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THE FUSION OF THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND A NEW GENERATIONAL MINDSET

2 0 1 9 T H O U G H T L E A D E R S H I P R E P O RT

SOCIAL INNOVATION

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INTRODUCTION

DEFINING SOCIAL INNOVATION AND FRAMEWORK

THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND THE NEW GENERATIONAL MINDSET

VALUE OF SOCIAL INNOVATION

THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT)

ZAIN AND SOCIAL INNOVATION

CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

CONCLUSION

CONTENTS 04FOREWORDS • VICE-CHAIRMAN AND GROUP CEO • CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER

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Throughout history, societies across the world have continuously evolved through the process of innovation which is inherent in all of us. It is part of our DNA, allowing us to adapt and ultimately survive and thrive.

As a business that is grounded in technology, it is fascinating to witness the rapid rate of development over the last 20 years. Our industry has moved from being mainly voice and paging services, to one in which seamless access to both voice and data is now the norm. The latest developments in technology triggered by the Fourth Industrial Revolution are not only changing the landscape in an accelerated manner, but more importantly, it is providing a unique opportunity to create and develop solutions for existing and future global challenges.

This technological transformation is allowing the youth segment to ride the wave of innovation thus bring about significant changes in the social landscape. It is through the combined forces of this new generational mindset and the Fourth Industrial Revolution that we can make significant strides in the area of Social Innovation, which is a process of developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social, economic and environmental issues in support of social progress.

For us at Zain, the growth of social innovation is of great importance as it not only addresses societies’ most pressing challenges, but it provides a legitimate avenue for youth across our footprint to engage in a meaningful manner and be active participants in the socio-economic development of their communities.

It gives me great pleasure to witness the evolution of this new era where boundless opportunities are unfolding, and I look forward to experiencing the outcomes of this transformational journey.

Bader N. Al Kharafi Vice-Chairman & Group CEO

FOREWORD

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Innovation in all its forms has shaped the pace of human evolution from the beginning of time. It has allowed for great inventions to come to fruition and it should be considered as the foundation of exploration.

In present times, with the advent of great technological revolutions, innovation is helping unfold a multitude of possibilities across the board. For us at Zain, we are embracing the rapid changes that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is bringing about as the possibilities that come along with it are far and wide.

But what makes it more exciting is witnessing the fusion of the forces that are coming from the youth’s new generational mindset and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This fusion is breaking down barriers, helping circumvent obstacles and in some cases catapulting products and services to the forefront. The forces by themselves are very disruptive in nature but this disruption is opening new possibilities for a more inclusive and equitable growth.

We welcome the fact that old models are being redrawn by the youth through the process of being active players in areas that matter to them. This new paradigm will not only bring about growth and development, but it will also impact the collective consciousness across our markets.

As a business that has a strong social contract, we aspire to create positive and sustainable social change that is grounded on social innovation as the ripple effects could be easily amplified. We encourage all our stakeholders to become active drivers in this fascinating change and we look forward to the evolution of new innovations across the region.

Jennifer Suleiman Chief Sustainability Officer Zain Group

FOREWORD

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INTRODUCTIONIn the fast-paced world that we now live in, social, environmental and economic crises seem to be the new reality. This new scenario is forcing us to consider fundamental development aspects such as inclusiveness, education, environmental policies, and community development as key components for all of us to live prosperous and sustainable lives.

As social challenges matter now more than ever, and if meaningful and sustainable change is to take place, it is important that critical issues are addressed in a holistic and inclusive approach by all sectors of society.

Recent statistics have shown staggering outcomes across the board indicating the seriousness of the matter. From a Climate Change perspective, it has been estimated that an average of 26.4 million people was displaced due to weather-related disasters between 2008 and 2015.1 Unpredictable weather patterns, shifting seasons and disastrous natural disasters are leaving populations with a shortage of basic necessities forcing them to flee their homes.2 An extremely material worldwide issue that is still prevalent today is poverty. As a result, 11 percent of the world’s population still live under the poverty threshold with 18,000 children losing their lives each day due to such harsh circumstances.3 Waste management is also another global crisis that needs immediate attention. Waste generation rates are continuously rising without the proper means of disposal thus leading to alarming health, safety and environmental consequences.4

It is evidenced that an accountable and responsible private sector, an engaged and proactive civil society, and legitimate and well-established policies are key to addressing such issues and unlocking the potential of endangered societies.5 In order to fully tap into effective and impactful solutions that address the world’s most pressing issues, it is important to take into context the dynamics of the world we live in. Over the years, technology has revolutionized every aspect of our lives. With the rise of the fourth industrial revolution and the upcoming new generation’s outlook on the world, the role of different sectors has been transformed in unprecedented ways.

