Building an Inclusive Digital Future: Interview with Deemah AlYahya

In this interview, Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya discusses how international cooperation can expand digital access, opportunity and prosperity for all.

Why is it important to ensure international coordination on digital access, inclusion and opportunity?

We are living in an interconnected world in which our dependence on digital infrastructure is increasing day by day. Right now, digital is as important as water and electricity. The more we increase our dependence on digital infrastructure, the more we need to collaborate — to ensure inclusion and access to a robust and resilient digital infrastructure at international level.

Water is a public good. Should digital infrastructure be the same?

It should be universal. It should be accessible, and not only when it comes to digital access but also opportunities. There should be a fair opportunity to prosper and grow the economy for women, youth and entrepreneurs. That's why at DCO we're working closely and rapidly with governments, the private sector and civil society to co-create and co-design initiatives that bridge the divide.

Can you tell us about your approach?

DCO is an intergovernmental organization — a platform that bridges the communication gap between governments and the private sector. We identify gaps and needs, connecting nations to the right solutions and innovators. We then bring in financial institutions to help fund initiatives. We are facilitators, bringing all stakeholders together to execute initiatives and help build prosperity.

What role can organizations like the OPEC Fund play in this?

We are very proud and excited about the agreement and partnership that we are embarking on with the OPEC Fund, especially as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and showcases the impact that it is driving on a global level — not only in economic terms, but also socially. The digital era provides new opportunities for the OPEC Fund to expand that impact more broadly. We at DCO are proud to be the platform that can help the OPEC Fund to achieve that goal.