One of the most pressing challenges we face as a society today is how to balance economic development and innovation with sustainable and responsible practices, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. The green economy, the modern driver for a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive future, has been the second-best performing industry since 2008, with a market capitalization of $7.2 trillion in the first half of 2024, trailing only the technology sector. This underscores the critical role sustainability now plays in global markets.

At stc Group, we have embedded sustainability into the very core of our business. It is a fundamental part of how we operate, guiding our efforts to drive digital innovation while positively impacting the environment, society, and economy. 

This year, stc Group celebrated its fifth annual Sustainability Report, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and progress, and driving meaningful change. This report not only chronicles our achievements and steadfast commitment over 2023 but also delineates our path forward in a world where digital transformation and sustainability are increasingly intertwined.

We also reinforced our position as a leader in sustainability by joining the first-ever “KSA Sustainability Champions” program, launched by the Ministry of Economy and Planning. This is something we are immensely proud of, and we look forward to working with our partners, supporting them to achieve their own sustainability goals.

Our progress toward net-zero

stc Group has made significant progress in advancing its sustainability commitments. In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the country’s ambition to achieve net-zero, we have successfully reduced our environmental footprint. This includes adopting green energy solutions, such as transitioning to solar-powered telecom towers in remote areas and optimizing energy consumption across our operations. For example, by utilizing an advanced technologies AI/ML Powered Energy Saving Management, stc has achieved a 13 percent reduction in energy consumption across 4G and 5G infrastructure. Additionally, our commitment to environmental conservation is evidenced by our pledge to plant 1 million trees by 2030, further showcasing our dedication to societal and ecological well-being. These are essential steps toward the group’s long-term goal of achieving carbon net-zero.

Digital solutions for sustainable development

Our role as Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler is about more than just advancing technology: it is also about creating and advocating for a future where digital innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The technology sector is the largest within the green economy with a market capitalization of $2.3 trillion. We at stc Group, alongside our global peers, have a responsibility to uphold this and improve on it. We’re proud to see our innovative technologies having positive environmental and social impacts across industries. Many of the solutions stc Group provides, whether they are linked to the IoT or AI, are helping businesses optimize their resource usage, reduce waste, and operate more efficiently. For example, our smart city initiatives are enabling urban centers to manage traffic, energy, and water resources in ways that we could never have foreseen. 

As the Saudi ICT sector — the largest and fastest-growing in the MENA region — continues to expand, stc Group is poised to drive even greater change. Our cutting-edge tools are empowering businesses and governments to embrace digital transformation, making a significant contribution to building a more sustainable future.

Supporting communities and bridging the digital divide 

As we continue on our journey to transform the Kingdom, we must contribute positively to the world around us. One of the most significant contributions we can make is to bridge the digital divide. In today’s digital world, access is everything, and here at stc Group, we’re proud to have expanded our broadband and 5G networks to remote and underserved areas, ensuring that more people, regardless of their location, can access essential resources. This effort directly supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive, sustainable economic growth. 

Additionally, our commitment to supporting communities is demonstrated through our many social investment programs. Through our Technical Enablement Program, which helps nonprofit organizations reduce costs and become more efficient, we have offered 1,055 technical services to 446 organizations, across 50 cities. In 2023, we launched the Smart Truck initiative in partnership with Huawei, to empower the elderly with digital skills. These Smart Trucks are improving the digital literacy of our older generations and enhancing their independence and quality of life in an increasingly digital world. For this particular initiative, we were awarded a Certificate of Excellence at the 2024 World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva, Switzerland, standing out from over 193 countries. 

These are only some of the ways stc Group is enriching lives and supporting communities through innovative technology, bridging the digital divide and providing opportunities for all. The goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly advancing digital economy.

A future built on actions

As we move forward, it is evident that achieving zero emissions, zero waste, and zero barriers to a sustainable future — has become central to our mission, driving every action and endeavor. It is more than an aspirational target; it is a necessity that requires innovative technology, and a dedication to environmental stewardship to drive real, impactful change.

At stc Group, we are committed to continuing our progress in reducing our carbon footprint. Achieving net zero is the ultimate goal and it is crucial if we want to ensure a brighter future for those who will follow in our footsteps. 

We are optimistic about the future and the role stc Group will continue to play in shaping it. Every effort will be made to ensure that our growth is aligned with the well-being of the environment and the people we serve. Real change requires meaningful actions, and we are committed to ensuring that our sustainability efforts continue to lead to tangible benefits for the environment and our communities. 

There will be further action to reduce our carbon footprint. AI, IoT, and smart technologies will continue to be woven into our sustainability efforts. And we will continue to develop powerful social initiatives that improve and enrich people’s lives. 

Together, we can build a future that is not only more connected, but also more sustainable for generations to come.

• The writer is Maha Alnuhait, general manager for sustainability at stc Group. 

Hyundai Motor Company Middle East and Africa, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Netzero, has announced a new initiative to plant 20,000 trees across the Kingdom. This project aligns with Vision 2030’s goals, emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship within the Kingdom.

The announcement was made during a signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Riyadh, with attendance from Hyundai, the Ministry’s Sedra Program, and Netzero.

The tree-planting campaign is designed to have a substantial impact on CO2 absorption, ecosystem restoration, and overall sustainability efforts in the Kingdom. By enhancing green spaces, this initiative contributes to a healthier environment, supports biodiversity, and bolsters climate resilience.

Tarek Mosaad, business strategies and planning group director for Hyundai Middle East and Africa, said: “Hyundai’s commitment to environmental responsibility goes beyond vehicle manufacturing and marketing. The company strives to enhance customer trust through impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives, demonstrating that sustainable practices are at the core of its operations. This tree-planting project reflects Hyundai’s dedication to fostering a greener future for Saudi Arabia and underscores its role as a leader in sustainability.”

The benefits of this initiative are both environmental and social. By engaging local communities in the planting process, Hyundai aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and inspire collective action toward a sustainable future. This initiative not only promotes a cleaner environment but also strengthens community bonds and encourages active participation in environmental stewardship.

As Hyundai continues to work hand-in-hand with the Saudi government and local distributors, this tree-planting initiative marks a key milestone in its ongoing journey to support Vision 2030.