Tsvetelina Penkova is the Chair of the European Parliament delegation to the International Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The forum is organized by the UN annually and brings together leaders and experts from all over the world. Under Penkova's leadership, the European Parliament delegation held key meetings with the Saudi Consultative Council (Shura), with MPs from African and Latin American countries, the NGO sector, and youth organizations. Strategic issues on digital technologies and their impact on global economic development were discussed. “The main topics of this year's conference are digital transformation, cybersecurity, digital rights, data protection, and artificial intelligence. In all of them, the EU is a leader in the legislative process and consumer protection“, the MEP specified.
During the visit to Riyadh, Tsvetelina Penkova held a meeting with H.E. Lyubomir Popov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the conversation, the prospects for strengthening bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Saudi Arabia and the need to actively strengthen Bulgaria's partnerships throughout the region were discussed.
At the UN Forum, Tsvetelina Penkova moderated a session on promoting digital transformation and innovation. Key topics were international cooperation, digital literacy and connectivity, and the role of innovation in overcoming social and economic inequalities. The session brought together prominent leaders. Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), emphasized that digital transformation is the path to sustainable development in marginalized communities. Mario Nobile, Director General of the Italian Digital Agency (AgID), emphasized access to digital administrative services for all. Prof. Ke Gong, President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, emphasized the role of innovation in industry.
Tsvetelina Penkova held a bilateral meeting with representatives of the Shura (Saudi Arabia's Consultative Council), where the European experience in creating the world's first Artificial Intelligence Legislation was discussed. The EU expressed its readiness to support Saudi Arabia in creating a stable legal framework for the protection of digital rights. After the meeting, Penkova concluded “ It is clear to everyone that cooperation is the way forward!“
Penkova also took part in a meeting with MPs from African countries, where digital connectivity and the adaptation of European regulations to African realities were discussed. The emphasis was placed on the “Smart Africa“ initiatives and “PRIDA“, which aim to accelerate the continent's digital transformation through digital skills training.
The European Parliament delegation, led by Tsvetelina Penkova, held bilateral meetings with MPs from Latin American countries. The main focuses of the discussions were digital trade, cross-border data flows and cybersecurity.
The UN event once again highlighted the importance of global cooperation to overcome economic inequalities. “The European Parliament will continue to work actively with its partners from all over the world to ensure that technologies serve humanity fairly and are accessible to all“, concluded Penkova at the end of the event.
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