Representing the Kingdom, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) organized a "virtual" session about the use of Metaverse in smart cities. On the sidelines of the Global Science, Technology and Innovation Forum organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council and attended by leaders from various stakeholders.

The session opened with a speech by Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, Ambassador of the Kingdom's Permanent Representative of the United Nations, along with a word by "Seizo ONOE" Director of the (ITU) Telecommunication Standardization Bureau. The session is one of the factors of the strategic international partnership to enable modern technologies and achieve the sustainable development goals.

In his speech, Dr. Alwasil highlighted the Kingdom's efforts, its 2030 Vision, and the strategic directions under the leadership of H.H. Prince Mohammed bin Salman AlSaud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in enabling modern technologies, particularly Metaverse technology, as Saudi Arabia hosted many events to encourage the adoption of technology to improve future lifestyles and smart cities. Assuring the Kingdom’s strong partnership with ITU to unify the visions and standards in using Metaverse and accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals.

On the other hand, Eng. Muath S. AlRumayh, the Director of the International Negotiation Department at CST, participated in the session about the Kingdom’s state of progress in the field of digital transformation, smart cities and the level of digital organizational maturity. As well as highlighting the efforts of the ICT sector in the Kingdom represented by CST to achieve its innovative projects and initiatives. In addition to shedding light at the effective collaboration between CST and international organizations, which made Saudi Arabia a regional and international role model in digital transformation and enabling modern technologies.  

The session, which was attended by a group of decision makers and representatives from regional and international organizations, as well as experts from the private sector and research field, focused on enabling Metaverse to develop societies and lifestyles such as education, generate new sources of income, and provide access to private and public services. In addition to promoting global collaboration and citizen participation, and enabling new collaborative models.