Saudi Arabia has made significant progress towards achieving digital sustainability for building a future that supports the efficient use of resources.
This has been evident in the Kingdom’s success in recycling more than 100,000 electronic devices to mitigate their environmental harm and advance a more resource-efficient future, according to the Digital and Space Sustainability Annual Report released by the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST).
Sustainability Roadmap
Under the guidance of Vision 2030, the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) are dedicated to advancing sustainability to protect the environment and society.
To this end, the CST has developed a roadmap with 7 key priorities and actions, known as C.I.R.C.L.E.S. This refers to: Cutting-Edge Infrastructure; Innovation; Renewable Energy; Reduction of Carbon Footprint; Circular Economy; Leapfrog in Digitalization, Equality & Inclusion; and Standards & Strategic Guidance.
E-waste Management
In order to achieve digital sustainability, the successful management of e-waste is of great importance. For this purpose, the CST launched the “Recycle Your Device” initiative to address the rising challenge of e-waste and promote a circular economy mindset.
In addition to enhancing e-waste management in Saudi Arabia by recycling over 100,000 electronic devices, the CST is collaborating with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to develop circular economy regulations in three countries, with the aim of transforming challenges into opportunities and helping these countries to develop a sustainable future.
Digital Initiatives
At COP28, the ITU, in partnership with over 40 partners from governments, businesses, civil society and UN agencies, launched the Green Digital Action initiative to boost digital climate efforts.
According to the report, the CST led the digital circular economy track, one of the Green Digital Action initiative’s six tracks, underlining the significance of cooperation between governments and industries to bridge the gaps in e-waste management for a circular economy.
Sustainability Strategy
The CST launched a set of tools to develop digital sustainability strategies, in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). The Digital Sustainability Toolkit includes five detailed steps to come up with a digital sustainability strategic framework that serves all purposes and needs.
These steps include raising awareness, achieving the best practices to developing strategy, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, and then embarking on the implementation phase.
This toolkit emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting the green economy, and efforts to address climate change, in addition to expertise exchange and the adoption of the best practices to achieve a sustainable society.
Sustainability Reporting
The CST 2024 report highlighted the importance of sustainability reporting for modern businesses. By disclosing businesses’ efforts and outcomes related to their environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts, stakeholders can assess the company’s true commitment.
This, in turn, attracts customers and talents, and helps companies to identify and tackle inefficiencies, foster internal accountability and improve their operations. According to the report, companies spent $649bn on ESG funds in 2021, accounting for a 227% increase from 2019.
Furthermore, the report pointed to Saudi companies which have issued sustainability reports. These included STC, Mobily, Zain, Jahez, and Solution by STC.
Saudi Successful Initiatives
Saudi Arabia has launched several initiatives to advance environmental protection, energy transition, and innovative sustainability programs for a greener future. The year 2023 saw a remarkable progress in women empowerment, green initiatives, and renewable energy.
Moreover, the Kingdom’s information and communications technology (ICT) ecosystem has adopted practical solutions to boost digital sustainability, cut waste and emissions, and enhance connectivity and gender equality in the labor force.
In the light of this, the CST report pointed to the progress achieved through the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives to foster sustainability in the Kingdom towards a greener future.
Global Leadership
The CST report pointed out that Saudi Arabia is on its way to become a global leader in digital sustainability commitments owing to its continued investments in its digital infrastructure over the past several years.
Additionally, this robust infrastructure, alongside a comprehensive strategy, visionary leadership and a forward-looking regulatory framework, will enable the Kingdom to reduce its environmental footprint.
Furthermore, the CST is fully prepared to become one of the world’s most developed 5G digital regulators in the near future.
