Engineer Majid Sultan Al-Masmar, General Director of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), led the delegation of the United Arab Emirates during an official visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York from December 15 to 17, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to engage in significant global events focused on the comprehensive review of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20). This multilateral summit addressed the future of the internet and international governance of information and communication technologies. The visit included a busy agenda, featuring the delivery of the UAE’s national statement before the General Assembly, as well as participation in specialized strategic sessions centered on digital transformation and global internet governance.
National Statement
In his keynote speech to the United Nations General Assembly on December 16, Engineer Majid Sultan Al-Masmar emphasized that the world stands at a critical juncture. He pointed out that, despite the internet reaching 74% of the global population, approximately 2.2 billion people remain unconnected, presenting a fundamental challenge.
Al-Masmar stated: “In an era where connectivity is essential for education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, what we face today is not merely a digital divide but a profound development gap.”
He highlighted the UAE’s role as a practical model, noting that over 450 national projects have been cataloged in the WSIS Stocktaking database, culminating in the nation winning more than 60 international awards. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting global efforts to bridge the knowledge gap.
Path of Transformation
The UAE delegation participated in the “Digital@UNGA” event. During the session on “Sustainable Digital Transformation,” Al-Masmar asserted that the UAE’s experience is built on “future engineering” through three pillars: proactive investment in the telecommunications sector as a backbone, government mindset development, and the establishment of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
Integrated Vision
The delegation concluded its participation in a crucial discussion titled “Connecting the Dots: The World Summit on the Information Society, Internet Governance Forum, and the Global Digital Compact.” In his strategic address, Engineer Majid Sultan Al-Masmar called for an end to the state of “isolated islands” among international organizations, likening their relationship to a “single engine.” He noted that the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) represents the “foundation” and infrastructure, while the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) serves as the “platform” for comprehensive dialogue, and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) acts as the “compass” that outlines the future path and common principles.
Al-Masmar urged the international community to make these pathways “interoperable” to ensure a digital future that is not only “connected” but also “constructive and sustainable” for all.