The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) successfully concluded its fourth general assembly in Jordan, with the endorsement of a comprehensive 2025-2028 agenda aimed at advancing digital maturity across its member states. The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) is a global multilateral organisation committed to enabling digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy. At the event, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou highlighted Cyprus’ growing role as a strategic digital hub.

Speaking during a panel discussion titled “Digital FDI: The AI Investment Landscape,” Damianou emphasised Cyprus’ geographic position as a vital data superhighway connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa through undersea cables. “Approximately 95 per cent of global communications pass through this region, making Cyprus a key player in the digital economy,” he stated. He also underscored Cyprus’ stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting its strong bilateral relations with neighbouring countries and its rapidly 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 stated. “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.

Regarding artificial intelligence, he stressed its significance in shaping the digital future, citing Cyprus’ inclusion among the top 35 countries in AI readiness by the 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 said.

Damianou also highlighted Cyprus’ achievements in digital infrastructure, noting that it was the first in Europe to achieve 100 per cent 5G coverage and is working towards full gigabit connectivity. 

Addressing concerns over brain drain, he remarked on the unprecedented levels of investment in AI globally. “I was recently in Paris and Dubai at AI summits, and the scale of investment is unlike anything in history,” he said. “The question is no longer if we will see artificial general intelligence (AGI), but when,” he mentioned. Moreover, Damianou emphasised the importance of AI strategy for national development, stating, that “countries that find ways to use AI to solve their own challenges will be the big winners”.

Later in the day, Damianou participated in a ministerial roundtable discussion focused on digital priorities between Europe and DCO member states, as well as at the institutional level. During that discussion, which involved representatives from the Council of Europe, Greece, Portugal, Austria, and Morocco, among others, he reiterated key points from his earlier discussion, while also stressing the necessity of international collaboration on AI and technology.

It should be noted that the assembly saw the adoption of 13 key digital economy initiatives under the Council Declaration and at the inaugural International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF). These initiatives, which focus on fostering digital economic resilience and promoting social prosperity, mark a significant step in the DCO’s efforts to bridge the global digital divide. In addition, the 16 DCO member states reaffirmed their commitment to building an inclusive, human-centric, and sustainable digital economy. They also agreed to expand the organisation’s reach through the establishment of an associate membership mechanism and endorsed the WE-Elevate initiative.

Among the newly approved initiatives are 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 include a framework to combat online misinformation, the creation 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 assembly, 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 signed an agreement with 500 Global, and a Statement of Intent was signed between the DCO and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). The State of Kuwait was officially announced as the next President of the DCO Council for 2025, taking over from Jordan. What is more, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been endorsed for the presidency in 2026. Moreover, 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,” he said.

Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, highlighted the organisation’s progress. “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 guiding efforts to combat online misinformation and driving 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 review the impact of ongoing initiatives and assess progress under the 2025-2028 Agenda. The DCO, founded in 2020, represents 16 Member States with a combined GDP of over $3.5 trillion and a population exceeding 800 million.

Finally, the organisation said that it “remains focused on fostering digital prosperity through multilateral cooperation and strategic initiatives”.

Source: Cyprus Mail