The fourth industrial revolution is characterized as an extreme advancement in technology that spills over to all fields including the physical, digital and biological.6 In Klaus Schwab’s book ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’ he explains that when it comes to the emergence of this wide range of new technologies, it is essential to consider the unlimited possibilities that come along with it as it is reshaping production, consumption, transportation and delivery systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Internet of the Things (IoT), 3D Printing, Biotechnology and quantum computing are some of the aspects of what categorizes this revolution. Such advancements have created unprecedented impacts as they are spilling over into economic, social and environmental spheres. Hence, this is calling for a comprehensive and cohesive approach aiming to ensure that positive change takes place. It is important to consider that such advancements come with concerns and challenges which include securing employment, growth

of inequality and the fragmentation of societies. As such, it is paramount for leaders, businesses, governments, civil society and individuals to unlock the potential of how societies can benefit from this revolution in order to capture new opportunities which will drive growth and development for all.

The new generational mindset, that is primarily comprised of youth, also play a fundamental role when it comes to understanding the importance of addressing society’s most pressing issues as they are the ones who will fully experience the threats of our complex world. The new generation comes from a different mindset that views the world from a completely different angle than previous generations. It is quite evident that they are constantly challenging the status quo to drive change and transformation within communities. Communication mediums such as social media, made possible through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), helped catapult such transformation.

With an urgency to address severe socio-economic pressures, it is mandatory to consider these two powerful forces; a) that we are in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution b) that we are moving in a direction lead by a new generational mindset. The combination of these unique and dynamic pressures that are constantly feeding one another coupled with the context of planetary boundaries and social thresholds of the world, creates room for a new concept to emerge: Social Innovation.

To be able to fully grasp the concept and meaning behind Social Innovation below are three different definitions that provide a well-rounded viewpoint.

“Social innovation is the process of developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social and environmental issues in support of social progress.” – Stanford Business Review

“Social innovation – innovative, practical, sustainable, market-based approaches that benefit society, with special focus on the vulnerable.” – World Economic Forum

“Social innovations are new solutions (products, services, models, markets, processes etc.) that simultaneously meet a social need (more effectively than existing solutions) and lead to new or improved capabilities and relationships and better use of assets and resources. In other words, social innovations are both good for society and enhance society’s capacity to act.” – TEPSIE

The purpose of this report is to provide a clear understanding of how the various forces, the fourth industrial revolution and the new generational mindset’s outlook on the world, breed and foster Social Innovation. The report will identify the endless benefits Social Innovation brings to humanity, businesses, civil society and governments. Additionally, it examines how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can play a role in enabling a more inclusive approach when it comes to social, economic and environmental impacts in order to bring about positive change. Lastly, it provides a clear understanding of the relationship between Social Innovation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of planetary boundaries and social thresholds.

1 http://theconversation.com/climate-change-will-displace-millions-in-coming-decades-nations-should-prepare-now-to-help-them-892742 https://www.mercycorps.org/articles/climate-change-affects-poverty.3 http://theconversation.com/climate-change-will-displace-millions-in-coming-decades-nations-should-prepare-now-to-help-them-892744 http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/brief/solid-waste-management5 http://siteresources.worldbank.org/ESSDNETWORK/Resources/481106-1129303936381/1777397-1129303967165/chapter4.html6 https://www.weforum.org/about/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-by-klaus-schwab

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It is unquestionable that the global community is not only experiencing but is also in the midst of the transformation of the world we live in. With rapid technological advancements and rise of innovative solutions, we are forced to ride the wave of change and it is in our hands to ensure that such transformation is for the greater good. Consequently, the new generation being brought up in the world of intense interconnectivity, are spearheading this transformation and are constantly bringing global issues to the surface to make sure they are addressed. Collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills that lead to action-oriented solutions and Social Innovation, are a result of the two forces feeding one another for the benefit of all.

