Digital Cooperation Organization Charts Course for Inclusive Digital Future with 2025-2028 Agenda
Amman, Jordan – February 19, 2025 – The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has successfully concluded its fourth General Assembly, marking a significant milestone in global digital collaboration. The event brought together leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from 16 member states to discuss the future of digital economies and endorse a comprehensive 2025-2028 Agenda aimed at accelerating digital transformation and bridging the global digital divide.
A Unified Vision for Digital Advancement
At the heart of the discussions was a collective commitment to fostering an inclusive, human-centric, and sustainable digital economy. Delegates focused on key challenges such as digital inequality, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and cross-border data governance. The 2025-2028 Agenda, which was unanimously endorsed, introduces the Associate Membership mechanism, a strategic move aimed at broadening the DCO’s reach and facilitating greater international cooperation between governments, businesses, and organizations outside the current membership.
Her Excellency Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, emphasized the importance of this new phase, stating:
“The 2025-2028 Agenda is a bold step toward a more inclusive digital economy. By leveraging cooperation, we aim to enable sustainable growth, empower young talent, and create a global digital ecosystem that benefits all.”
Pioneering Initiatives to Drive Digital Transformation
A major highlight of the assembly was the approval of 13 key initiatives, each designed to address pressing challenges in the digital landscape and drive economic growth through technology. These initiatives include:
- DCO Entrepreneurship and Innovation Standard of Excellence – A framework designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent and stimulate innovation across member states, particularly in the startup and technology sectors.
- Interoperability Mechanism for Cross-Border Data Flows – A system ensuring secure and seamless data exchange across nations, promoting trust and transparency in the digital economy.
- Model Contractual Clauses – Standardized legal agreements aimed at simplifying international digital transactions and protecting stakeholders.
- AI Ethics Evaluator and AI Readiness Toolkit – Tools developed to assess national AI preparedness and ensure ethical AI implementation that aligns with global standards.
- Framework for Combating Online Misinformation – Strategies focused on identifying and counteracting misinformation, supporting media literacy, and improving digital trust.
- E-Waste Management Framework – Guidelines for the responsible disposal and recycling of electronic waste to promote environmental sustainability.
These initiatives build upon the foundations laid during the International Digital Cooperation Forum, reinforcing the DCO’s dedication to addressing emerging digital challenges and fostering sustainable digital economic policies.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts
The General Assembly also saw the establishment of several key partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with influential global entities:
- Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (MISK) – A collaboration to empower youth through digital education and leadership development programs.
- HP Inc. – A partnership focused on improving technological infrastructure and boosting digital literacy in DCO member countries.
- Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development (AECD) – Working together to formulate policies that support sustainable digital economic growth.
Additionally, Oman formalized a partnership with 500 Global to enhance startup ecosystems, while a Statement of Intent was signed with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) to strengthen digital collaboration among developing nations.
Leadership Transitions and Future Outlook
As part of its governance structure, the DCO announced new leadership transitions for the upcoming years:
- Kuwait will serve as the DCO Council President for 2025, taking over from Jordan.
- Pakistan is set to assume the Council Presidency in 2026.
- The 2025 Executive Committee will be chaired by Saudi Arabia, with Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Cyprus, Morocco, and Oman as members.
His Excellency Engineer Sami Smeirat, Jordan’s Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and outgoing DCO Council Chairman, reflected on the progress made under Jordan’s leadership:
“Throughout our presidency, we have launched ambitious initiatives, strengthened public-private partnerships, and laid a solid foundation for empowering youth and women in technology.”
Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs, Omar Saud Al-Omar, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the DCO’s next phase:
“We are committed to supporting digital transformation, fostering innovation, and promoting digital entrepreneurship to drive sustainable economic development.”
The Road Ahead: A More Connected Digital Future
The adoption of the 2025-2028 Agenda marks the beginning of a new digital era, where collaboration and technological advancements will drive inclusive global growth. With a combined GDP of over $3.5 trillion and a population exceeding 800 million—70% of whom are under 35—DCO member states are uniquely positioned to shape the future of the digital economy.
As global digital challenges continue to evolve, the DCO remains steadfast in its mission to accelerate digital transformation, enhance cybersecurity, promote digital skills development, and ensure equal access to technology for all.
The next DCO General Assembly is scheduled for February 2026 in Kuwait, where member states will review progress on the 2025-2028 Agenda, introduce new digital economy strategies, and explore further opportunities for international digital cooperation.
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