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The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) successfully concluded its fourth general assembly in Jordan, approving a comprehensive agenda for 2025-2028 aimed at enhancing digital maturity across its member states.
The DCO, a global multilateral organisation dedicated to fostering digital prosperity and inclusive growth in the digital economy, convened leaders from various nations to discuss key digital transformation initiatives.
During the event, Cyprus' Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, highlighted Cyprus' emerging role as a strategic digital hub.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled "Digital FDI: The AI Investment Landscape," Damianou underscored Cyprus' geographical importance as a crucial data superhighway linking Europe, Asia, and Africa via undersea cables.
"Approximately 95 per cent of global communications pass through this region, making Cyprus a key player in the digital economy," Damianou noted.
He also stressed the country’s stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, pointing to its robust bilateral relations with neighboring nations and its fast-growing economy.
"We have the second-highest growth rate among EU member states and have been classified as ‘strong innovators’ in our region on the EU Innovation Scoreboard," he said.
“With over 500 startups and scaleups, 3,500 researchers, and 4,000 entrepreneurs, we have built a strong innovation ecosystem that we are committed to expanding,” Damianou added.
Addressing the role of artificial intelligence, he emphasized its transformative potential in shaping the digital future and highlighted Cyprus' inclusion among the top 35 nations in AI readiness, as ranked by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
"Technology is the new champion of foreign direct investment. Our tech sector is the fastest-growing in the economy, contributing 14 per cent to GDP," he stated.
Damianou also underscored Cyprus' progress in digital infrastructure, noting that it was the first country in Europe to achieve full 5G coverage and is actively working towards comprehensive gigabit connectivity.
Responding to concerns about brain drain, he referenced the unprecedented investment levels in AI globally.
“I was recently in Paris and Dubai at AI summits, and the scale of investment is unlike anything in history,” he stated.
“The question is no longer if we will see artificial general intelligence (AGI), but when,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of AI strategies for national development, stating, "Countries that find ways to use AI to solve their own challenges will be the big winners."
Later in the day, Damianou took part in a ministerial roundtable discussion focusing on digital priorities between Europe and DCO member states, as well as at the institutional level. The discussion featured representatives from the Council of Europe, Greece, Portugal, Austria, and Morocco, among others. He reiterated his earlier points while also emphasizing the need for international cooperation on AI and digital technology.
The assembly also saw the adoption of 13 major digital economy initiatives under the Council Declaration and the inaugural International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF).
These initiatives aim to strengthen digital economic resilience and drive social prosperity, marking a key milestone in the DCO’s mission to bridge the global digital divide.
Furthermore, the 16 DCO member states reaffirmed their commitment to developing an inclusive, human-centric, and sustainable digital economy. They also agreed to expand the organisation’s scope by establishing an associate membership mechanism and endorsed the WE-Elevate initiative.
Among the newly adopted initiatives were 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 the AI Readiness Toolkit.
Additional measures included a framework to combat online misinformation, the formation of a Ministerial Committee led by Kuwait, and an e-waste management framework.
The assembly also saw the formal adoption of 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 Protection.
On the sidelines of the event, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, including agreements with the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (MISK), HP Inc., and the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development. Additionally, the Sultanate of Oman finalized an agreement with 500 Global, while the DCO and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) signed a Statement of Intent.
During the assembly, Kuwait was officially announced as the next President of the DCO Council for 2025, succeeding Jordan. Moreover, Pakistan was endorsed for the presidency in 2026.
The DCO Executive Committee for 2025 will be chaired by Saudi Arabia and include Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Cyprus, Morocco, and Oman.
Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and Chairman of the DCO Council, Sami Smeirat, expressed Jordan’s pride in hosting the assembly.
“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,” Smeirat stated.
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, highlighted the organisation’s achievements over the past four years.
“Over the past four years, we have worked to unite governments, the private sector, and civil society in addressing the challenges of the digital economy,” she said.
“While much has been achieved, there is still critical work ahead to ensure sustainable digital growth for all,” she added.
Incoming DCO President, Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs Omar Saud Al-Omar, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to spearheading efforts to combat online misinformation and drive digital transformation.
“Our presidency comes at a pivotal time, and we are eager to lead efforts that will allow all nations to thrive in the digital economy,” he stated.
The 5th General Assembly will be held in Kuwait in February 2026, where member states will evaluate the impact of ongoing initiatives and assess progress under the 2025-2028 Agenda.
Founded in 2020, the DCO represents 16 member states, collectively boasting a GDP exceeding $3.5 trillion and a combined population of over 800 million.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering digital prosperity through multilateral cooperation and strategic initiatives, stating that it "remains focused on fostering digital prosperity through multilateral cooperation and strategic initiatives."
By fLEXI tEAM
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