Digital Cooperation Organization concludes 4th General Assembly with endorsement of 2025-2028 Agenda to advance digital maturity
DCO's 2025-2028 Agenda was endorsed and upheld as a key action plan for strengthening digital economic resilience and fostering social prosperity.
The State of Kuwait will assume the Presidency of the DCO Council for 2025, succeeding the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Jordan, February , 2025 : The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a global multilateral organization committed to enabling digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy, has concluded its fourth annual General Assembly in Jordan on 19th February 2025, launching new digital cooperation initiatives aimed at narrowing the global digital divide and endorsing the DCO's 2025-2028 Agenda that will advance digital maturity across Member States.
In the Declaration of the General Assembly, the 16 DCO Member States reaffirmed their commitment to building an inclusive, human-centric, and sustainable digital economy. They also welcomed the decision to broaden DCO membership by establishing the Associate Membership mechanism, and the successful implementation of the WE-Elevate initiative.
DCO's Member States furthermore endorsed the following cross-border initiatives: 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, the AI Readiness Toolkit, the Framework for Strengthening National Agendas to Combat Online Misinformation, the establishment of a Ministerial Committee chaired by Kuwait, and the E-Waste Management Framework.
These build upon successful initiatives endorsed at the inaugural International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF) held on the sidelines of the Assembly, including the Framework for Cross-Border E-Waste Management, the Responsible AI Governance Policy Tool, and the AI Readiness Toolkit.
Member States also adopted the DCO Model Startup Act, the DCO Data Privacy Principles, the DCO Principles for Ethical AI, the DCO Intent on Safe Digital Space for Children, and the DCO Intent on Digital Intellectual Property (IP) Protection.
On the sidelines of the Assembly, MoUs were signed between DCO and the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (MISK), HP Inc., the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, and between the Sultanate of Oman and 500 Global. A Statement of Intent was additionally signed between DCO and United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
In addition, the four-year 2025-2028 Agenda was endorsed, providing clear direction for initiatives that drive transformative growth, ensuring we are prepared to succeed collectively through the power of multilateral actions in an increasingly interconnected, technology- driven world.
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was additionally endorsed for the Presidency of the DCO Council for 2026. Also, the council announced the composition of the 2025 Executive Committee, which will be chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will include the following Member States: the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Cyprus, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Sultanate of Oman.
The Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and Chairman of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Council, H.E. Engineer Sami Smeirat, stated that it is a great honor for Jordan to host the 4th General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization, which represents a significant milestone in advancing digital cooperation among member states. He emphasized that through Jordan's presidency of the organization in 2024, the country has demonstrated its ability to lead global efforts toward building an inclusive and sustainable digital economy that is human-centered and serves everyone without exception.
Smeirat added, 'Throughout this year, we have launched ambitious initiatives, strengthened public-private partnerships, and laid solid foundations to empower youth and women in the technology sector.'
'Today, as we hand over the presidency to our brothers in the State of Kuwait, we reaffirm Jordan's commitment to remaining an active partner in achieving the organization's goals. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to realize our shared vision: a digital world marked by prosperity and fairness for all.'
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of DCO, said: 'On behalf of the DCO Secretariat, I extend our appreciation to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and our deepest gratitude to H.E. Sami Smeirat and the Council of Member States, for their guidance and unwavering support provided throughout the year.
The General Assembly marked four years of progress for DCO, showcasing our commitment to uniting governments, the private sector, and civil society to discuss the state of the digital economy and the shared challenges in achieving inclusive and sustainable global digital prosperity.'
The Secretary-General highlighted DCO's upcoming ambitions, adding: 'While we have achieved much over the past four years, there is still important work ahead to drive digital economic growth for all. Our 2025-2028 Agenda marks the beginning of a new digital era for DCO. Global collaboration will be essential in achieving inclusive and sustainable development, benefiting more than 800 million people across our 16 Member States and shaping a better future for generations to come.'
Chaired by H.E. Sami Smeirat, Chairperson of the DCO Council for Digital Collaboration and Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the GA saw the handover of the DCO Council presidency for 2025 from Jordan to the State of Kuwait, where the next DCO General Assembly will take pace in February 2026. The 5th GA will discuss the impact of joint initiatives in line with the 4-Year 2025-2028 Agenda.
Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs, Kuwait, said: 'The State of Kuwait is honored to have been elected to the Presidency of DCO. We look forward to building on our contributions, including guiding efforts to combat online misinformation by chairing a Ministerial Committee that will oversee the implementation of the Framework for Strengthening National Agendas to Combat Online Misinformation'.
'Our Presidency comes at a pivotal time for DCO, with the 2025-2028 Agenda setting a blueprint for the next four years. We are ready to share our expertise so that all nations have an opportunity to prosper in the digital economy. Kuwait also affirms its commitment to supporting digital transformation by adopting initiatives and projects that enhance the digital economy, encourage innovation and digital entrepreneurship, thus contributing to empowering societies and achieving sustainable technology-based development.'