With extensive research being done on Social Innovation, a considerable space has been left blank between the theorization and implementation of needed solutions. Therefore, a framework for Social Innovation has been established to not only ensure this gap is being addressed and relevant solutions are being implemented, but to provide an understanding on how to create necessary products and services.

The uniqueness of the below framework is that it is applicable to all sectors of society from NGOs, corporations, SMEs, entrepreneurs, and students. The Amani Institute – an educational association that supports organizations to work more effectively in pursuing social change 7 – created a seven-element guidance that has been modified by the Stanford Social Innovation Review.8

The steps below demonstrate in detail how a socially innovative solution can not only be developed but can be implemented to create maximum impact.

• Burning: What social issue do you personally care about? This provides a good understanding of personal motivation for doing so.

• Sensing: What information can be derived about specific social challenge? It’s important to use a diverse range of sources that engages in “problem finding.”

• Questioning: Asking questions about the social challenge that no one is asking. Re-framing the challenge in a new way will open new doors for alternatives.

• Idea Networking: Sharing ideas with a diverse group of people and not only within the organization. This will allow room for meaningful feedback and a chance to emerge ideas on a broader scope.

• Associating: Discovering and understanding what other fields are doing to create new opportunities.

• Experimenting: Also known as ‘Prototyping’, experimenting is testing the idea in the real world. This allows innovators to sometimes fail and receive feedback to better improve the solution.

• Impacting: It’s crucial to ensure that a baseline and an evaluation mechanism is existent as it gives a sense of scale and volume of the invention.

7 https://amaniinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ASIF-Infographic-1.pdf8 https://ssir.org/articles/entry/seven_elements_of_social_innovation

BURNING: Identifying

Purpose and motivation

SENSING:Expanding knowledge of subject

QUESTIONING:Re-framing

the challenge

IDEA-NETWORKING:

Sharing ideasASSOCIATING:

Exploring other sectors’ approaches

EXPERIMENTING:Prototyping

IMPACTING:Is it leaving

a mark?

07 STEPS

DEFINING SOCIAL INNOVATION AND ITS FRAMEWORK

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The fourth industrial revolution created vast opportunities to influence the trajectory of society and revolutionize the way businesses operate. Today, we are in the midst of this technological revolution where societies are being forced to embrace such advancements in order to maximize and utilize its benefits to drive sustainable and inclusive growth. At its core, the fourth industrial revolution serves as the interconnectedness of all emerging new technologies providing increasingly enhanced and meticulously customized products and services that improve people’s lives. It is important to also grasp that this specific revolution can even undo some of the damages caused by the previous three industrial revolutions.9 Due to the complexity and interconnectedness of the technologies that fall under the fourth industrial revolution, its impacts on society are overwhelmingly immense as it reshapes every single aspect of our lives.

Impact on Employment

With artificial intelligence and machine automation influencing the production process, many jobs will disappear or in essence be completely transformed. Jobs in construction and other manual labor occupations, tax preparers, telemarketers, real estate brokers are examples of the kind of jobs that will diminish and be replaced with automated systems and machines.

However, such pressures hitting the market shed light for a new way of thinking to unfold. This evolved approach will drive economic growth and prosperity. Currently, individuals in the workforce have more time to focus on creative, collaborative and complex problem-solving tasks than ever before because machines have taken over some of their automated tasks. Additionally, the upcoming youth acknowledges that automated processes directly impact them. They are very aware that some of the lower income, less educated, and basic skilled workers are the ones who will most likely get affected. This is where their passion and drive for inclusivity and leaving no one behind is derived from. As such, the new youth is not shying away from pressuring businesses to alter the way they operate by investing in them and training them for the jobs of tomorrow. According to Deloitte’s 2018 Millennial Survey, fewer than four in 10 millennials and three in 10 Generation Z who are currently working believe that they are fully prepared for the changes the fourth industrial will bring.

THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND THE NEW GENERATIONAL MINDSET

9 https://www.ey.com/en_gl/digital/four-things-to-know-about-the-fourth-industrial-revolution10 https://luminariaz.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-2016-21.pdf

Most Prone to Automation Least Prone to Automation

Tax preparers Psychologists

Real Estate Brokers Physicians and Surgeons

Telemarketers Human Resource Managers

Referees and Other Sports Officials Computer Systems Analysts

Farm Labor Contractors Sales Managers

Couriers and Messengers Chief Executives

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Percent of all working millenials whose organizations

are helping them prepare for changes of industry 4.0

Percent of all working Gen Z whose organizations

are helping them prepare for changes of industry 4.0

15% 13%

36% 42%

49% 45%

Yes No Don’t Know Yes No Don’t Know

A further factor to consider is that the youth of today are highly critical when it comes to businesses’ and corporations’ commitment to ethics and values. According to research conducted by Global Tolerance, almost half the workforce (42%) want to work for companies who create a long-lasting and positive impact on the communities they operate in.11

Accordingly, it is crucial for businesses to capture this in order to ensure that the youth are interjected willingly into the company. Millennials view businesses fundamentally differently than the preceding generation. They perceive businesses as entities that are not doing enough when it comes to their footprint on society. They believe that corporation’s priorities are not reflected in their actions which leads to a stark mismatch leaving youth with a sense of hopelessness when it comes to their perception of the world today. This alarming viewpoint calls for leaders and decision-makers to invest in new innovations and technologies that will close this gap and ease the challenges of which future generations will have to confront.

Impact on Inequality

The robust emergence of new technologies has great potential to really guarantee an inclusive and just world. Yet, it is up to the people to ensure that the products and services derived from this new wave of technological eruption is well distributed among all sectors, classes, and parts of the world. Unfortunately, with all the promise that comes with the robust evolution of technology, the reality of today has shown the lack of inclusive implementations of such advancements. The previous industrial revolutions failed to bring about equality, openness, and diversity and unfortunately ended up fueling and prioritizing small, wealthy and powerful groups. However, the fourth industrial revolution comes with unimaginable developments which lead to promising hope that this revolution will help those who missed out on the prosperity and affluence that came with the first, second and third revolution. As such, the responsibility lays with influential and powerful leaders as well as the upcoming generation to ensure that more inclusive development and equitable growth is embedded in businesses’ strategies and governments’ trajectories towards more prosperous communities.12

11 https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/may/05/millennials-employment-employers-values-ethics-jobs12 World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 201713 https://luminariaz.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-2016-21.pdf14 https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/GSMA-Guidelines-on-mobile-money-data-protection.pdf

Impact on Privacy and Data Security Issues

One of the most alarming aspects of such technological advancements is its threat to privacy and data security. Now more than ever, data protection is considered extremely critical to all branches of society. Businesses, governments, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals alike are all paying a great deal of attention to ensure the security of all data uploaded on the web is not compromised due to the rise of a very strong sense of digital reliance and interconnectedness.

Furthermore, there remains a constant sense of polar tension between surveillance, security and protection vs freedom of accessibility. Individuals demand personalized and customized products and services yet feel violated when it comes to user privacy and individual autonomy. 13 As such, there has been constant debate on the ethical repercussions of such technological advancements. The following are examples of the various topics where civil society have felt hesitant to share data in the digital world.

• Private communication

• Medical information

• Personal information which consists of information specifically related to that one person for example address

• Banking and financial information

• Information closely related to an individual’s property

Especially when it comes to mobile operators, the evolution of technology poses new risks in relation to customer privacy and personal data. As a response, Zain adheres to the GSMA Mobile Privacy Principles and is stringently compliant to all its principles to ensure that best practices are followed on matters related to the confidentiality of its customer data. Accordingly, the company is constantly developing all necessary measures on a consistent basis in order to secure data and customer information.14

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In order to develop durable and lasting solutions, a business needs to ensure it’s benefitting from its contribution; from investing in startups, designing and developing products and services, and using their resources (employees, infrastructure, etc.) in order to truly innovate. Unfortunately, businesses tend to shy away from contributing financially to Social Innovation and usually position it on the sidelines. As such, awareness and education on the benefits of Social Innovation is fundamental for corporations as it will contribute to the sustainability and relevance of the business.

Through extensive research, the World Economic Forum identified thorough and well-rounded benefits of Social Innovation which creates value for all such as:

• The business will be able to create estimations on the future trends of the market through trial and error. Accordingly, businesses can leverage on Social Innovation to create and design new products and services without high risk.

• The company will be able to serve and tap into untouched and new markets and consumers.

• Organizations will be able to expand their sale and distribution channels to a larger and wider audience.

• Corporations can also use their reach through their supply chain to add value back into the business and simultaneously to communities that they serve. By influencing the supply chain, businesses will create room for long term and sustainable impacts. Furthermore, this ensures a more stable and accessible relationship with providers and suppliers.

