Saudi Tech Diplomat Discusses Digital Development with Iraq’s Prime Minister
In a high-level meeting on Monday, Deemah AlYahya, the secretary-general of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), engaged in talks with Iraq’s prime minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, to explore avenues for supporting Baghdad’s digital business and artificial intelligence sectors.
The discussions revolved around Iraq’s strategy for digital transformation and the crucial need to nurture a workforce equipped with the necessary tech skills to drive economic growth effectively, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Despite not being a member of the DCO, Iraq expressed a strong interest in collaborating with the organization to address the nation’s demand for skilled professionals in the tech industry, emphasized Al-Sudani.
AlYahya praised Iraq for its advancements in investing in human capital to foster digital expertise crucial for propelling growth in a digitized economy.
Over recent years, Iraq has been dedicated to formulating a digital transformation strategy to bolster both the private and public sectors, ultimately contributing to economic expansion. The nation recently hosted the inaugural Digital Space Iraq Forum, focusing on leveraging advanced technologies, including AI, to cultivate a comprehensive digital economy.
Established in November 2020, the DCO has been actively shaping policies and initiatives to bolster the digital economy across multiple countries. With 16 member states, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, and Oman, the organization also counts 39 observer partner organizations in its network.
Collectively, DCO member states boast a GDP of $3.5 trillion and cater to a market of nearly 800 million individuals, with over 70 percent under the age of 35, highlighting the potential for digital growth and innovation in the region.