RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has introduced a new department dedicated to promoting social responsibility. As part of the ministry’s efforts to improve its services to the community, the unit aims to develop the IT and communication skills of Saudis while at the same time raising awareness among citizens and ministry staff of values and ethical standards. Asmaa Abu Ghaleb, the ministry’s media adviser and head of the social responsibility unit, said: “It also aims to regulate voluntary and community action by collecting community initiatives launched by the ministry and its agencies under the umbrella of the social responsibility unit.” The unit will focus on achieving the ministry’s strategic goals, most notably to help transform the Kingdom into a digital hub for the region and contribute to the sustainable development of the country. The latest of numerous community initiatives launched by the unit was the signing of a cooperation agreement with the charity organization Alwaleed Philanthropies, to establish a national contact center for hearing and speech-impaired people to improve their interaction with the community. As part of the contract, the unit would also be responsible for training the center’s staff.