• Larger companies can aid smaller business by helping them improve their own products whether it be improving the quality or design of greener products which in return will establish a highly trusted brand.

• It is proven that consumers are willing to pay more for products and services that are socially conscious. As such, by holding suppliers accountable to social and environmental policies shows how a company holds such issues at high importance.

• Encouraging diversity in the workplace will also increase Social Innovation opportunities as it injects new capabilities into the corporation. According to Forbes’s ‘Fostering Innovation Through a Diverse Workforce Survey’ organizations believe that talent diversification will result to generating more innovative ideas.

• There is also a financial gain for companies who invest in Social Innovation and social enterprises. Consequently, investing in social SMEs will generate income, offer a pool of new ideas to support the company’s innovation strategy, and can be potential partners or customers.

VALUE OF SOCIAL INNOVATION

IMPACT FUTURE

MARKETS

INFLUENCE SUPPLY CHAIN

FINANCIAL GAIN

DIVERSIFY WORKFORCE

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Digital transformation is moving at an extremely fast pace in which we as a civilization not only need to keep up with but also understand its imprint on society. If we just view digital transformation through a tunneled vision approach we will lose all the benefits that this revolution can bring to the global community. As such, we as a crucial ICT influencer take it upon ourselves to explore all possibilities and potential of how such advancements can play an unprecedented role in the markets we operate in.

When it comes to understanding the impact and role ICT can play on societal challenges, it is essential to understand both sides of the coin. We as a business can advocate on how ICT can really benefit individuals who are in need, support causes that make a difference, and help bridge inequality. However, in order to really ensure we are held up to our standards and social obligations we must be aware of how technology can also create negative results such as widening the social divide, loss of jobs and resource inefficiency. Accordingly, it is our role as social innovators to always put into consideration how inventions and new technologies can also be abused and used in ways that hinder social progress.

As it is quite complex to grasp the entirety of how ICT can help influence society, incorporating the triple bottom line can provide a form of structure to the approach. The triple bottom line is used frequently when it comes to the realm of sustainability as it is a framework used to evaluate impact from a social, environmental, and economical viewpoint. There are various social issues that vary across different regions that need to be addressed urgently. Applying the planetary boundaries and social thresholds perspective to social deficits in the MENA region presents the region’s performance in relation to the overall context of such issues. Accordingly, when it comes to challenges such as climate change and political and social instability not much is being done. This gives room for new innovative solutions to really address such problems and mitigate their negative repercussions.

Tackling Climate Change

Climate Change is considered the worst and most pressing issue of the times we live in. It has been identified as one out of 9 planetary boundaries which if crossed, we as humanity will cease to exist. With a large increase of greenhouse gases emitted into the Earth’s atmosphere, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification being considered irreversible, it is crucial for all sectors of society to ensure they are accurately measuring their impact within the context of the boundary.

The MENA region in specific is particularly facing difficulty when it comes to climate change. In the region, sea levels are rising more than ever before, and extreme high temperatures is exhibiting a pressing burden on the already scarce water resources available across the region. Consequently, this will lead to severe consequences on food security, public health and coastal areas.15 Furthermore, the region’s high dependency on oil is also causing extreme heat which is leading to some areas being inhabitable.16

ICT can play an instrumental role when it comes to this problem as it can influence and mitigate all implications that have already damaged our planet. The below are examples of some of the new technologies that are being used to tackle some of the root causes of climate change and environmental degradation.

15 http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/894251519999525186/pdf/123806-REVISEDBLOG-CC-REGION-QN-002.pdf16 http://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/mena-climate-change#117 http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Harnessing_the_4IR_for_the_Earth.pdf

Smart Metering

and Smart Grids

The Growing Market of Electric

Cars

Geospatial Data

Monitoring Platforms

Car Sharing to Reduce Air

Pollution

Monitoring Green House

Gas Emissions

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THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT)

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War and Conflict

The MENA region continues to face devasting ongoing conflicts which are leaving millions of people displaced and vulnerable. Accordingly, human displacement is one of the most damaging consequences of such conflicts taking place in Iraq and Syria. In Iraq, the number of terrorism related incidents and tribal feuds continue to leave thousands of people from returning to their homes.

