By Sheharyar 
In pursuit of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has embarked on a rapid journey toward digital sustainability, as the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission reported. The commission’s second edition report, released on Sunday, outlined the key initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom in 2022, marking significant milestones in the economic, social, and environmental aspects of digital sustainability.
Among these accomplishments, the world witnessed the pioneering trial of 5G transmitters positioned 14 km above land at the Red Sea project site in March 2022. This groundbreaking endeavor was conducted by Stratospheric Platforms Ltd., a UK-based company in partnership with German firm Deutsche Telekom, making it the first-ever demonstration of the High-Altitude Platform System employing aircraft to extend a 5G service over an expansive area of 450 sq. km.
Moreover, the report shed light on the remarkable achievements of the commission’s Emerging Technologies Sandbox, designed to empower new technologies and create a secure environment for pilot testing. In 2022, the sandbox fostered 87 local technology products and welcomed 11 companies, including five international ones.
Additionally, the commission collaborated with the Ministry of Communications and IT and the National Center for Waste Management to launch the groundbreaking Recycle Your Device Program. This program is the first national initiative in Saudi Arabia dedicated to recycling electronic devices, which saw over 100,000 devices collected, amassing more than SR30 million ($7.9 million) in market value. The report also celebrated the increased participation of women in leadership roles within the information, communication, and technology sectors, reaching an impressive 23.6 percent. With women’s participation in Saudi Arabia’s labor market expanding to 33.41 percent as of 2022, the Kingdom exceeded its goals for Vision 2030.
Another significant milestone for the Kingdom and the commission was the International Forum on Connecting the World from the Skies in 2022, where 3,000 delegates from 130 countries participated. Furthermore, the report detailed the commission’s strategy for promoting digital sustainability, emphasizing the role of the communications, space, and technology sectors in harnessing digital infrastructure for the greater benefit of society. The commission’s objectives include expanding national digital coverage, investing in technology aligned with the UN’s 17 sustainability development goals, and maximizing recycling efforts for electronic equipment.