Committee:UNESCO
Topic:Digital misinfromation and fostering media literacy
Country:Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Delegate:
Country Profile
Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a vast country situated on the Arabian
Peninsula in the Middle East. With Riyadh as its capital, Saudi Arabia is known for its significant oil
reserves, which drive its economy and make it one of the world’s leading oil producers and exporters.
The country is ruled by an absolute monarchy, with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as the current
monarch and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a key figure in implementing the Vision 2030
initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the
state religion, with Mecca and Medina being the two holiest cities in Islam. Saudi Arabia is characterized
by its rich cultural heritage rooted in Islamic and Bedouin traditions, and it has invested heavily in
education and healthcare, seeking to modernize and diversify its economic base. Despite its economic
and strategic significance, the country faces challenges such as human rights concerns and regional
tensions, but it remains a pivotal player on the global stage due to its energy resources and geopolitical
position.
Topic Background
Saudi Arabia concerns about misinformation, as false or misleading
information can spread rapidly and influence public opinion. Recognizing this
challenge, the Saudi government has taken proactive steps to address digital
misinformation and enhance media literacy. ACgencies like the
Communications and Information Technology Commission (ITC) regulate
digital content to ensure compliance with legal standards, while educational
initiatives are integrated into school and university curricula to teach critical
thinking and fact-checking skills. Public awareness campaigns, delivered
through various media channels, aim to educate citizens on verifying
information and understanding digital media’s impact. By focusing on these
strategies, Saudi Arabia seeks to build a more informed public and mitigate
the adverse effects of misinformation in the digital era.
International Actions
UNESCO plays a significant role in international actions against
misinformation and in promoting media literacy globally. As a specialized
agency of the United Nations, UNESCO is dedicated to building peace
through international cooperation in education, science, and culture,
including addressing the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital
age.Saudi Arabia is actively involved with UNESCO and participates in
various initiatives aligned with the organization's goals, particularly in
education, culture, and science. Some of these missions have listed below:
1.International Bureau of Education (IBE): The IBE focuses on improving
educational quality and promoting innovative educational practices
worldwide. It supports curriculum development and education policy
research, providing resources and expertise to enhance educational systems
globally.
2. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS): ICOMOS is a non-
governmental organization that works in partnership with UNESCO to
preserve and protect cultural heritage sites. It provides expertise on heritage
conservation and plays a crucial role in the evaluation of World Heritage
Sites.
3. International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of
Cultural Property (ICCROM): ICCROM is dedicated to the conservation of
cultural heritage. It offers training, research, and support for the preservation
of cultural properties, collaborating with UNESCO and other organizations to
enhance conservation practices globally.
Country Policy
Saudi Arabia's approach to policy-making is marked by a distinctive blend of
tradition and innovation, reflecting its unique cultural heritage and ambitious
vision for the future. Here’s a look at how Saudi Arabia’s policies stand out:
1. Visionary Leadership and Strategic Planning:
Saudi Arabia’s policy framework is shaped by Vision 2030, a sweeping
strategic plan designed to transform the country’s economic and social
landscape. This vision is not just a set of goals but a comprehensive roadmap
that integrates various sectors—from economic diversification and social
reform to technological innovation and cultural development.
2.Dynamic Foreign Policy and Regional Influence:
The kingdom’s foreign policy is characterized by strategic alliances and
active involvement in regional stability. Saudi Arabia uses its economic
resources and diplomatic leverage to play a key role in Middle Eastern
geopolitics, balancing relationships with major powers and addressing
regional conflicts through both diplomacy and strategic partnerships.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s policies are distinguished by their visionary
scope, innovative approach to modernization, and integration of traditional
values with contemporary goals. This unique blend positions the kingdom as
a transformative force in both regional and global contexts.dency, boosting
non-oil revenues, and creating new industries.
3.Saudi Arabia’s environmental policies are groundbreaking in their ambition.
The Saudi Green Initiative aims to combat climate change through large-
scale projects like planting billions of trees and investing in renewable
energy. These efforts are coupled with significant investments in
technologies such as hydrogen fuel, reflecting a proactive stance on global
environmental challenges.
Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power:
Saudi Arabia leverages cultural diplomacy as a means of soft power. The
country is investing in high-profile cultural and entertainment events, such
as the annual Riyadh Season, which showcases its cultural heritage and
modern achievements to a global audience. This strategy helps position
Saudi Arabia as a leading cultural and economic hub in the region.
Innovative Education and Workforce Strategies:
The kingdom’s educational reforms emphasize not just improving current
systems but reimagining them. Initiatives like the King Abdullah Scholarship
Program have sent thousands of Saudi students abroad to gain international
experience and skills. Domestically, there’s a focus on integrating vocational
training and STEM education to align with the needs of a rapidly evolving job
market.
Technological Solutions:
Saudi Arabia is investing in technological solutions to address
misinformation. This includes collaborating with tech companies and utilizing
artificial intelligence to detect and mitigate the spread of false information.
Advanced tools and algorithms are used to monitor digital content and flag
potentially misleading or harmful material.
Environmental and Energy Policies:
Renewable Energy: As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is investing in
renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power, to diversify its
energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The National Renewable
Energy Program aims to significantly increase the share of renewable energy
in the national grid.
Environmental Conservation: The Saudi Green Initiative focuses on
combating climate change through initiatives like planting billions of trees,
reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable practices.
Solutions
Saudi Arabia, addressing digital misinformation involves a multi-faceted
approach that combines government regulation, public education, and
technological innovation. The Saudi government has implemented measures
to curb the spread of false information by enhancing regulatory frameworks
through agencies like the Communications and Information Technology
Commission (CITC), which oversees digital content and ensures compliance
with legal standards. Public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in
educating citizens about the dangers of misinformation and the importance
of verifying information before sharing it. Additionally, educational initiatives
are integrated into school curricula to promote media literacy from a young
age, helping individuals critically evaluate online content. Technologically,
the government is investing in advanced tools and partnerships with tech
companies to develop artificial intelligence systems that detect and mitigate
misinformation. By combining regulatory oversight, educational efforts, and
technological advancements, Saudi Arabia aims to build a more informed
society and reduce the impact of digital misinformation.
