DCO secretary-general appointed to high-level UN panel

DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya has been appointed to a United Nations high-level panel examining freedom of transit for landlocked developing countries, the UN has announced. UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed AlYahya to the High-Level Panel on Freedom of Transit for Landlocked Developing Countries (HLP-FoT), making her the only Saudi representative and the only representative from the Arab region on the panel. The appointment brings a digital economy and international cooperation perspective to a panel tasked with finding practical ways to help landlocked developing countries overcome barriers to international trade and improve access to global markets. AlYahya is currently serving her second term as secretary-general of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), an international multilateral organisation focused on inclusive growth in the digital economy and digital prosperity. The DCO counts Cyprus among its member states, giving the appointment a direct connection to the country and its international digital cooperation agenda. The UN panel brings together senior representatives and experts from governments, international organisations, the private sector and academia following a consultative process involving nominations by UN member states. The panel will examine the challenges facing the world’s 32 landlocked developing countries, including implementation gaps and constraints affecting freedom of transit. It will then develop practical recommendations aimed at strengthening transit systems and improving access to international markets, with its final recommendations expected to be presented to member states during the 82nd session of the UN General Assembly. AlYahya is expected to contribute expertise in international cooperation, multilateral diplomacy, policymaking, investment and development across borders. Her work has included involvement in digital economy programmes and initiatives in Saudi Arabia, as well as efforts to strengthen innovation ecosystems, develop digital capabilities, support entrepreneurship and widen participation in the digital economy. The UN appointment also comes as digital and customs tools become increasingly important to international trade, with digital systems capable of facilitating trade, improving the efficiency of trade flows and helping countries connect with international markets. AlYahya has previously advocated cooperation that moves beyond formal declarations towards practical opportunities for people and communities. The DCO secretary-general visited Cyprus in June, using the trip to strengthen cooperation with Cypriot institutions and international partners while highlighting the island’s position as an emerging digital hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the visit, held around Cyprus’ “Shaping the Next Digital Frontier” conference, she met officials and business leaders to discuss digital investment, artificial intelligence, connectivity and digital infrastructure. Among her meetings was one with Invest Cyprus chairman Evgenios Evgeniou, during which they reviewed progress under the DCO’s Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Cyprus initiative and discussed further development of the country’s digital investment ecosystem. AlYahya described Invest Cyprus as a valued DCO partner and said cooperation between the two organisations had helped reinforce Cyprus’ position as a destination for digital and technology investment through innovation, entrepreneurship and cross-border collaboration. The discussions also looked towards the launch of the DFDI Cyprus report and ways to further develop the country’s digital investment environment. During the same visit, AlYahya met Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta) chief executive George Metzakis to discuss digital transformation, infrastructure and opportunities for closer cooperation. She highlighted Cyta’s role in digital government initiatives and in developing infrastructure that has contributed to Cyprus’ emergence as a digital hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. The talks also covered Cyta’s role as an observer to the DCO, with the two sides discussing knowledge exchange, strategic dialogue and cooperation on shared digital priorities. AlYahya also met Renate Nikolay, deputy director-general of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG Connect), with discussions focusing on cooperation between the European Union and the DCO. The areas discussed included digital diplomacy, trusted connectivity, digital public infrastructure and cross-border data governance. “Our digital future will be defined not only by innovation, but by our ability to cooperate across borders,” AlYahya said. She also highlighted DG Connect’s role in shaping Europe’s digital policy since 2012, including work covering artificial intelligence, connectivity, digital infrastructure, technological competitiveness, regulation and investment. Her new role on the UN panel places that emphasis on cross-border cooperation within a broader development and trade context, particularly for countries whose geographical position creates additional barriers to participation in international markets.