The Digital Cooperation Organization is a global multilateral organization founded in November 2020. It brings together 16 Member States collectively representing more than USD 3.5 trillion in GDP and a population of over 800 million, 70% of whom are under the age of 35. DCO aims to enable digital prosperity for all by unifying efforts to advance digital transformation and promote common interests.
About the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)
The Digital Cooperation Organization is the world's first standalone international intergovernmental organization focusing on the acceleration of the growth of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. It is a global multilateral organization founded in November 2020 that aims to enable digital prosperity for all.
The DCO brings together the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology of its Member States, and is focused on empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs, leveraging the accelerative power of the digital economy, and leapfrogging with innovation to drive economic growth and increase social prosperity.
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) brings together ministries of communications and information technology in 16 countries: the Kingdom of Bahrain, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Djibouti, the Republic of The Gambia, the Republic of Ghana, the Hellenic Republic (Greece), the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sultanate of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – collectively representing nearly $3.5 trillion in GDP and a market of nearly 800 million people, more than 70% of whom are under the age of 35.
Through cooperation and strategic dialogue, we drive the facilitation of mutually advantageous cross-border legislation. The DCO seeks to establish within its Member States the optimal infrastructure and policies for the rapid creation of inclusive and equitable digital economies within which all people, businesses, and societies can innovate and thrive. The DCO's vision is to work towards a world in which every nation, business, and person has a fair opportunity to prosper in the digital economy.
In pursuit of the Member States' common interests, the DCO works collaboratively with governments, the private sector, international organizations, NGOs, and civil society to enable more inclusive digital transformation and the growth of the digital economy.
The DCO's key initiatives include programs to enhance cross-border data flows, promote market expansion for SMEs, empower digital entrepreneurs, and advance digital inclusion among women, and the youth, and other underrepresented populations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
01-07-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Mamdani poised for victory as NYC plans release of ranked choice vote tally in mayoral primary - International
The winner of New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, between progressive Zohran Mamdani and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, is likely to be finalised Tuesday when the city's board of elections announces the next round of results. Mamdani already declared victory on election night last week after gaining a commanding lead over Cuomo, who swiftly conceded. But more results are needed to establish the victor due to the city's ranked choice voting model, which allows voters' second, third, fourth and even fifth preferences to be counted if their top candidate falls out of the running. The board is scheduled to run through its first tabulation at noon, which may be enough for Mamdani to clear the 50% threshold needed. If so, he would move on to the November election to face a field including incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and potentially Cuomo again, if the former governor decides to run on an independent ballot line. Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and member of the state Assembly, was virtually unknown when he launched his candidacy centred on a bold slate of populist ideas. But he built an energetic campaign that ran circles around Cuomo as the older, more moderate Democrat tried to come back from the sexual harassment scandal that led to his resignation four years ago. The results, even before they were finalised, sent a shockwave through the political world. Mamdani's campaign, which was focused on lowering the cost of living, claims it has found a new blueprint for Democrats who have at times appeared rudderless during President Donald Trump's climb back to power. The Democratic establishment has approached Mamdani with caution. Many of its big players applauded his campaign but don't seem ready to throw their full support behind the young progressive, whose past criticisms of law enforcement, use of the word 'genocide' to describe the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and 'democratic socialist' label amount to landmines for some in the party. If elected, Mamdani would be the city's first Muslim mayor and its first of Indian American descent. He would also be one of its youngest. For Republicans, Mamdani has already provided a new angle for attack. Trump and others in the GOP have begun to launch broadsides at him, moving to cast Mamdani as the epitome of leftist excess ahead of consequential elections elsewhere this year and next. 'If I'm a Republican, I want this guy to win,' said Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University. 'Because I want to be able to compare and contrast my campaign as a Republican, in a national election, to the idea of, 'This is where the Democratic party is.'' New York City's ranked choice voting model allows voters to list up to five candidates on their ballots in order of preference. If a single candidate is the first choice of more than 50% of voters, then that person wins the race outright. Since no candidate cleared that bar on the night of the primary, the ranked choice voting process kicked in. The board is scheduled to certify the election on July 15. Mamdani has been a member of the state Assembly since 2021, and has characterised his inexperience as a potential asset. His campaign promised free city buses, free child care, a rent freeze for people living in rent-stabilized apartment, government-run grocery stores and more, all paid for with taxes on the wealthy. Critics have slammed his agenda as politically unrealistic. Cuomo ran a campaign centred on his extensive experience, casting himself as the only candidate capable of saving a city he said had spun out of control. During the campaign, he focused heavily on combating antisemitism and leaned on his name recognition and juggernaut fundraising operation rather than mingling with voters. Confronted with the sexual harassment allegations that ended his tenure as governor, he denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the scandal was driven by politics and that voters were ready to move on. Cuomo did not remove his name from the November ballot last week, ahead of a procedural deadline to do so, and has said he is still considering whether to mount an actual campaign for the office. Adams, while still a Democrat, is running in the November election as an independent. He dropped out of the Democratic primary in April after he was severely wounded by his now-dismissed federal bribery case. Though he had done little in the way of campaigning since then, he reignited his reelection operation in the days after Mamdani declared victory, calling it a choice between a candidate with a 'blue collar' and one with a 'silver spoon.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
