Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Innovation in Driving Sustainable Development and Addressing Global Challenges

   Riyadh, September 22, 2025, SPA -- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) President Dr. Munir Eldesouki underscored the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in addressing global challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during his remarks while leading the Saudi delegation at the G20 Chief Science Advisers Roundtable (G20-CSAR) held yesterday in Pretoria, South Africa.
   Eldesouki emphasized that the priorities on this year’s agenda—linking science, technology, and innovation to the SDGs, enabling a comprehensive energy transition, building an open and equitable global knowledge system, and strengthening capacities in developing countries—are fundamental pillars for shaping effective decision-making both nationally and internationally.
   He affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to investing in science and technology as part of its ambitious vision to build a knowledge-based economy and highlighted major national initiatives, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, the Kingdom’s hosting of COP16 on desertification, and its target of generating 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. He also noted the Kingdom’s hosting of the World Bank’s Knowledge Hub, aimed at fostering global knowledge exchange.
   Eldesouki stressed that science, technology, and innovation remain central to addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic issues—foremost among them energy security, desertification, and water scarcity. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to supporting international efforts, strengthening inclusive and respectful partnerships, and advancing the role of science, technology, and innovation in confronting global challenges and building a shared future.
   -- SPA