Riyadh, September 26, 2021, SPA -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas. Al-Riyadh newspaper reported in its editorial that since the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established on strong humanitarian principles, calling for social solidarity and providing aid for all those in need, all its leaders stood by friendly countries and supported them in different situations. Under this approach, Saudi Arabia has provided various forms of aid to those in need around the world. The Kingdom’s stances reflect its humanity and its pioneering role as a major country in the region and the world. Therefore, in 2021, the Kingdom was found the largest provider of humanitarian and developmental aid in the Arab and Muslim worlds, and among the top three donor countries globally. Within the same context, the newspaper pointed to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques’ affirmation in the speech of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia he delivered via virtual communication before the 76th UN general assembly in New York that despite the economic difficulties, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains committed to its substantial humanitarian and developmental role in assisting the most needy countries, and those affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. The newspaper further added that Saudi Arabia today has a proven record of humanitarian aid. In light of different conditions and crises, the Kingdom has succeeded in providing humanitarian, relief and development assistance to improve the lives of peoples. Over the past three decades, the Kingdom provided about US $100 billion in humanitarian aid, benefiting 81 countries. Saudi Arabia supported the global efforts to face this pandemic with US $ 500 million, and contributed US $150 millions to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), US $150 millions to the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI), and US $200 million to organizations and other international and regional health programs, the daily further said. In another context, Al-Bilad newspaper said in its editorial that the Kingdom’s economic policy is based on strengthening the pillars of strength and keeping pace with global progress, especially in light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the Kingdom’s keenness to anticipate the future and its challenges and work to with clear planning and goals. In this regard, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, during a high-level side event organized by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) under the theme “Shaping an Inclusive Digital Age,” reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia has set a momentum in accelerating the growth of digital economy in our region and across the world, as a member of the Digital Cooperation Organization. As a founding member of the DCO, Saudi Arabia will continue with its commitment to maximize the potential of digital on both national and international levels, he added. Among its most prominent achievements in this regard, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia topped the G20 countries in the Digital Competitiveness 2021 Report. Riyadh also advanced in the global list of smart cities. The newspaper concluded that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its gains in sustainable development, future digital economy, and cybersecurity, since these are pillars of progress and prosperity. -- SPA 09:53 LOCAL TIME 06:53 GMT 0007 www.spa.gov.sa/w1626592