Kuwait stresses importance of enhancing international cooperation in the digital field to achieve sustainable development
Kuwait emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in the digital field to bridge technological gaps and ensure developing countries benefit from technological progress, contributing to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
New York, Oct 9 (KUNA) -- Kuwait reaffirmed on Friday the importance of strengthening international cooperation in the digital field to bridge technological gaps, expand investment in digital infrastructure, and ensure that developing countries benefit from technological advances, thereby contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This was stated in Kuwait’s address, delivered by Diplomatic Attaché Abdullah Bouskhar to the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) of the UN General Assembly during the discussion of agenda items 14, “Harnessing information and communications technologies for sustainable development,” and 19, “Globalization and interdependence.”
Bouskhar emphasized the importance of implementing the Global Digital Compact and the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society, calling for enhanced participation of developing countries in the global digital economy, knowledge transfer, and capacity building aligned with national priorities. He highlighted Kuwait’s support for the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, stressing the need to ensure the meaningful participation of developing countries in their work.
On the national level, Bouskhar noted that Kuwait attaches special importance to harnessing information and communications technologies to serve development through the expansion of digital government services, the qualification of national cadres, and the enhancement of international partnerships in technology and innovation within the framework of the “New Kuwait 2035” vision. In this context, he referred to the adoption last February of the “Kuwait Declaration on Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Global Digital Prosperity,” which includes directions to develop skills, facilitate digital trade, and support entrepreneurship.
Bouskhar added that Kuwait’s signing of the UN Convention against Cybercrime on September 25 last year embodies its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and addressing the use of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes.
Regarding globalization, he pointed out the need to respond to the development needs of middle-income countries, which account for about 40 percent of global GDP and face increasing pressures due to debt burdens, digital transformation requirements, and limited access to concessional financing.
In conclusion, Bouskhar called for expanding these countries’ access to financing and technology, and for strengthening international cooperation to achieve a fairer and more inclusive globalization based on solidarity, respect for national priorities, expanded opportunities, and improved livelihoods, leaving no one behind. (End) A.S.T. / H.M.F.