28-06-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt assumes presidency of Union for Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly - Foreign Affairs
Egypt has taken over the presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM), succeeding Spain. The handover was formalised during the Assembly's 18th Plenary Session, held on Thursday in Spain. Deputy Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament, Mohamed Abou El-Enein, was unanimously elected as PA-UfM President with the support of 43 parliamentary leaders across the Mediterranean. He succeeds Spanish Parliament President Francina Armengol. Egypt's regional priorities In his address, Abou El-Enein presented Egypt's strategic vision for addressing ongoing crises in the Mediterranean. He praised the Assembly's efforts to advance regional development and integration. Still, he warned that instability—particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza—continues to threaten cooperation among member states. Describing Israel's war on Gaza as 'brutal aggression' amounting to genocide, Abou El-Enein accused Israel of seeking to expand regional conflict and obstruct diplomatic efforts. He reiterated Egypt's rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians. He underscored President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's stance in support of a two-state solution. 'A just and lasting peace in the Middle East is a prerequisite for genuine regional cooperation,' he said, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also commended President El-Sisi's handling of tensions involving Israel and Iran, positioning Egypt as a stabilizing force in the region. Assembly members echo support Several members of the Assembly echoed Egypt's concerns, condemning Israel's actions in Gaza and calling for accountability. They voiced support for Egypt's opposition to the displacement of Palestinians. They backed the two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace. Egypt's role in the PA-UfM Abou El-Enein stressed that Egypt's diplomatic approach—both parliamentary and governmental—prioritizes dialogue and cooperation. He noted that Egypt is assuming the presidency during a critical period for the Euro-Mediterranean region, which is facing mounting challenges to both security and development. He thanked the Spanish Parliament for its leadership during its term and reaffirmed Egypt's longstanding commitment to the PA-UfM. He described the Assembly as a crucial platform for dialogue and coordination among Mediterranean countries. Parliamentary leaders also praised Egypt's early recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza. They expressed confidence in El-Sisi's leadership in promoting regional stability. Upcoming UfM events in Egypt According to the Middle East News Agency (MENA), Egypt will host a preparatory meeting of the PA-UfM Bureau in Sharm El-Sheikh from 11–14 September. An international conference on political and economic issues in the Mediterranean is also scheduled for 28–30 November. The PA-UfM serves as a regional platform for fostering political dialogue and cooperation among countries bordering the Mediterranean through parliamentary diplomacy. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
01-06-2025
- See - Sada Elbalad
UN Launches Urgent Global Housing Strategy at Nairobi Assembly
Israa Farhan The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly opened today at UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi with a resounding call for immediate global action to address the escalating housing crisis affecting billions worldwide. Hosted by the Government of Kenya, the Assembly brought together 193 Member States to shape the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029. The plan prioritizes affordable housing, secure land tenure, and access to basic services as key pillars of sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach emphasized the urgency of the crisis, citing nearly three billion people lacking adequate housing and essential services such as clean water and sanitation. The new strategic framework aims to directly confront this humanitarian emergency by focusing on vulnerable populations, particularly those living in slums and informal settlements. The High-level Dialogue on Adequate Housing, taking place on the Assembly's opening day, will provide governments a platform to coordinate efforts and mobilize resources for transformative urban solutions. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, reiterated the host country's commitment to UN-Habitat's agenda, highlighting the critical role of housing in promoting equity, dignity, and sustainable development. Enrique Javier Ochoa Martínez, President of the Habitat Assembly, called on nations to transform dialogue into actionable policies, stressing the importance of international cooperation, inclusive governance, and equitable resource distribution to close global housing gaps. The proposed Strategic Plan 2026–2029 centers on three impact areas: inclusive prosperity, climate and environmental resilience, and post-crisis recovery. It builds on resolutions passed in the Assembly's 2023 session, which reaffirmed the right to adequate housing and initiated the creation of an Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group to develop a global housing data platform. According to UN-Habitat, more than 1.1 billion people currently reside in slums or informal settlements, with over 300 million experiencing homelessness. The Strategic Plan offers a comprehensive roadmap to reverse these trends by supporting evidence-based policymaking, data sharing, and locally driven action. UN-Habitat, the UN agency dedicated to sustainable urbanization, operates in more than 90 countries. It works to build socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and economically vibrant cities through technical assistance, policy development, and capacity building. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
