GeSI and AFDE Partner to Advance Sustainable Digital Transformation in the Arab Region
Across the Arab region, digital economy strategies are increasingly linked to economic diversification, smarter cities, public service innovation, climate resilience and inclusive growth. The next challenge is implementation: ensuring digital transformation is not only faster, but more purposeful, measurable and aligned with real development priorities.
Against this backdrop, the Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) and the Arab Federation for Digital Economy (AFDE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance sustainable digital transformation across the Arab region.
The MoU establishes a practical framework for cooperation, connecting regional digital economy priorities with GeSI’s global experience in digitally enabled sustainability. It will support collaboration on Digital with Purpose, the United Nations Solutions Hub, climate solutions and smart city development in the UAE and the wider Arab region.
As H.E. Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Khouri, Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity and Chairman of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, stated:
“This partnership comes within the framework of concerted efforts among the parties to support the implementation of the Arab Digital Economy Vision, launched by the Arab Federation for Digital Economy in 2018, and to support pathways toward sustainable digital transformation through joint initiatives and strategic partnerships with regional impact.”
For GeSI and AFDE, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to moving digital transformation from ambition to practical cooperation. It aims to strengthen innovation and competitiveness while supporting climate, urban and social development priorities.
Four Areas of Cooperation
The partnership will focus on four connected areas.
Supporting the Arab Vision for Digital Economy
GeSI and AFDE will work together to support the development and implementation of the Arab Vision for Digital Economy, including through expertise in digital infrastructure, cross-sector collaboration and sustainable digital transformation.
Promoting Digital with Purpose in the Arab region
The partnership will help expand the Digital with Purpose movement across the region, engaging governments, businesses and civil society around digital solutions that deliver measurable social and environmental value.
Strengthening cooperation through the United Nations Solutions Hub
AFDE is expected to support regional engagement with the United Nations Solutions Hub by helping identify sustainability needs, curate case studies and best practices, and promote the platform among cities, governments and businesses.
Advancing smart city initiatives and pilot projects
GeSI and AFDE will also work together on smart city initiatives in the UAE and the wider Arab region, with a focus on integrated energy solutions, IoT deployment, sustainable urban planning and public-private cooperation.
From Cooperation to Impact
The value of the partnership lies in its focus on practical outcomes. Through the United Nations Solutions Hub, regional sustainability needs can be connected with climate solutions, technical expertise and potential financing opportunities. Through Digital with Purpose, the partnership can support a broader movement around responsible, impact-driven digital transformation.
Smart cities will be one of the clearest areas where this cooperation can become visible. Cities bring together many of the systems that shape sustainability outcomes, including energy, mobility, buildings, water, public services and digital infrastructure. By combining GeSI’s global platforms with AFDE’s regional reach, the partnership can help translate sustainable digital transformation into practical projects across the Arab region.
The collaboration is also expected to support knowledge transfer, capacity building and new avenues for innovation, with benefits across social, environmental and economic development pathways.
As the collaboration moves forward, GeSI and AFDE will work to strengthen regional cooperation and support practical initiatives that help digital transformation become a force for sustainable development.
Together, GeSI and AFDE aim to advance a more sustainable and prosperous digital future for the Arab region — shaped by cooperation, practical action and measurable impact.
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