With so many people in need, humanitarian organizations are not able to keep up with the magnitude of challenges derived from the refugee crisis. With developments in devices and machines progressing rapidly, in specific drones, it is now able to provide great relief to such organizations. Used under ethical circumstances, drones have the potential to provide relief equipment and have the ability to even save lives. Drones help organizations identify areas of need and are also starting to be built in ways that can carry heavy and large amounts of critical equipment such as first aid, vaccines and food supplies. Especially in areas that are considered dangerous for aid workers to enter and reach, using GPS and autopilot drones can deliver aid equipment to specific and accurate locations without risking lives.19

Another alarming conflict that has left many civilians displaced is the civil war in South Sudan. Considered the youngest State in the world, the upheaval and instability in South Sudan has not only left people fleeing their homes but has also left 70% percent of families to go hungry. 20 Declaring famine in 2017, the soaring inflation of food prices has left the situation on the ground extremely difficult to tackle. Unfortunately, such challenges affect the most vulnerable populations of which 360,000 children under five years of age are estimated to be severely malnourished. 21 However, advances in technology in the agriculture sector could be some of the answers to such disturbing realities. It has been estimated that by 2050 global food systems will be able to sustainably feed more than 9 billion people. Disruptive innovative technologies can really influence this sector aiming to drive systemic change to such challenges. Some examples explored in the report ‘Innovation with a Purpose’ published by the World Economic Forum are

1. Food sensing technologies for food safety, quality and traceability

2. Big data which will help generate $70 billion for farmers and increase production by up to 150 million tones

3. Microbiome technologies to enhance crop resilience

4. Mobile service delivery

5. IoT for real-time supply chain transparency and traceability

2.09MILLION 249,641 638,874 159,341

IDPs remain displaced

IDPs in Northern

Iraq

Iraqi refugees hosted in

neighboring countries

Households enrolled in UNHCR’s

Assistance tool

18

18 https://reliefweb.int/report/iraq/iraq-situation-unhcr-flash-update-31-may-2018 19 https://mashable.com/2017/04/23/drones-social-good-humanitarian-aid/#2QpUokwaniqL 20 https://www.nrc.no/news/2018/june/five-things-you-should-know-about-the-conflict-in-south-sudan/ 21 https://www.unicef.org/southsudan/stories_2016-malnutrition-crisis.html

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Zain’s Social Innovation Agenda is still in its early stages, but it is shaped and guided by the notion of value creation for both the company and for society at large. Especially given our significant regional challenges, it is important that we achieve our operational targets while at the same time maintaining a purpose of driving socio-economic and environmental change through responsive, adaptable, and effective solutions. We aim to integrate the concept of Social Innovation into the Sustainability Strategy of the company by establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that aim to capture the impact of all activities that fall under Social Innovation. This ensures that across all our operations there is a sense of synergy and increased alignment that will lead to meaningful change.

Providing accessibility to all, greater speed, and extensive advancements to processes and systems are all considered some of the benefits Zain aims to leverage on when it comes to holistic, inclusive and sustainable growth. Programs established by Zain over the years have altered the status quo and noticeably lead to meaningful change on an inclusive basis. Through the effective use of new technologies, our reach and mobile connectivity, the company is coming up with innovative solutions to initiate an innovation ecosystem across the region impacting segments of society that are typically marginalized and excluded.

Zain and MITEF Pan Arab Startup Competition Partnership ‘Innovate for Refugees Stream’

Zain’s partnership with MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Pan Arab Startup competition ‘Innovate for Refugees’ exemplifies how transformational such programs can be for not only the participants but for displaced persons in the region as well. This program targets innovative and tech driven solutions with the aim of addressing some of the prominent issues refugees face today. In the third year of the organization’s partnership, five winning teams received $20,000. The winners of the program targeted challenges such as sanitation, education, child abuse, and lack of food.

Zain Jordan and Mind Rockets – Deaf and Mute Community

In Jordan, Zain partnered with a local startup, Mind Rockets, to build innovative technology to fully engage the hearing impaired. Through this partnership, the company added a new feature to Zain’s website where a deaf person can access the website in sign language via an avatar. An option at the top of page is available and when clicked, an animation figure appears on the web page translating all text into sign language. The marriage between technological advancements and ensuring accessibility to a previously excluded segment demonstrates the potential and endless opportunities to further inclusion when it comes to the company’s products and services.

