DCO member states endorse 13 digital economy initiatives, approve 2025-2028 agenda for resilient growth
Kuwait to lead digital cooperation organization in 2025, succeeding Jordan’s presidency
Dead Sea- Jordan: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a global multilateral entity dedicated to fostering digital prosperity through inclusive growth in the digital economy, successfully concluded its fourth annual General Assembly on February 19, 2025, in Jordan. The Assembly saw the launch of new digital cooperation initiatives aimed at reducing the global digital divide and the endorsement of the DCO’s 2025-2028 Agenda, which seeks to advance digital maturity across its Member States.
Strengthening Commitment to a Sustainable Digital Economy
In the official declaration of the General Assembly, representatives from the 16 DCO Member States reaffirmed their dedication to building an inclusive, human-centric, and sustainable digital economy. A significant milestone was the establishment of the Associate Membership mechanism, allowing for an expanded membership base, along with the successful implementation of the WE-Elevate initiative.
Endorsement of Cross-Border Digital Initiatives
DCO Member States endorsed several critical cross-border initiatives, including:
- The DCO Entrepreneurship and Innovation Standard of Excellence
- The DCO Interoperability Mechanism for Cross-Border Data Flows
- The DCO Model Contractual Clauses
- The AI Ethics Evaluator and AI Readiness Toolkit
- The Framework for Strengthening National Agendas to Combat Online Misinformation
- The establishment of a Ministerial Committee, chaired by Kuwait
- The E-Waste Management Framework
These initiatives build upon those launched at the inaugural International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF), including the Framework for Cross-Border E-Waste Management, the Responsible AI Governance Policy Tool, and the AI Readiness Toolkit.
Adoption of Key Digital Economy Policies
The Assembly also saw the adoption of pivotal policies aimed at strengthening digital governance and fostering innovation:
- The DCO Model Startup Act
- The DCO Data Privacy Principles
- The DCO Principles for Ethical AI
- The DCO Intent on a Safe Digital Space for Children
- The DCO Intent on Digital Intellectual Property (IP) Protection
Strategic Partnerships and Future Roadmap
On the sidelines of the Assembly, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between DCO and leading global organizations, including the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (MISK), HP Inc., and the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development. Additionally, an MoU was signed between the Sultanate of Oman and 500 Global. A Statement of Intent was also signed between DCO and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
The endorsement of the 2025-2028 Agenda marks a strategic milestone, providing clear direction for initiatives that drive transformative growth. This roadmap ensures collective success through multilateral actions in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.
Leadership Transition and Future Outlook
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was endorsed for the Presidency of the DCO Council for 2026, while the 2025 Executive Committee will be chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with participation from Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Cyprus, Morocco, and Oman.
H.E. Engineer Sami Smeirat, Jordan’s Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and Chairman of the DCO Council, expressed his pride in Jordan’s role as the host of the 4th General Assembly. He highlighted the country’s leadership in promoting an inclusive and sustainable digital economy, emphasizing the launch of ambitious initiatives and strengthened public-private partnerships throughout Jordan’s presidency in 2024.
As the presidency transitions to Kuwait, Minister of State for Communication Affairs Omar Saud Al-Omar reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to driving DCO’s initiatives, particularly in combating online misinformation through the newly established Ministerial Committee. He emphasized Kuwait’s role in fostering digital transformation, encouraging innovation, and supporting the digital economy to achieve sustainable technology-driven development.
About the Digital Cooperation Organization
Established in November 2020, the Digital Cooperation Organization unites 16 Member States representing a combined GDP exceeding USD 3.5 trillion and a population of over 800 million, 70% of whom are under the age of 35. The DCO aims to enable digital prosperity for all by promoting global digital transformation and advancing common interests among Member States.
The next General Assembly will take place in February 2026 in Kuwait, where Member States will assess the impact of joint initiatives aligned with the 2025-2028 Agenda and explore further opportunities for digital cooperation.
