Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) has announced Saudi Telecommunications Company (stc) as an official DCO observer, making them the first telco to join the organisation.
The announcement headlined the inaugural Mobile 360 Riyadh event, which also featured a significant MoU between global telecommunications body the GSM Association (GSMA) and the DCO.
The stc observer and GSMA Memorandum of Understanding signing come on World Telecommunications Day, which was celebrated globally on 17th May. The partnerships will focus on expanding access to telecommunications technologies and upskilling the youth and entrepreneurs so they can prosper in the digital economy.
The DCO is a global multilateral organisation established to enable digital prosperity across nations, with a focus on digital economy initiatives supporting youth, entrepreneurs, and women. The DCO has rapidly expanded to now represent more than 600 million people across nine-member state countries.
In line with its ongoing support for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, stc has reiterated its support to entrepreneurs, young people and women to connect the internet and digital economy through the partnership, including by providing insights across DCO member states.
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General, DCO, said, “Our telecommunications industry is a driving force of the global digital economy, providing the means for people to connect, learn and thrive online. The DCO is leading the way in connecting telecommunications organisations and leaders to forge the solutions of tomorrow for our youth, women, and entrepreneurs.”
She then highlighted that it is only fitting to join forces with stc and with the global telecommunications association GSMA on World Telecommunications Day.
“We look forward to working with both organisations to create digital prosperity for all,” she said.
Olayan Mohammed Alwetiad, Group CEO, stc, said, “At stc, we are always seeking to establish new ways to bridge the digital divide for all our users, and we are proud to be an official observer of the Digital Cooperation Organisation. The DCO and its member states have made significant strides in raising awareness for the inclusive growth of the digital economy, and will provide a global platform for stc to connect further hearts and minds to the digital economy.”
Meanwhile, the MoU signed between the DCO and GSMA will provide DCO member states with access to GSMA’s Capacity Building online learning portal, providing high-quality training and resources to policymakers and regulators of the DCO.
Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA, said, “GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our partnership with the DCO reflects the power of both organisations to enable and empower people through digital and telecommunications technologies. We look forward to creating a significant impact with the DCO and further supporting DCO member states.”
