Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 11 January 2023 – Acting Director General of Global Practices and Partnerships, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Mr. Amer Bukvic, was a keynote speaker at SAMENA “Rising for Industry Sustainability & Efficiencies (RISE)” Conference in Riyadh.

The forum - held under the theme “Sustainable ICT Development: The Future of Digital Visions & Cross-Industry Innovation” - was organized by SAMENA Telecommunications Council in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Saudi CST Commission, STC Group, Mobily, and China Mobile International.

The RISE conference was opened by Mr. Bocar BA, CEO - SAMENA Council, followed by keynote from Eng. Olaoyan Al Wetaid, CEO STC (KSA) Group and H.E. Ms. Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary General – International Telecommunication Union (ITU). 

In his remarks, Mr. Amer Bukvic elaborated on the role of Digital Development in the Financial Sectors and its importance for promotion of IsDB’s Member Countries’ digital economies. He also highlighted IsDB’s efforts and achievements in ICT and Digital Development sectors including development of the Bank’s ICT Roadmap 2025 and establishment of the first IsDB Digital Inclusion Technical Working Group (IDITWG) comprising policy experts from several international organizations and government officials from 14 IsDB Member Countries within his directorate, led by the Economic & Social Infrastructure Department of the Bank.