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In a significant development, Saudi Arabia has taken a leadership role in the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) as it was elected its president during the organization’s inaugural meeting. Additionally, Deemah Alyahya, a Saudi national, has been appointed as the first secretary-general of the DCO. This marks a critical milestone in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in the digital realm.The DCO, an alliance of countries focused on digital cooperation, also welcomed Nigeria and Oman as founding members during the meeting. The initial group of five members, consisting of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Pakistan, forms an economic bloc representing a substantial portion of the global gross domestic product, amounting to $2 trillion.
The inaugural meeting, presided over by Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha, witnessed the participation of prominent figures including Houlin Zhao, the secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union, Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, and representatives from various United Nations programs.Several key initiatives were approved during the meeting, demonstrating the DCO’s commitment to advancing digital cooperation among its member nations. These initiatives include the establishment of a center aimed at enhancing coordination in data transfer, promoting women’s empowerment, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, with a strong focus on digital transformation.The primary objective of the DCO is to bolster collaboration among its member nations as they navigate an evolving global economy increasingly shaped by technological innovation.
Through this collaborative effort, member states aim to establish robust cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, 5G technology, cloud computing, and blockchain.One of the significant driving forces behind the DCO’s endeavors is the immense potential of the global digital economy, which is estimated to reach a staggering $23 trillion by 2025, with a GDP share of 24.3 percent. This economic landscape presents a compelling opportunity for the DCO to create a platform that empowers its tech-savvy youth, women, entrepreneurs, and indigenous industries. By fostering this environment, the organization aims to enable its members to compete effectively on the global stage, enhancing their digital competitiveness and contributing to their economic growth.Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in leading the DCO underscores its commitment to advancing digital cooperation and harnessing the transformative power of technology. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the DCO serves as a platform for member nations to collectively address the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
Through collaboration, these nations can leverage their strengths and capabilities to drive innovation, economic growth, and prosperity in an increasingly digital-centric global economy.Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the DCO reflects its vision for a connected and digitally empowered future, not only for its citizens but also for the broader international community. With Deemah Alyahya taking the helm as the first secretary-general, the organization is well-positioned to promote digital inclusion, knowledge-sharing, and technological advancements that benefit all member nations and contribute to the advancement of the global digital ecosystem.
