Dhahran: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) hosted the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Tech Task Force Forum for the first time in the Middle East from November 22 to 23, 2025. The event brought together global leaders and experts in electronic gaming, health misinformation and digital trust, artificial intelligence, and digital wellbeing.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the forum was organized through a partnership between Sync, Ithra's Digital Wellbeing Program, and the World Health Organization. Led by Saudi expertise, it marks the first edition in the Middle East, following an initiative first launched by the WHO Foundation in Silicon Valley in 2019. The event underscores the Kingdom's expanding influence in global digital health innovation and international collaboration.
The forum commenced with the signing of an international memorandum of understanding between Sync Digital Wellbeing Program and the WHO Foundation. This agreement positions the Kingdom as a global hub for digital wellbeing, supporting WHO Foundation's mission to enhance awareness of WHO's scientific work and digital health guidelines through education, awareness, and responsible communication practices.
Acting Director of Ithra Mussab Al Saaran delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the human-centered approach to technology. He stated that hosting the WHO Regional Tech Task Force Forum at Ithra embodies the belief that technology should be guided by human values and purpose. He highlighted the cooperation with WHO as a significant step in enhancing digital wellbeing, fostering trust in digital content, and tackling challenges in gaming and misinformation.
Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan also spoke, underscoring the importance of the initiative. He affirmed that Sync plays a crucial role in promoting responsible electronic gaming and supporting digital health in the region. The Saudi Esports Federation is committed to creating an ecosystem that prioritizes players by providing resources, guidance, and opportunities while fostering a responsible digital future.
The forum featured a pre-recorded video message from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who emphasized the critical nature of the partnership with the Kingdom and its leadership in advancing global digital wellbeing. He urged collaboration to better understand digital behaviors and emerging technologies and their public health impact.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Hanan Balkhy spoke on the importance of international cooperation in shaping a responsible digital future. She noted that the forum is a key moment in accelerating digital transformation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, with the partnership facilitating the development of solutions that are effective, ethical, and regionally appropriate.
Interactive sessions led by the Sync Program and WHO launched two major task forces driven by Saudi expertise. The first, 'Gaming for Human Connection and Wellbeing,' was in collaboration with the Saudi Esports Federation, Sync, and WHO, focusing on digital gaming's potential to enhance human connection and health. The second, 'Health Misinformation and Digital Trust,' was developed with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, Sync, and the WHO Foundation, addressing misinformation, strengthening digital content trust, and promoting scientific integrity.
Head of Sync Dr. Fahad Al Beyahi remarked that the partnership with WHO Foundation to launch the forum marks a pivotal moment in Sync's journey, transitioning from dialogue to impactful action with concrete solutions in gaming wellbeing, AI integrity, and misinformation combat. Sync centers on ensuring youth voices and experiences shape future technologies.
Chief Development Officer of the WHO Foundation Valerie Boulet reiterated the significance of digital wellbeing in public health, noting that the WHO Foundation aids WHO's efforts by helping more people understand healthy digital environments' science.