Latest news with #DigitalCooperationOrganization
CBS News
18-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Bridging the Digital Divide: The Mission of the Digital Cooperation Organization
This content was provided by Acumen Media for DCO. In an era where digital transformation is reshaping economies and societies at an unprecedented pace, the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is addressing a critical global challenge: the digital divide. While technology continues to drive innovation and improve quality of life, 2.6 billion people—one-third of the world's population—still lack internet access, preventing them from participating in the expanding digital economy. This exclusion reinforces social and economic disparities, making it imperative to foster global collaboration to ensure equitable access to digital opportunities. Digital technologies underpin nearly every industry, yet millions remain marginalized due to barriers such as affordability, inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy. Without proactive intervention, these disparities will continue to widen, leaving entire communities behind. As one of the first international organizations dedicated exclusively to the digital economy, the DCO is committed to closing this gap. Founded in 2020 with a vision for a world where every country, business and person has a fair opportunity to prosper in a cross-border and sustainable digital economy, the organization advocates for collaborative solutions, best-practice sharing and the creation of digital opportunities for all. The DCO brings together 16 member states collectively representing more than $3.5 trillion USD in GDP and a population of over 800 million, 70% of whom are under the age of 35. As an observer at the United Nations General Assembly, the DCO amplifies its impact through a multilateral approach, bringing together governments, the private sector and civil society to drive meaningful progress. At the core of the DCO's mission is the empowerment of underserved groups. By supporting nations in developing agile policies for AI governance, data flows and digital trade, the DCO ensures that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can compete in the global marketplace. Unlike rigid top-down directives, the organization works directly with entrepreneurs and emerging markets to design practical, actionable frameworks that facilitate real economic participation. A key initiative in this effort is the Digital Economy Navigator, the DCO's flagship tool designed to assess digital economy maturity, identify gaps and provide strategic guidance to governments and businesses. This tool helps nations prioritize development areas, optimize investments and formulate effective policies to drive inclusive growth. By aligning resources and strategies with real-world needs, the DCO ensures that digital transformation benefits those who need it most. In 2024, the digital economy accounted for 16% of global GDP, highlighting the immense potential for growth. However, digital transformation can be complex, particularly for nations navigating this landscape alone. To address these challenges, the DCO adopted its 4-year Strategic Agenda for Digital Resilience and Prosperity (2025 – 2028) in February 2025, focusing on digital economic resilience and social prosperity. This agenda is built on four strategic pillars: The Digital Economy Navigator plays a pivotal role in this strategy, guiding countries to tailor solutions based on their unique challenges and opportunities. For example, the Digital FDI Initiative has already demonstrated success in Pakistan and Rwanda, where customized policies and strategic investments have helped bridge local digital gaps—proving that one-size-fits-all solutions are insufficient. The DCO's Digital Economy Trends 2025 report is another key resource that provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving digital economy, highlighting its transformative impact on industries and societies. It aims to equip stakeholders with essential data and strategic insights to navigate rapid technological advancements, enabling informed decision making and effective planning for the future. At its core, the DCO champions global cooperation, recognizing that no nation can navigate the digital future alone. The challenges of climate change, economic resilience, peace and security are inherently global, as are the opportunities presented by digital transformation. By fostering dialogue, knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships, the DCO prevents redundant efforts, allowing countries to build upon one another's successes. The organization also addresses a key opportunity in terms of the role of digital considerations in the successful delivery of the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a result, the DCO is positioning itself as a trailblazer, guiding the global community toward a digital-first future. Through innovation, collaboration and forward-thinking policy solutions, the DCO is not merely responding to the digital future, it's actively shaping it, ensuring that no one is left behind. This advertiser content was paid for and created by Acumen. Neither CBS News nor CBS News Brand Studio, the brand marketing arm of CBS News, were involved in the creation of this content.
