Riyadh, Saudi Arabia//- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Ms. Deemah AlYahya as a member of the High-Level Panel on Freedom of Transit for Landlocked Developing Countries (HLP-FoT).
Ms AlYahya is the only Saudi leader and representative from the Arab region appointed to the Panel, reflecting her extensive experience and leadership in the digital economy, innovation and international digital cooperation.
The UN’s published composition brings together senior representatives and experts from governments, international organisations, the private sector and academia.
Her experience in diplomacy, international cooperation and advancing opportunities across borders will contribute to the Panel’s work on practical solutions for landlocked developing countries. At its heart, this is about giving people and economies a fairer path to opportunity.
Ms. AlYahya, currently serving her second term as the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), brings experience in international cooperation, multilateral diplomacy, policymaking and advancing investment and development across borders.
Throughout her work, she has called for cooperation that moves beyond declarations to deliver meaningful opportunities for people and communities.
Her experience also includes contributing to a range of digital economy programs and initiatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, alongside efforts to strengthen innovation ecosystems, build digital capabilities, support entrepreneurship and expand participation in the digital economy.
Her appointment follows a consultative process and nominations by United Nations Member States, bringing together expertise from across government, international organisations, the private sector, academia and other fields to support the Panel’s work.
Ms. AlYahya will bring a strong digital-economy perspective to the Panel, particularly as digital and customs instruments play an increasingly important role in facilitating global trade, improving the efficiency of trade flows and supporting countries’ access to international markets.
The Panel will examine the challenges facing the world’s 32 landlocked developing countries, identify implementation gaps and constraints related to freedom of transit, and develop practical recommendations to strengthen transit systems and improve access to global markets. Its final recommendations are expected to be presented to Member States during the 82nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
