SPOTL IGHT
I n our increasingly interconnected world, digital cooperation is a new and powerful key for ensuring inclusive development at the global level. By partnering up, we can ensure technological advancements benefit all, while promoting economic growth throughout our societies. This cooperation is also helping to set international standards and protect online rights – so essential for building trust across borders and cultures. To learn more about this huge yet fast- moving topic, we sat down with Deemah AlYahya, the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). OPEC Fund Quarterly : What is the mission of DCO? Deemah AlYahya: DCO is the first intergovernmental organization to focus on accelerating digital transformation and steering it towards a sustainable and inclusive digital economy. It was established and developed by like-minded nations, which came together in the belief that the digital economy represents the future of growth and prosperity for their citizens. Our 16 member states aim to create a world where every nation, company and individual has a fair opportunity to prosper in the digital economy. Our governments are sharing best practice, stimulating innovation and working towards the goal of creating an inclusive, resilient and sustainable digital economy. OFQ : How does that look in the context of the just energy transition? DAY: At DCO we see the just energy transition in human-centric terms. Our goal is to create a better future for humanity by improving productivity and quality of life. We’re exploring how to equip people with the right technologies to harness the opportunities of the digital economy and help them fulfill their potential in a sustainable manner that keeps environmental issues in consideration. Many countries that we represent have high rates of connectivity. Some reach 90 to 100 percent 4G, but still
Deemah AlYahya
Deemah AlYahya is the first Secretary-General of the Digital
Cooperation Organization (DCO), an intergovernmental body established in 2020. A Saudi national, AlYahya has spent nearly 20 years working in the USA and across the Middle East, from Microsoft to Saudi Arabia’s National Digital Transformation Unit. She holds a BA in Computer Science and Information
Systems from King Saud University and has attended senior executive programs at INSEAD and Harvard Business School.
“We see the just energy transition in human-centric terms. Our goal is to create a better future for humanity by improving productivity and quality of life.”
OFQ : Should free internet access be a human right? DAY: I am in favor of an open internet, but with the right standards. Technology is like any other tool – it can be used for good or bad reasons. Unfortunately, the internet is often being used in negative ways. One of them is to spread misinformation and disinformation that disrupts the well-being of our citizens. The private sector, platform owners and governments have a responsibility to put in place some limitations to safeguard the internet for our children and generations to come. OFQ : You’re a strong advocate for women and youth. How can we “digitally empower” other vulnerable groups like refugees, the elderly and people with disabilities? DAY: I just came back from a mission to Baghdad, where I discovered that the elderly and farmers actually have the highest connectivity. Many are illiterate, but they still use their devices to take pictures and send voice notes. It was inspiring to see that and to know that DCO’s efforts can contribute to these people’s quality of life. We’re also
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General, Digital Cooperation Organization
have a low percentage of citizens using the internet. Why? Because of the affordability of devices and services. To connect more people to the internet, we’re working on a project with high-consumption countries. We refurbish their smartphones and laptops, before sending them on to schools and hospitals in countries where device affordability is an issue. We’re also working on energy consumption standards for innovators and documenting the failures of technology in environmental and ethical terms.
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