,
Head of the Digital Society Studies program at the center for Political and Strategic Studies, and founder of the Arab Center for Cyberspace Research (ACCR)
Mr. Jovan Kurbalija,
Founding Director, DiploFoundation and Head, Geneva Internet Platform (Remote)
Mr. Faysal Bayouli,
Director of International Cooperation, Ministry of Communication & Information Technology, Tunisia
Mr. Abdallah Bin Khadia,
International Organizations Officer, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), UAE
Representative From UNGIS (TBD)
Mr. Ayman El-Sherbiny,
Chief of ICT Policies, Digital Cooperation and Digital Development, UN-ESCWA
Description:
This plenary session will convene distinguished leaders, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from the global and regional space and digital sectors. The discussion will center on the pivotal role of space technologies in advancing the objectives of the Arab Digital Agenda 2023-2033, while also aligning with international frameworks such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the "Space2030" Agenda. Participants will explore how satellite communications, Earth observation, and space data analytics can enhance digital connectivity, support sustainable development, and foster regional and international cooperation. The session will also highlight opportunities for capacity building, policy alignment, and public-private partnerships that can drive space-enabled digital transformation across the Arab region and beyond.
Objectives:
Identify Synergies between Space Technologies and the Arab Digital Agenda:
Examine how space-based services and technologies can contribute to the Arab Digital Agenda's goals, drawing on global best practices.
Foster Regional and International Collaboration in Space-Driven Digital Transformation:
Encourage partnerships among Arab nations and with international entities to leverage space technologies for digital advancement.
Promote the Use of Satellite Technologies for Digital Connectivity:
Discuss the deployment of satellite communications to bridge the digital divide, ensuring inclusive access to information and services.
Leverage Space Data for Environmental Sustainability and Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Digital Transformation:
Explore the use of Earth observation data to monitor and mitigate e-waste, track carbon emissions from digital infrastructure, and support sustainable resource management in key sectors such as energy and water conservation.
Support Capacity Building and Space Education Initiatives:
Highlight programs aimed at developing expertise in space science and technology within the region, aligning with initiatives like the United Nations Basic Space Technology Initiative.
Enhance Space Governance and Policy Alignment:
Discuss the development of policies and legal frameworks that promote the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space, in line with the "Space2030" Agenda.
Mr. Sherif Sedky,
Chief Executive Officer, Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), Egypt
Mr. Mohamed Al-Aseeri,
Chief Executive Officer, National Space Science Agency (NSSA), Bahrain
Mr. Saoud Humaid Salim Al Shoaili,
Head, National Space Program, Oman
Ms. Fatima AlShamsi,
Acting Director of Space Policy and International Relations, UAE Space Agency (Remote)
Brig. Gen. Muammar Kamel Haddadin,
Director General of the Royal Jordanian Geographical Centre (RJGC) and Director of the Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education for West Asia (RCSSTEWA), Jordan
(TBD)
Mr. Driss El-Hadani,
Deputy Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Mr. Ayman El-Sherbiny,
Chief of ICT Policies, Digital Cooperation and Digital Development, UN-ESCWA
Description:
This multi-agency workshop will address critical environmental challenges in the Arab region, with a particular focus on the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus, climate change, and the escalating issue of e-waste. Organized in collaboration with UNOOSA, FAO, CEDARE, UNEP, and other key partners, the session will explore how digital and emerging technologies—including space technologies—can provide sustainable solutions to these interconnected challenges.
The workshop will examine both the positive and negative impacts of ICT on environmental sustainability, showcasing international and national case studies that demonstrate how digital transformation can drive more efficient resource management, support climate resilience, and contribute to a circular economy. Given the rapid expansion of digital devices, the session will also emphasize the need for responsible e-waste management and policy frameworks that promote sustainability.
By bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, this workshop aims to foster knowledge exchange and actionable insights to help the Arab region leverage digital transformation for a greener, more sustainable future.
Mr. Nabeel Al Fayoumi,
VP of Royal Scientific Society (RSS), Jordan
Mr. Driss El Hadani,
Deputy Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Ruediger Kuehr,
Senior Manager, SCYCLE Programme UNITAR & Adjunct Professor, University of Limerick (Remote)
Ms. Heba Al-Hariry,
Land and Water Officer, FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa
Ms. Cristina Bueti,
Focal Point on Smart Sustainable Cities, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) (Remote)
Ms. Ghada Moghny,
Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) (Remote)
Mr. Islam Abou El-Magd,
President, National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS), Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Egypt
Mr. Hossam Allam,
Regional Director for Sustainable Growth, Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE)
Description: Stocktaking of AHLF
