The UAE Shapes the Future of Global Digital Development at the UN General Assembly in New York

• Eng. Majid Sultan Al Mesmar: “The digital divide today is no longer just a technological challenge—it is a developmental divide that shapes the future of nations and their opportunities for progress.”
• The UAE showcases its experience as a global model at Digital@UNGA and presents its vision for integrating international digital development pathways in the “Connecting the Dots” session.
• The UAE reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Global Digital Compact and bridging the digital divide that leaves 2.2 billion people without internet access.

New York, 18 December 2025

H.E Eng. Majid Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), led the UAE delegation on an official visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York from 15–17 December 2025. The visit focused on major global events dedicated to the comprehensive review of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a multilateral summit addressing the future of the internet and international ICT governance.

The visit featured a comprehensive program, including delivering the UAE national statement to the General Assembly and participating in strategic sessions on digital transformation and global internet governance.

National Statement: From “Digital Divide” to “Developmental Divide”

In DG keynote address to the UN General Assembly on 16 December, Eng. Majid Sultan Al Mesmar highlighted that the world stands at a crossroads. Despite 74% of the global population having internet access, around 2.2 billion people remain unconnected, representing a fundamental challenge. DG stated: “In an era where connectivity is essential for education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, what we face today is not just a digital divide—it defines the growth and future of nations”.

Eng. Al Mesmar also showcased the UAE as a practical model, citing the inclusion of over 450 national projects in the WSIS Stocktaking database and recognition with more than 60 international awards. He emphasized that the UAE will continue supporting global efforts to bridge the knowledge gap.

Showcasing Sustainable Digital Transformation

The UAE delegation participated in Digital@UNGA, where during the session “Sustainable Digital Transformation Journey,” Eng. Al Mesmar highlighted that the UAE’s experience is based on a “Future Engineering” approach with three pillars: proactive investment in the telecommunications sector as a backbone, developing government mindset, and strengthening public digital infrastructure (DPI).

Integrated Vision at the “Connecting the Dots” Session

The delegation concluded its participation in the critical session titled “Connecting the Dots: WSIS, Internet Governance Forum, and the Global Digital Compact”. Eng. Al Mesmar delivered a strategic intervention calling for an end to the “isolated islands” among international organizations, likening their relationship to a “single engine,” and noted:

• WSIS: Represents the foundation and infrastructure.
• Internet Governance Forum (IGF): Serves as the platform for comprehensive dialogue.
• Global Digital Compact (GDC): Acts as the compass guiding future principles and shared values.

H.E Eng. Majid Sultan Al Mesmar, urged the international community to make these pathways interoperable, ensuring a digital future that is not only connected but also constructive and sustainable for all.