{
  "id": 2803578,
  "title": "Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in ICT Development Index, CST sustainability report reveals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/saudi-arabia-ranks-first-globally-in-ict-development-index-cst",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T13:03:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/663978/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-ranks-first-globally-in-ict-development-index-cst-sustainability-report-reveals"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Saudi Arabia has been named the top-ranked country globally in the International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index, as revealed in the 2026 Sustainability Report by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). This achievement is one of the standout accomplishments featured in the report, which was released under the theme “A Sustainable Present for an Empowered Future.” The CST, in collaboration with the ITU and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, published the report at the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-25) and stressed the significance of the “Riyadh Outcomes for Innovative Regulation.” Other notable accomplishments include the establishment of a global guide for e-waste policies, Saudi Arabia's election to the board of the Digital Regulation Network, and the launch of an Earth observation platform and the “Shams” satellite for monitoring space weather. The report also showcases 14 successful initiatives in environmental, economic, and social sustainability, employing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, space technologies, and satellite-based Earth observation to tackle global challenges and drive sustainable development in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.",
  "summary": "RIYADH — Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index (IDI), one of the key national achievements highlighted in the fifth edition of the 2026 Sustainability Report in the Communications, Space and Technology Sector. Issued by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), in partnership with the International…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Saudi Gazette",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia condemns terrorist attack on Syrian security forces bus",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/saudi-arabia-condemns-terrorist-attack-on-syrian-security-forces-bus",
        "published": "2026-08-23T06:19:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia sets 90-day limit for GCC-registered vehicles from August 26",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/saudi-arabia-sets-90-day-limit-for-gcc-registered-vehicles-from",
        "published": "2026-08-23T08:03:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "Why Saudi Arabia is spending billions to become a global Esports power?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/why-saudi-arabia-is-spending-billions-to-become-a-global-esports-power",
        "published": "2026-08-23T09:44:11.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia releases fifth sustainability report for ICT and space sectors with ITU partnership",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/saudi-arabia-releases-fifth-sustainability-report-for-ict-and-space",
        "published": "2026-08-23T09:44:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan invited Iran to join newly-established Mecca defense pact - report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/saudi-arabia-turkey-pakistan-invited-iran-to-join-newly-established",
        "published": "2026-08-23T11:00:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}