The Saudi International Youth Dialogue Forum under UNDP takes part in UN global initiatives to interact with their peers.

A top UNDP official here has hailed Saudi Arabia’s “culture of giving” and underlined its contribution to humanitarian causes, efforts in developing the youth and special focus on empowering women.

In an interview with Arab News, Ashok Nigam, UN resident coordinator and UNDP resident representative in Saudi Arabia, said that over the years, the Kingdom has been promoting increasing women’s participation in economic activities.

“This is apparent in the Shoura Council, which has 30 percent women members, one of the highest in the Arab world,” he said.

Nigam made his point before leaving for New York to attend the launch of the “Digital Good” Platform at the Sustainable Development Summit in New York on Sept. 25, following the adoption of the sustainable development goals (SDG) by the UNDP with generous support from the Saudi government.

The launch will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. According to him, the “Digital Good” platform will enable ordinary people from around the world to contribute funds for the implementation of the new post 2015 sustainable development goals.

“This initiative is evidence of how dialogue among the youth of different nations, religions and cultures can bring about positive change for global development.” “Digital Good” is providing opportunities for people to help people around the world, the UN official said.

On Saudi women, he said their participation would help in bringing about a sweeping change. “We have been working with the government to provide support. Saudi participation in postgraduate education is very high,” he said.

They are able to harness their knowledge and expertise in all walks of life. “As many as 60 percent of the staff at the UNDP here are women,” he said, adding: “We have equal employment policy. Everyone competes and we promote women to a great extent.”

On human development issues, he said, Saudi Arabia is one of the leading donors for the development. It has always been recognized for humanitarian support. It plays a very important role in international development.

“Ordinary Saudi citizens also contribute to development efforts. We think the culture exists in this country, as it is based on the Islamic principle of giving. It is very strong culture in this country and they are giving not only for national but also for international issues,” he said.

According to him, the Saudi International Youth Dialogue Forums, covering various themes, including those of “ICT for development”, allowed Saudi youth to interact with their peers and other related entities to explore creative solutions for youth participation in development and making youth voices heard around the world.

“Youth are the real wealth and strength of any nation. Today we are witnessing the results of how youth initiatives can create possibilities such as this global initiative,” Nigam added.

This new initiative recognizes the important role that Saudi Arabia is playing in development and humanitarian assistance and expands its role in leading global development efforts. As the world moves forward to meet the challenge of the SDG, the Kingdom’s leadership role, in cooperation with other strategic partners to achieve the global vision, will be critically important.

In January this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP signed a project document to develop the “Digital Good” platform.

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