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DCO’s 4th General Assembly: Shaping a Sustainable Digital Future with New Initiatives and Goals for 2025-2028

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Digital Cooperation Organization Concludes 4th General Assembly with Endorsement of 2025-2028 Agenda

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) recently wrapped up its 4th General Assembly with significant strides made towards fostering a human-centric and sustainable digital economy among its 16 member states. During the assembly, member states underscored their dedication to expanding the DCO’s reach through the introduction of an Associate Membership mechanism and successfully rolled out the WE-Elevate initiative.

Key announcements included the endorsement of various cross-border initiatives aimed at bolstering digital collaboration. These initiatives encompassed the DCO Entrepreneurship and Innovation Standard of Excellence, the DCO Interoperability Mechanism for Cross-Border Data Flows, the DCO Model Contractual Clauses, and a suite of tools and frameworks for ethical AI, combating misinformation, and managing e-waste.

The assembly built on the achievements of the International Digital Cooperation Forum by extending its focus to initiatives like responsible AI governance and cross-border e-waste management. Member states also embraced the DCO Model Startup Act, principles for data privacy and ethical AI, and commitments to nurturing a safe digital space for children and protecting digital intellectual property.

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were established with influential global entities such as the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (MISK), HP Inc., and the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, highlighting the international partnerships DCO is fostering. A Statement of Intent was also signed with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation.

Notably, the assembly endorsed a comprehensive 2025-2028 Agenda, setting a clear path for future initiatives intended to harness technology-driven growth. This agenda emphasizes multilateral actions designed to prepare member states for success in an interconnected digital landscape.

In a significant development within the council’s framework, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was named for the Presidency in 2026, accompanied by an announcement of the 2025 Executive Committee. This committee will be chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will feature esteemed member states, including the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, State of Kuwait, the Republic of Cyprus, Kingdom of Morocco, and Sultanate of Oman.

The event saw H.E. Engineer Sami Smeirat of Jordan preside over the assembly, marking an important milestone for the nation in leading global digital cooperation. As Jordan passed the presidency baton to Kuwait, Smeirat reflected on the initiatives launched, public-private partnerships strengthened, and solid foundations laid for empowering youth and women in the technology sector under Jordan’s leadership. He emphasized Jordan’s ongoing commitment to the organization’s goals, striving for a digital world characterized by fairness and prosperity.

Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of DCO, expressed gratitude to Jordan and highlighted the progress achieved in unifying governments, the private sector, and civil society to advance the digital economy. She pointed out that the upcoming 2025-2028 Agenda represents a new era for DCO, focusing on inclusive and sustainable development efforts that promise to benefit over 800 million people across member states.

Under the leadership transition, the State of Kuwait gears up for its presidency. Omar Saud Al-Omar, Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs, emphasized Kuwait’s dedication to combating online misinformation and supporting the broader digital transformation through innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. With the 2025-2028 Agenda as a guiding blueprint, Kuwait affirmed its readiness to foster a thriving digital economy and contribute to sustainable, technology-based development.

As the DCO looks to the future, the next General Assembly scheduled for February 2026 in Kuwait will delve into the impact of these joint initiatives and further strategize based on the endorsed agenda. The assembly’s outcomes reflect a steadfast commitment to achieving shared digital prosperity in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Alex Sterling
Alex Sterlinghttps://www.businessorbital.com/
Alex Sterling is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering the dynamic world of business and finance. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines, Alex has become a respected voice in the industry. Before joining our business blog, Alex reported for major financial news outlets, where they developed a reputation for insightful analysis and compelling storytelling. Alex's work is driven by a commitment to provide readers with the information they need to make informed decisions. Whether it's breaking down complex economic trends or highlighting emerging business opportunities, Alex's writing is accessible, informative, and always engaging.

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