Technology Diplomacy: A Conversation With Her Excellency Deemah Al Yahya

RSVP to Attend In Person

On Friday, September 18 from 12:00–1:30 p.m. PT at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism (ANN 106), join us for a special conversation on tech diplomacy featuring Her Excellency Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), in conversation with Yannis Yortsos, Chester Dolley Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.

Co-hosted by CPD and March Capital, this timely event explores how diplomacy must evolve in an era defined by algorithms, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and the rising geopolitical influence of technology firms. 

The discussion will introduce tech diplomacy as the practice of engaging with technology actors, systems, and issues to advance national interests, protect digital sovereignty, shape global governance, and strengthen international legitimacy in the digital era. Rather than treating tech diplomacy as a niche specialty, the event frames it as a strategic imperative for today’s diplomats and public policy leaders. As technology companies rival states in economic and geopolitical power, and as digital platforms reshape diplomacy itself, governments must move beyond simply using digital tools toward actively governing technology and shaping global norms.

The conversation will explore why tech diplomacy is now unavoidable; how it differs from digital diplomacy; and how new power actors—including Big Tech firms, startups, international organizations, and online communities—are reshaping global affairs alongside governments. The event will offer practical guidance on building digital literacy, engaging technology companies as stakeholders, promoting inclusive and human-centered digital policies, and participating directly in the development of global digital standards.

About Her Excellency Deemah Al Yahya

H.E. Deemah Al Yahya is a Saudi tech diplomat and digital economy expert serving as the founding Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization. Elected in April 2021 as the first Saudi woman to lead an international organization, she was unanimously reappointed in 2025 for a second four-year term, reflecting strong member-state confidence in her leadership. Under her stewardship, the DCO has expanded from five founding member states to sixteen nations representing more than $3.5 trillion in GDP and over 800 million people, while securing United Nations General Assembly Observer status and positioning itself as a key voice in global digital governance.

About Yannis C. Yortsos

Yannis C. Yortsos is the Chester Dolley Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, a position he holds since 1995. Between 2005 and 2026, he served as Dean of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. He held the position of Associate Dean and then Sr. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs between 2001 and 2005, and as Department Chair of Chemical Engineering between 1991 and 1996. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering (elected in 2008), an Associate member of the Academy of Athens (elected in 2013) and a Foreign Member of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (elected in 2005). Since 2022 he serves is the Editor-in-Chief of PNAS Nexus, the interdisciplinary journal of the National Academies (NAS, NAE and NAM).

RSVP to Attend In Person

This program is open to all eligible individuals. USC Annenberg operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.