At the heart of Rio de Janeiro, science academies of the G20 nations convened under the Brazilian presidency to kick off the first-ever meeting of the Science20 (S20) group, a G20 initiative aimed at leveraging science for global change. The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) proudly represented Saudi Arabia at this pivotal gathering, highlighting the nation’s scientific contributions and forward-looking vision.
The agenda of the meeting was robust, encompassing key topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), the bioeconomy, energy transition, health, and social justice. The Saudi delegation was keen to showcase the Kingdom’s progress in these critical areas, demonstrating their strides toward innovation and sustainability.
The delegation particularly underscored Saudi Arabia’s ascendancy in the data and AI domain. They showcased the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework that adheres to international norms, ensuring the responsible expansion and utilization of AI to augment human potential.
In terms of the bioeconomy, the delegation shared Saudi Arabia’s strategy for economic diversification and sustainable development, which is encapsulated in the National Biotechnology Strategy. This blueprint is designed to bolster public health, environmental preservation, food and water security, and to catalyze economic opportunities while nurturing the local bio-industries.
The Saudi Genome Program was highlighted as a cornerstone initiative aimed at confronting health challenges. By harnessing the power of big data, the program is instrumental in propelling precision medicine, spurring digital health advancements, and mitigating the impact of inherited and genetic disorders.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to an eclectic energy portfolio was also a focal point. The delegation presented the Kingdom’s investments across a spectrum of renewable and sustainable energy resources, affirming their dedication to a harmonized energy future.
Underscoring the nation’s commitment to social equity, the Saudi representatives reaffirmed their dedication to fostering a just society with equal rights and opportunities for all community members to contribute.
The participation wrapped up with the Saudi delegation extending their gratitude to Brazil for the successful convocation of the meeting, a milestone event that harmonizes with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of enhancing life quality and fostering economic diversification.