Daily Tribune
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
DCO Launches New Tool to Promote Ethical Use of AI
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has launched a new policy tool called the DCO AI Ethics Evaluator, designed to help governments, companies, and developers use artificial intelligence (AI) in a more ethical and responsible way. The launch took place during the AI for Good Summit 2025 and WSIS+20 in Geneva, with representatives from across the globe attending. The DCO, which includes 16 member countries, says the tool will help identify and manage risks in AI systems—especially those related to human rights, privacy, fairness, and transparency. The tool offers users a visual report with practical suggestions and is based on a self-assessment across six key risk areas. Speaking at the launch, Omar Saud Al-Omar, Kuwait's Minister of State for Communication Affairs and current Chair of the DCO Council, said the tool would guide developers and users in making AI technologies safer and more aligned with ethical standards. He called it 'a real step forward' in turning DCO's ethical principles into action. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, stressed that ethical AI is essential: 'AI without ethics isn't progress—it's a danger to our dignity and trust. This tool isn't just for governments; it's for everyone involved in building the digital world.' She added that the Evaluator tackles major concerns such as algorithmic bias, data misuse, and accountability gaps, giving developers and regulators a way to make sure their AI systems are fair and responsible. Alaa Abdulaal, DCO's Chief of Digital Economy Intelligence, described the tool as a 'compass' that helps countries and tech teams stay focused on human-centered AI development. The launch event brought together ministers, tech leaders, and global experts, many of whom praised the initiative and expressed interest in using the tool in their own countries. The DCO hopes this new tool will encourage greater international cooperation to ensure AI serves people first—helping societies grow in a fair, inclusive, and sustainable way.
Arab News
11-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
DCO launches new AI ethics tool to advance responsible technology use
GENEVA: Saudi Arabia's Digital Cooperation Organization has launched a pioneering policy tool designed to help governments, businesses and developers ensure artificial intelligence systems are ethically sound and aligned with human rights principles, it was announced on Friday. Unveiled during the AI for Good Summit 2025 and the WSIS+20 conference in Geneva, the DCO AI Ethics Evaluator marks an important milestone in the organization's efforts to translate its principles for ethical AI into practical action, it said. AI must reflect the values we share — not just the systems we build. That's why DCO's Ethical AI Initiative brings together a shared set of principles and practical tools to help developers and policymakers shape responsible, inclusive AI. Explore how we're working to ensure AI… — Digital Cooperation Organization (@dcorg) July 11, 2025 The tool is a self-assessment framework enabling users to identify and mitigate ethical risks associated with AI technologies across six key dimensions. It provides tailored reports featuring visual profiles and actionable recommendations, aiming to embed ethical considerations at every stage of AI development and deployment. Speaking at the launch, Omar Saud Al-Omar, Kuwait's minister of state for communication affairs and current chairman of the DCO Council, described the tool as a resource to help AI stakeholders 'align with ethical standards and apply strategies to mitigate human rights impacts.' He said it drew on extensive research and global consultation to address the growing demand for responsible AI governance. DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya highlighted the urgency of the initiative: 'AI without ethics is not progress, it's a threat. A threat to human dignity, to public trust, and to the very values that bind our societies together.' She continued: 'This is not just another checklist, it is a principled stand, built on best practices and rooted in human rights, to confront algorithmic bias, data exploitation and hidden ethical blind spots in AI.' Al-Yahya emphasized the evaluator's wide applicability: 'It's not just for governments, but for anyone building our digital future — developers, regulators, innovators. This is a compass for responsible AI, because ethical standards are no longer optional. They are non-negotiable.' Alaa Abdulaal, the DCO's chief of digital economy intelligence, provided a demonstration of the tool at the launch. 'The future of AI will not be shaped by how fast we code, but by the values we choose to encode,' he said.
LBCI
03-06-2025
- Business
- LBCI
From Smart Government conference, PM Salam calls digital transformation essential for reform and trust-building
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam delivered a speech at the closing session of the 'Smart Government: Diaspora Experts for Lebanon' conference, held under the patronage of President Joseph Aoun at Phoenicia Hotel. He emphasized that 'digital transformation is not a luxury for Lebanon, but a necessity. It is a reform that directly serves citizens—saving time, reducing corruption, and improving service quality. It is also a prerequisite for economic growth: without digital governance, there can be no investment that meets our ambitions. Without transparency, there can be no trust, and without modernization, there are no opportunities worthy of our youth to build their future in their homeland.' He pointed out that 'to succeed, full coordination between ministries and public administrations is essential. Lebanon cannot remain outside the digital world. We are determined to be part of the regional and global digital economy and to reconnect Lebanon to the knowledge and production networks of the 21st century.' He announced that 'Lebanon intends to join the Digital Cooperation Organization and has begun taking the necessary legal steps to do so, reaffirming its commitment to genuine integration into the regional and international digital economy.' He added: 'Shortly, we aim to launch digital projects that are financially viable and self-sustaining. We also seek to build a unified and centralized governmental digital infrastructure that ensures coordination among different administrations and enhances efficiency and good governance.' He stressed that 'digital transformation is a gateway to reforming state institutions and restoring citizens' trust in them. Let this conference serve as a genuine starting point, not just a ceremonial event. We have much work ahead, but we also have the tools and partners. Let's begin now.'