Zain Sudan and the Social Fellowship Program

The Social Fellowship Program aims to support individuals who have innovative entrepreneurial solutions to society’s most pressing deficits. The main objective of this fellowship is to develop young aspiring entrepreneurs and simultaneously raise awareness and educate the community on how Social Innovation can really spark socio-economic and environmental growth. This fellowship program hosts startups for a period of three months, provides training, supports rising startups with social media and marketing, and lastly gives them access to a wide range of mentors and investors. The applicants go through a rigorous selection process with the winners addressing different societal issues. The selected entrepreneurs targeted issues such as unemployment opportunities for imprisoned women, farming and agriculture, and access to medical services.

ZAIN AND SOCIAL INNOVATION

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ICT is an efficient and transformational tool that can really catapult sustainable development and drive the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As such, ICT should be viewed as a means to an end when it comes to addressing the goals and getting closer to relieving the global community’s most distressing problems. However, it is important to take into consideration that when it comes to ICT, we must engage stakeholders to be creative and collaborative when addressing the goals.22 It is up to leaders and decision makers to ensure that the youth are truly immersed and are given a voice when it comes to creating a better world. Social Innovation really encompasses and provides a comprehensive holistic approach as it can also be seen as key to achieving social inclusion.

Even though Social Innovation addresses all the SDGs, below are some examples of how it directly contributes to some of the goals:

CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

22 https://www.si-drive.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/SI-DriveSocInnHD.pdf23 https://www.diplomacy.edu/blog/digital-technology-sdgs

1. SDG 9.4 (Upgrade all Industries and Infrastructures for Sustainability): ICT can help achieve this specific target by providing clean and environmentally friendly solutions related to industrial processes.

2. SDG 11 (Make cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable): Advancements in technological tools can help build and explore the potential of smart cities. Also, digitizing public places provides opportunities for such areas to become better equipped for the population’s ICT needs that facilitate access to information.23

3. SDG 16.2 (End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against children): The ICT industry can strongly spear actionable change when it comes to protecting children, even from a regulatory and policy perspective. The mobile industry in particular plays a critical role due to its it fast-paced evolution provides tremendous potential to deliver beneficial solutions that could address the issue.

Examples of some actionable ICT solutions that address goal 16.2:

• Microsoft’s “PhotoDNA”: helps identify and compare images even if they have been edited to be able to locate suspects (offered to law enforcement free of charge).

• Automated (ICT facilitated) Searches: enables forensic investigators to easily find sites and content displaying child sexual abuse internet content which are tagged with commonly used keywords. Such searches can be used as a base to detect what potential predators would commonly search for.

• Data mining and analytics: using software that can quickly search and analyze thousands of distinct databases, financial records, DNA samples, sound samples, video clips, maps, floor plans and human intelligence reports and weave together relevant data into an accurate, coherent and useful trajectory.

• Toll-free hotlines: is a tool that can be accessed 24/7 to assist victims through various means such as voice calls, text messages, and emails.

• Online campaigns and media exposure: Awareness campaigns that can be easily accessed and circulated.

• Spreading Awareness: to parents, caregivers, and certain professionals about the risks associated with ICT.

CONCLUSIONWith the youth of today spearheading transformation and the rapid diffusion of technology working as two wheels in motion, the new direction where the world is moving towards has become more evident. Technological advances enable free flow of information and ideas and knowledge to flourish thus calling for a greater sense of creativity and collaboration. This whirlwind of change offers the new generation from across the socio-economic spectrum the opportunity to enter the workforce and really push the world towards a positive trajectory.

Social Innovation provides the youth with a platform to experiment coupled with trial and error, it provides the best fit solutions for society’s greatest challenges. As such, it is as important to ensure proper and accurate measuring tools are put into place to assess how impactful or none impactful the solutions are in the face of reality.

The concept of Planetary Boundaries and Social Thresholds provides a great sense of context when it comes to measurements and impact. The model used to demonstrate the nine boundaries and eleven thresholds offers the reason behind creating sustainability targets. It is important to note that such boundaries and thresholds differ from region, country, and community. Therefore, global solutions must be modified and altered to ensure it is achieving long-term inclusive growth for all.

As a regional leader and a company dedicated to catalyzing positive and inclusive change, Zain will continue to push the envelope around Social Innovation across its footprint with the aim of addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its core business activities.

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DATE OF PUBLICATION: FEBRUARY 2019www.zain.com