In a recent visit to Cyprus, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), expressed strong optimism about Cyprus’ potential in the digital economy. Her meetings with key government figures, including President Nikos Christodoulides, underscored the island nation’s commitment to harnessing digital transformation for economic growth.
The DCO, an intergovernmental body with 16 member states, aims to accelerate digital economies through cooperation. Cyprus’ membership as the first European country highlights its forward-thinking approach. AlYahya emphasized the importance of shared practices and collaboration to achieve rapid, sustainable growth in the digital age. By working together, member states can overcome challenges and leverage collective expertise.
A critical aspect of the DCO’s mission is promoting greater female participation in the tech sector. AlYahya, an advocate for women in technology, highlighted initiatives like WE-Elevate, which supports women-owned businesses in transitioning online. This programme offers comprehensive training, enabling women to expand their reach and create job opportunities.
Furthermore, the DCO’s Unified Framework for Empowering Women in ICT aims to develop female leaders in technology. AlYahya’s NGO, Women Spark, complements these efforts by mentoring women developers, tech founders, and angel investors. The initiative has trained over 27,000 women and invested in more than 40 ventures, showcasing the potential of female empowerment in the tech industry.
During her visit, AlYahya reaffirmed the DCO’s commitment to Cyprus’ digital agenda. Discussions with President Christodoulides and other officials focused on assessing progress and planning future initiatives. Meetings with Invest Cyprus paved the way for action-oriented projects designed to drive tangible progress.
AlYahya’s vision for Cyprus’ digital economy is bright. She advocates for a regulatory environment that fosters innovation, viewing regulations not as obstacles but as enablers. By bridging the gap between innovators and the public sector, Cyprus can create a thriving digital ecosystem.
In conclusion, AlYahya’s optimism and strategic vision for Cyprus underline the nation’s potential to become a digital leader. Through collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth, Cyprus is poised to achieve significant advancements in the digital economy, benefiting its citizens and setting an example for others.
