Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 5 February 2023 – Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President, HE Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, told the Digital Cooperation Organization General Assembly in Riyadh that IsDB attaches significance to sustainable digital development, as it promotes the development of digital economies and helps accelerate sustainable ICT in IsDB member states. 

Addressing delegates during the open session on "Sustainable Growth of the Digital Economy," Dr. Al Jasser pointed out that digital infrastructure is vital in contributing to the digital economy; however, the speed and cost of internet services also play a significant role. He said all IsDB members are developing countries, 21 of which are classified as least developed countries (LDCs) facing enormous challenges and lagging in digitalization and sustainable ICT. 

The IsDB President said the LDCs need more infrastructure and better uptake of digital services among their populations. He called for strategic partnership and solid support to promote these countries' digital economies. "The great potential of rapid digitization and sustainable ICT development in LDCs provides an excellent opportunity for a development leap that can substantially reduce the digital divide and accelerate sustainable development," he said. 

Dr. Al Jasser informed the General Assembly that the IsDB is developing an ICT Roadmap 2025 and has established the first IsDB Digital Inclusion Technical Working Group (IDITWG) comprising policy experts from several international organizations and government officials from 14 IsDB member countries. He indicated that IDITWG would help develop IsDB's Digital Inclusion Strategy 2023-2025 in a consultative and collaborative manner.