The Digital Heroes initiative
The Digital Heroes initiative enables refugees and underprivileged individuals with essential digital skills for today’s job market. Recently, we have expanded the programme across multiple countries, resulting in a threefold increase in outreach.
Supported by PwC digitally trained mentors, participants follow beginner, intermediate and expert pathways, ensuring a tailored learning experience that meets their individual needs. Upon completion of each course, students earn accredited certificates to validate their achievements, and gain access to a certified virtual learning platform to continue their digital education beyond the programme.
In addition to training, the initiative identifies top-performing students, offering them a chance to advance through a competitive interview process. Exceptional candidates are selected for internships at PwC Middle East, providing a direct pathway to real-world experience and career growth.
In an era defined by advanced technology, Digital Heroes not only addresses the digital divide but also unlocks potential, fosters inclusion and builds a future where everyone can contribute meaningfully.
“My mentor was incredibly supportive and helpful, and the best part is that he works in financial data analysis—my dream job. He offered invaluable advice on resources and a clear roadmap to follow. Thanks to my experience in the programme, I can approach my future career with greater confidence and optimism.”
“The Digital Heroes programme was instrumental in my transition from a computer science graduate to an AI specialist. It honed my problem-solving skills and introduced me to key software tools. The programme pushed me to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply my technical expertise in meaningful ways. Following the programme, I secured an internship with PwC Middle East’s financial services consulting team, where I leveraged these skills to contribute to client projects and actively engage in team discussions. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and adaptability in the fast-paced consulting environment.”
“The Digital Heroes initiative provided a rewarding opportunity to connect with the next generation of talent. Engaging with the younger workforce gave me valuable insights into their preferences and career aspirations.”
The SustainIT programme
The SustainIT programme is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities by donating IT assets such as laptops and mobile phones to nonprofits and charitable organisations in the education sector. This year, over 1,200 IT assets were donated, significantly boosting the capacity of these organisations to support learners.
500 of these assets were donated through our partnership with the award-winning nonprofit, Thaki - its largest single donation to date - to support refugee and vulnerable children across the Middle East. Separately, a further 10 organisations across the UAE, Egypt, Palestine, Oman and Qatar were supported, empowering them to continue their efforts in ensuring equitable access to education for all.
SustainIT goes beyond just providing technology; it serves as a bridge to opportunity, empowering individuals to pursue their educational goals and reach their full potential. In addition to its social impact, the programme also delivers environmental benefits. By repurposing IT assets that would otherwise contribute to e-waste, SustainIT has been supporting a circular economy model, reducing the environmental footprint of such devices.
“PwC Middle East have supported Thaki from the beginning by donating laptops, which have significantly improved the digital literacy and education of refugee and marginalised children in Lebanon, while also enhancing the skills of their teachers. These essential tools empower children to pursue their studies and explore new learning opportunities through engaging digital content. The laptop donations help bridge the digital divide and promote equity in education, serving as a gateway to quality learning and brighter futures.”
The ElevateME programme
The ElevateME programme is designed to empower the region’s youth by bridging the gap between academic education and professional careers. Initially launched in Saudi Arabia and later expanded to the UAE, the programme now spans the entire Middle East. In its third cohort, ElevateME engaged over 300 students from 11 countries across the region, a remarkable 237% increase from the previous year’s 89 participants.
The programme offers students tailored support, including 1:1 mentorship sessions with carefully selected PwC Middle East professionals, providing personalised career guidance and advice. Additionally, participants benefit from monthly workshops delivered by the PwC Academy, focused on essential skills and knowledge to prepare them for the professional world. Through this comprehensive approach, ElevateME equips young talent with the tools and confidence they need to successfully transition from academia to the workforce.
“Bringing the idea of the Elevate programme to life, as a newly hired graduate two years ago, has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career. What started as an initiative to bridge a gap I recognised has now become a cornerstone programme that impacts hundreds of students across the region. It’s been an incredible journey to see this idea transform into a powerful platform that supports and empowers the next generation, fostering their growth and preparing them for future success.”
“The ElevateME programme significantly enhanced my soft skills, transforming my journey in consulting and beyond. The networking sessions helped me develop skills in presentation, self-improvement and storytelling. The one-on-one sessions with my mentor, who has since become a dear friend, was invaluable. His advice on personal branding and effective leadership was particularly impactful.”
“Through ElevateME, I was able to guide mentees by reflecting on my own career experiences, building strong relationships along the way. The programme is not just about professional development but also about fostering self-awareness, resilience, and realistic career expectations. This process benefits everyone involved, helping us adjust our professional outlook while giving back to the community.”
Female empowerment programmes
Female empowerment programmes aim to empower women at every stage of their professional journeys. As a cornerstone of our inclusion and diversity strategy, we implement a range of impactful initiatives designed to support the growth and development of women. Over the course of 2024, we have worked with eight organisations and ran 17 Initiatives which benefited more than 280 women, providing essential skills, mentorship and leadership opportunities, enabling women to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the region’s economy.
Our initiatives address the specific challenges faced by women, whether they are beginning their careers, re-entering the workforce, enhancing their professional capabilities, or aspiring to leadership positions. We ensure that women have access to vital resources, networks and support needed to unlock their full potential.
In our ongoing efforts, we recognise the vast economic potential of women re-entering and advancing within the workforce - women who could collectively contribute an additional US$385 billion to the GDP of the nine economies across the Middle East and North Africa we surveyed as part of our Navigating the path back: Women returners in MENA report.
“I can't express enough how transformative this programme has been for me. The sessions were incredibly beneficial, and the opportunity to interact directly with the instructors was invaluable. Their dedication and expertise made a significant impact on my learning experience. On top of that, my internship with the Assurance team was a fantastic opportunity, where I gained hands-on experience and deeper insights into the industry. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment—this has truly been a life-changing journey!”
“I am immensely grateful for the enriching Girls Who Excel course. The valuable skills and knowledge I have gained from this programme have not only equipped me for my future career but have also given me a renewed sense of optimism. Thank you for creating such a transformative platform for growth and learning.”
“Being a mentor for the EmpowerHer programme was an incredibly enriching experience. Gaining insight into the mentees’ backgrounds, understanding their motivations to re-enter the workforce, and offering guidance to help them overcome challenges was truly humbling.”
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Our commitment to the region
Empowering through knowledge
Knowledge is power. And with the right skills and resources, we can create a shared future through education and empowerment.
Investing our time
We believe our people collectively demonstrate a strong commitment to giving back.
Sharing expertise
Driving effective corporate sustainability in the private sector starts with understanding our strengths and leveraging them for lasting impact.
