SAMENA Telecommunications Council is taking steps to advance digital cooperation-building across the regions on key industry fronts such as digital innovations, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and datacenter development, in efforts to strengthen cross-regional cooperation as well as to create new synergies, to accelerate progress on UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SAMENA Council is of the view that achieving the SDGs requires fresh and, at times, out-of-box approaches. This includes building cross-regional cooperation and unearthing potential of new opportunities for Telecom Operators, Tech Providers, and the Industry, at large.
This development follows this week’s bi-lateral meeting between Bocar BA, CEO & Board Member of SAMENA Council, and the Philippines DICT Secretary HE Ivan John UY and Undersecretary Ms. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue. BA, following the meeting, stated: “We are at a decisive moment in the digital transformation journey, where regionwide as well as cross-regional collaborations are crucial to advancing shared goals in cybersecurity, AI, and infrastructure development, and the 17 SDGs, overall. Digital developments in the Philippines are of great significance to the ASEAN states and can create new synergies in the broader regional ecosystem that SAMENA Council serves. As a recognized ICT industry and advocacy body, SAMENA Council is at the forefront of supporting digital cooperation, building synergies, and fostering a knowledge-sharing culture that transcends regional boundaries. SAMENA Council’s efforts are aimed at helping to connect nations and businesses across the SA-ME-NA and ASEAN regions, creating pathways for the exchange of ideas, best practices, and solutions to shared challenges in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and Digital innovation.”
SAMENA Council, given its role as an industry advocacy body as well as a key contributor in ITU platforms, such as the IAGDI/CRO Meeting, is engaging with key stakeholders from all around the world, bringing together governments, businesses, and thought leaders to accelerate digital transformation through collaborative approaches. This, prospectively, includes fostering cooperation between the South Asia - Middle East - North Africa (SA-ME-NA) region and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which share numerous common goals in advancing technology infrastructure and building resilient digital ecosystems.
One of the key areas of cooperation-building is cybersecurity, where SAMENA Council is promoting dialogue on critical topics such as child online protection and fostering the development of regional cybersecurity frameworks. In particular, one of the ASEAN region’s key evolving digital economies, the Philippines, has been at the forefront of driving initiatives related to cybersecurity and child online protection, which are of increasing importance to countries such as Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The Philippines has made significant strides in enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure and frameworks, addressing the growing concern of online safety for children and other vulnerable groups. These advancements are a key part of the Philippines' broader digital innovation strategy, which aligns with the priorities of SAMENA Council in creating secure, sustainable, and inclusive digital ecosystems.
Furthermore, the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Digital Innovation Acceleration Center in the Philippines marks a monumental step in enhancing the country's ability to foster digital transformation. The center is expected to serve as a platform for the development of innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies in the fields of AI, datacenters, and digital innovations, contributing to cross-regional knowledge exchange and collaboration between the ASEAN and SA-ME-NA regions.
The Philippines is leading the charge in harnessing the potential of AI, with an increasing focus on AI-based solutions that address challenges in various sectors, from healthcare to urban development. The ICT Ministry of the Philippines has been instrumental in framing policies that encourage private sector investment in datacenters, providing a clear and supportive framework for industry players to establish and scale their operations. This positions the Philippines as a leader in fostering pan-regional cooperation and providing innovative solutions that can benefit countries across both the ASEAN and SA-ME-NA regions.
The ICT Ministry of the Philippines has also welcomed the growing role of the country in regional and cross-regional digital transformation efforts. “The Philippines is deeply committed to advancing digital innovation and building the infrastructure needed for a sustainable digital economy,” said Secretary Ivan John Uy of the Philippines.
“The Philippines, with its ongoing commitment to innovation, anticipates leading digital transformation efforts and foster cooperation across borders”, he further added.
SAMENA Council remains committed to advancing its mission of fostering a connected and sustainable digital future, one that is grounded in the principles of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability of investment as much as of the environment. By facilitating dialogue, policy advocacy, and collaboration, SAMENA Council continues to pave the way for a future where digital innovation can thrive across borders. SAMENA Council’s next dialogue fostering exercise is expected to take place in April 2025 in Dubai.
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