Amman, Feb 19 (Petra) – The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) concluded its fourth General Assembly in Jordan on Wednesday, announcing new digital cooperation initiatives aimed at bridging the global digital divide and approving its 2025-2028 agenda to advance digital maturity across member states.
In the assembly’s final communiqué, the 16 member states reaffirmed their commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable digital economy centered on human well-being. The assembly also adopted a resolution to expand membership by establishing an affiliation and membership mechanism and praised the successful implementation of the WE-Elevate initiative.
The DCO endorsed several cross-border initiatives, including the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Excellence Standard, a data flow mechanism based on information systems, model contractual clauses, an AI-based ethical assessment system, AI readiness tools, and a framework to enhance national agendas for combating online misinformation and disinformation. Additionally, the assembly approved the establishment of a ministerial committee chaired by Kuwait and a framework for managing electronic waste.
On the sidelines of the assembly, the DCO signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), HP Foundation, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Sultanate of Oman, and 500 Global. Another MoU was signed between the DCO and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation.
The General Assembly also ratified the four-year strategic plan for 2025-2028, providing a clear direction for initiatives that drive transformative growth. Pakistan was selected to assume the DCO presidency in 2026.
Additionally, the council announced the formation of the 2025 Executive Committee, which will be chaired by Saudi Arabia and include Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Cyprus, Morocco, and Oman as members.
“Our ambitious initiatives this year have strengthened public-private partnerships and laid solid foundations to empower youth and women in the technology sector,” said Sami Smeirat, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and Chair of the DCO Council.
DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya highlighted the organization’s progress over the past four years, emphasizing its commitment to uniting governments, the private sector, and civil society to address digital economy challenges and advance global digital prosperity.
Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs, Omar Al Omar, said, “Kuwait is honored to be elected as Chair of the DCO Council. We look forward to building on our contributions, including leading efforts to combat online misinformation and disinformation.”
//Petra// AF
19/02/2025 23:23:53
