Bahrain parliamentary group discusses digital collaboration with Saudi DGA at IGF 2024

Riyadh, Dec. 18 (BNA): Bahrain’s parliamentary group, led by Jamal Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council and head of the delegation, met with Abdulrahman bin Saqer Al Mutairi, Vice President of Strategy and Digital Standards at the Digital Government Authority (DGA) in Saudi Arabia.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2024) Parliamentary Track, held in Saudi Arabia, from December 16-18, organised by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the Saudi Shura Council.

The meeting highlighted the importance of specialised forums and conferences in enriching sectors with expertise and driving progress through legislative and regulatory discussions. Both sides emphasised the Parliamentary Track of the UN IGF as a key platform for exchanging expertise, building legislators’ capacities, and drafting laws that maximise technology’s benefits while addressing its risks.

The discussion also covered the role of parliamentarians in shaping policies and drafting legislation to regulate the rapid adoption of technology, artificial intelligence, and digital advancements, while addressing ongoing changes to ensure alignment and societal benefits.

The meeting explored means to enhance collaboration between the private sector and governments to achieve integration in Internet governance and modern technology applications. It underscored the importance of continuous dialogue between both parties to bridge gaps and align perspectives for growth and development.

The discussion also highlighted the advanced digital infrastructure of GCC countries, which demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring uninterrupted digital services.