Arab News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Lebanon embraces digital transformation as key to reform and recovery
BEIRUT: Lebanon has pledged to pursue comprehensive digital transformation, with President Joseph Aoun framing it as the nation's best hope to tackle corruption, moderne governance, and engage its skilled diaspora in rebuilding efforts. Speaking at the 'Smart Government, Diaspora Experts for Lebanon' conference in Beirut on June 3, Aoun described the initiative as a 'sovereign decision to build a better future.' The event, organized by the Lebanese Executives Council, aimed to connect Lebanon's global talent pool with efforts to revitalize both public and private sectors. The conference's core themes included smart governance, public sector reform, and private sector collaboration, all driven by digital innovation. Aoun emphasized that Lebanon must abandon outdated and corrupt administrative structures in favor of efficient, transparent systems. 'Digital transformation is not a technical choice. Digitalization is not just a government project; it is a national project.' He also announced Lebanon's application to join the Digital Cooperation Organization, a global body founded in 2020 to promote inclusive growth in the digital economy. Aoun criticized systemic corruption that forces citizens to navigate bureaucracy through bribery or political favors. He highlighted the need for a government that serves all Lebanese equally, free from sectarian or partisan influences. 'We want Lebanon to open up to regional and international partnerships and to be eligible for foreign investments. This goal is an absolute necessity, indispensable and unavoidable,' Aoun said. 'The time has come for them (the diaspora) to achieve it for their homeland and in their homeland.' The day-long conference brought together ministers, private sector leaders, and diaspora experts for panel discussions on digitizing Lebanon's institutions. Topics included the creation of a national digital ID, policy harmonization, and leveraging technology to reconstruct public services. In an interview with Arab News, LEC President Rabih El-Amine highlighted the importance of engaging the Lebanese diaspora. 'We know by fact that diaspora is willing to help, but they don't have the medium to offer this help, and we know by fact that the government needs this help, but they don't know how to reach the diaspora,' he said. El-Amine stressed that despite weak governance, Lebanon's private sector and diaspora have helped sustain the country. However, implementing modern laws and digital systems is now critical. He called the digital ID system a foundational step toward enabling services like passport renewals and license issuance. 'This is probably the starting point. But I think the biggest challenge for us is how we can make the government and the parliament work together in order to issue modern laws for this system to take place,' he added. Hajar El-Haddaoui, director general of the DCO, expressed strong confidence in Lebanon's digital potential, citing the country's talent pool and expansive diaspora. 'We trust that Lebanon does have all the ingredients to succeed during this digital economy transformation,' she told Arab News. She said the DCO's support will focus on investment, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building, including the Digital Economy Navigator program, which helps countries assess and close gaps in digital readiness. El-Haddaoui underscored the importance of aligned policies, strong infrastructure, and openness to international cooperation. 'Any digital economy or digital transformation needs harmonization of policies. That's really important and critical. Working on a regulation and standard of regulation is really one of the pillars of successful digital transformation,' she said. Fadi Makki, Lebanon's minister of state for administrative development affairs, also spoke at the conference, outlining key reforms to upgrade the country's administrative structures. 'We're far behind in digital readiness. We're trying to catch up through digital transformation, skilling, and reskilling programs,' he said. Makki explained that Lebanon lacks planning and performance monitoring units that are standard in functional governments. He proposed modernizing human resources and encouraging the private sector to deliver services, while the government ensures oversight. 'We don't want to compete with them (the private sector), but at the same time, we want to create opportunities for them while ensuring we provide the necessary oversight like any government,' he said. 'One of the missing functions in government is planning and performance monitoring. We don't have that. So, part of our work is creating these basic units, not just centrally but eventually in every ministry. Without them, we're building on weak foundations,' he added. The event also featured remarks from Lebanese American University's Chaouki Abdallah and panels with Minister of Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadi, along with global figures like Jad Bitar of the Boston Consulting Group. In closing, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam thanked all participants for their contributions and reaffirmed the government's resolve. 'Digital transformation in Lebanon is not a luxury but a necessity and a reform,' he said. 'It directly serves the citizens, reduces corruption, and enhances the quality of life. It is also a prerequisite for economic growth.' Salam called for full inter-ministerial coordination, asserting, 'Lebanon cannot remain outside the digital world or on its margins.' He concluded: 'We are determined to be part of the regional and global digital economy and to reconnect Lebanon with the chains of knowledge and production in the 21st century.' As Lebanon continues to navigate a complex political and economic crisis, the conference marked a clear call for reform. The message from both domestic and diaspora leaders was unambiguous: digital transformation is not only possible—it is imperative.
