Our sustainability framework is anchored by our dare 2.0 strategy, emphasizing a balance between achieving our short- and long-term objectives. This year, we’ve refreshed our sustainability corporate strategy and focused on three core sustainability priority areas: Environmental Performance and Climate, Development of Human Capital through Technological Innovation, and Solid Governance and Ethical Excellence. These areas are crucial not only for the success of our business but also for the benefit of our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

At stc, we believe that digital innovation is the backbone of sustainability. Our efforts in areas such as digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, IoT, AI, and digital payments, among others, not only advance our position as a leading digital transformation engine but also significantly contribute to our sustainability goals.

For instance, our expansion of 5G and fiber optic internet access directly supports environmental sustainability by enhancing energy efficiency and promoting the use of sustainable technologies and ensuring the inclusion and accessibility of people across the countries we operate.

Through specialized training programs and learning experiences offered by stc Academy, as well as mandatory employee training on ethical standards, data privacy and security, and health & safety, we continuously reinforce the importance of sustainability. Additionally, we conduct various events, awareness campaigns, and volunteering opportunities to make it part of our DNA. Our digital transformation efforts, integral to our dare 2.0 strategy, also play a crucial role in fostering this culture by enabling efficient operations and driving awareness across stc Group.

Cultivating a culture of sustainability at stc involves embedding sustainable practices and mindsets at every level of our organization. Through specialized training programs and learning experiences offered by stc Academy, as well as mandatory employee training on ethical standards, data privacy and security, and health & safety, we continuously reinforce the importance of sustainability. Additionally, we regularly conduct diverse events, awareness campaigns, and volunteering opportunities that promote sustainability across all levels of the organization. This consistent engagement, awareness, and development ensure that sustainability principles are deeply ingrained in our company culture, making them an intrinsic part of our DNA. Our digital transformation efforts, integral to our dare 2.0 strategy, also play a crucial role in fostering this culture by enabling efficient operations and driving awareness across stc Group.

Diversity and inclusion are at the core of our human capital development strategy. In 2023, stc Group achieved significant progress in gender diversity, with the hiring rate for women reaching 31.6% and employment for people with disabilities increasing by 36%, reflecting our efforts to create a more inclusive workplace. Furthermore, the introduction of stc Diversity and Inclusion guidelines underscores our belief that diversity drives progress and innovation. By encouraging employees to embrace their uniqueness, we foster an environment of equity and inclusion, enhancing our ability to serve diverse communities and contribute to our success in digital technology. Our initiatives, including flagship programs, enhanced health and safety, employee development, and a focus on empowering women and accommodating people with disabilities, demonstrate our commitment to making stc a place where everyone feels valued and empowered. This commitment extends to bridging the digital divide, exemplified by the innovative Smart Truck project, which brings digital literacy and technology access to underserved communities, particularly those in remote areas.