Deemah AlYahya: A Visionary in Digital Transformation and Tech Diplomacy

Deemah bint Yahya AlYahya is a Saudi tech diplomat and digital economy expert who has played a pioneering role in advancing global digital cooperation and transformation. As the founding Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), she has spearheaded efforts to foster international collaboration among key stakeholders to accelerate the growth of a sustainable and inclusive digital economy.

Early Life and Education AlYahya earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Information Systemsfrom King Saud University in 2002. She later pursued executive education, graduating in 2017 from the INSEAD business school senior executive programs and completing multiple leadership programs at Harvard Business School, specializing in innovation, digital transformation, and business strategy.

Career and Leadership AlYahya began her career as a software engineer at Samba Financial Institution, later joining the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), where she became a pioneer in the IT field. In 2010, she joined Microsoft Saudi Arabia, rising to become the Executive Director of Developer Experience and Digital Innovation in 2013, becoming the first Saudi woman in a leadership role at Microsoft.

Her career has spanned multiple high-profile positions, including:

• Chief Innovation Officer at the Misk Foundation
• CEO of the National Digitization Unit at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
• Chief Evangelist of Developer Experience and Digital Innovation at Microsoft Arabia
• E-Services Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

AlYahya has also been a key member of various international and national councils, such as:

• Digital Economy and Society Council at the World Economic Forum
• Executive Committee of The Business 20 (B20)
• Global Entrepreneurship Network
• Saudi Digital Economy Policy Advisory Committee

Empowering Women and Driving Digital Inclusion AlYahya is a strong advocate for women in technology and entrepreneurship. She is the founder and CEO of Women Spark, the first Saudi women’s angel investment network, which has trained over 26,000 women in the technology sector. Through her leadership, she has paved the way for women to become investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the digital economy.

She also serves as a Champion for Digital Inclusion at the Edison Alliance and a Commissioner with the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development.

Global Impact and Tech Diplomacy As a leading tech diplomat, AlYahya has been a keynote speaker at prestigious global forums, including:

• World Economic Forum (WEF)
• UNCTAD eWeek 2023
• AI House Davos

She has actively advocated for human-centric digital policies, stressing the need to bridge the global digital divide and foster tech diplomacy to harness the opportunities of the digital economy.

Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) In November 2020, AlYahya was nominated as the founding Secretary-General of the DCO, and in April 2021, she was officially elected. With this historic appointment, she became the first Saudi woman to lead an international organization.

Under her leadership, DCO has expanded its mission to:

• Promote digital inclusion
• Facilitate global cooperation on digital regulations
• Develop talent and upskilling programs
• Encourage investment in the digital economy

DCO now comprises 16 (and growing) member states, working collaboratively to shape the future of the global digital economy.

Initiatives and Innovations AlYahya has championed several major digital initiatives, including:

• Saudi Codes, an initiative promoting coding and computer programming education
• Strategic partnerships with General Electric (GE) and NXN to drive Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation
• Founding ALMTD Consulting, a specialized firm offering digital innovation strategies and corporate venture building

Awards and Recognition AlYahya’s contributions have been widely recognized. In 2018, she was honored as “Digital CEO of the Year” by Entrepreneur Middle East magazine, acknowledging her leadership in driving digital transformation and economic growth.

Conclusion Deemah AlYahya is a trailblazer in digital transformation, committed to advancing technology, digital inclusion, and international cooperation. Through her leadership at the Digital Cooperation Organization, Women Spark, and global tech initiatives, she continues to shape the future of the digital economy, ensuring #DigitalProsperity4All.

Her journey is an inspiring testament to Saudi Arabia’s vision for global leadership in digital innovation and economic development. A visionary in tech diplomacy, she remains at the forefront of driving change for a more inclusive, digitally connected world.