Shura Council Holds 30th Session, Issues Directives on Media, Water, and Efficiency

The Shura Council convened its thirtieth ordinary session, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to scrutinizing governmental performance and driving national development. Chaired by the Vice President, Dr. Mishal bin Fahm Al-Salami, the session focused on reviewing and acting upon the annual reports of key governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Media, the National Center for Water Efficiency and Rationalization, and the "Esnad" Center for Support and Liquidation. This meticulous review process underscores the Council's role in ensuring accountability and promoting efficiency across various sectors.

A significant outcome of the session was the directive to the Ministry of Media to develop a framework for measuring "soft power" indicators. This initiative reflects a strategic understanding of the importance of projecting a positive image of the Kingdom abroad. The Council's emphasis on coordination with the Ministry of Culture to define specialized media city frameworks also highlights a forward-thinking approach to institutional integration and the development of vital media sectors. Furthermore, the call for the Ministry to oversee and unify efforts of various media academies signals a commitment to enhancing the quality and standardization of media education and output.

In parallel, the Council addressed critical resource management issues. The directive to the National Center for Water Efficiency and Rationalization to explore the use of non-potable water for landscaping underscores a pragmatic approach to water conservation, a crucial concern in the region. The push for government entities to adopt efficient water usage mechanisms demonstrates a broader commitment to sustainability. Similarly, the request for the "Esnad" Center to establish an annual classification of top-performing service providers points towards an effort to boost operational efficiency and transparency within the support and liquidation services sector.

Finally, the Council's discussion of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority's (SDAIA) annual report, including a proposal for a national index to measure AI's contribution to GDP, signals Saudi Arabia's ambition to be at the forefront of technological innovation. These deliberations, spanning media, resource management, and cutting-edge technology, showcase the Shura Council's comprehensive engagement in shaping the Kingdom's future, aligning with the broader goals of Vision 2030.