Arabic-language websites account for only about 1% of all websites worldwide, while more than 400 million people speak this language. This was stated by Rania Al-Mashat, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), at the sixth session of the Committee on Technology for Development, held in Tunisia on 4-5 November 2026.
A persistent digital divide in the Arab world
In her remarks, Rania Al-Mashat highlighted that the Arab region continues to face a significant digital divide. Despite telecommunications network coverage reaching nearly 95% of the population, Internet usage rates do not exceed 70%.
She also drew attention to the limited presence of digital content in the Arabic language, noting that Arabic-language websites account for only about 1% of all websites worldwide, even though the number of Arabic speakers exceeds 400 million people.
According to her, these challenges also present promising opportunities to develop more inclusive digital ecosystems and to implement common solutions tailored to the specificities and needs of the Arab region.
Towards a revision of the Arab digital agenda by 2028
Rania Al-Mashat stressed the importance of continuing the implementation of the Arab digital agenda and of developing its various axes.
She specified that the efforts planned for 2028 aim notably to carry out a mid-term evaluation of this agenda, to publish a report on digital development in the Arab region, and to establish an Arab Observatory for Digital Development.
Tunisia reaffirms its commitment to digital transformation
On its side, the Tunisian Minister of Communications Technologies stated that digital transformation constitutes a strategic choice for Tunisia and an essential lever to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Communications Technologies, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing the development of digital infrastructures, accelerating the digitization of public services, and simplifying administrative procedures.
He also stressed the strengthening of cybersecurity, data protection, as well as investing in the development of skills and digital qualifications.
Strengthening digital cooperation among Arab countries
The minister further emphasized the importance of strengthening digital cooperation and integration among Arab countries.
He notably called for continuing work to develop the Arab digital agenda for the next decade, to intensify exchanges of expertise and knowledge, and to launch joint capacity-building programs.
