The Digital Cooperation Organization has announced stc as an official DCO observer, making the Saudi telecom giant the first telecommunications company to join the DCO. The announcement headlined the inaugural Mobile 360 Riyadh event, which also featured a groundbreaking MoU between global telecommunications body, the GSM Association, and the DCO.
The stc observer status and the GSMA MoU was announced on World Telecommunications Day, marked globally on May 17.
The partnerships will focus on expanding access to telecommunications technologies and upskilling youth and entrepreneurs so that they can prosper in the digital economy.
The DCO is a global multilateral organization established to enable digital prosperity for all, 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.
stc, a leading digital champion across the region and key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, will support entrepreneurs, young people and women to connect the internet and digital economy through the partnership, including by providing insights across DCO member states.
DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya 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 organizations and leaders to forge the solutions of tomorrow for our youth, women, and entrepreneurs. On World Telecommunications Day, it is fitting that we join forces with stc, a world-leading telecommunications organization, and with the global telecommunications association GSMA. We look forward to working with both organizations to create digital prosperity for all.”
stc Group CEO Olayan Mohammed Alwetaid 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 Organization. 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 further connect hearts and minds to the digital economy.”
Commenting on the MoU, GSMA Director General Mats Granryd said: “The GSMA is a global organization 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 organizations 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.”
