Latest news with #digitalcooperation
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Digital cooperation organization launches AI ethics evaluator tool to promote ethical AI worldwide
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), the world's first standalone international intergovernmental organization dedicated to accelerating inclusive and sustainable digital economies, officially launched its flagship DCO AI Ethics Evaluator Policy Tool at the AI for Good Summit 2025 and WSIS+20 (World Summit on the Information Society) in Geneva. The launch represents a major step forward in transforming the DCO Principles for Ethical AI, endorsed by the Organization's 16 Member States earlier this year, into actionable tools for ethical AI governance. The DCO AI Ethics Evaluator is a comprehensive policy tool designed to help individuals, organizations, governments, and both public and private sectors assess and address ethical considerations in their AI systems, with a strong emphasis on human rights risks. The tool provides users with a detailed report, complete with a visual profile and tailored recommendations. During the launch event, Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs of the State of Kuwait and Chairperson of the DCO Council for the 2025 term, officially announced the debut of the Evaluator. In his remarks at the high-level forum of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), Al-Omar emphasized the Evaluator's importance: 'The tool aims to guide developers and users of AI technologies regarding the potential impact on human rights, alignment with ethical standards, and the application of strategies to mitigate these impacts through a structured self-assessment questionnaire covering six categories of risks based on the DCO's principles for Ethical AI.' He explained that the tool was developed through DCO research on AI governance and in consultation with experts and stakeholders. In closing, Al-Omar underlined the broader significance of the launch: 'The organization is making steady progress toward achieving its goals by turning its commitments into actions, one of which has been realized today with the launch of the DCO AI Ethics Evaluator.' Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, spoke passionately about the tool's vision and ethical foundation: 'We are laying down a shared ethical foundation. Because 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 emphasized the tool's accessibility and relevance for all digital economy stakeholders: 'This is not just another checklist. This is a principled stand.' 'The DCO AI Ethics Evaluator takes our Member States' shared values and turns them into real, enforceable action, confronting algorithmic bias, data exploitation, and the hidden ethical blind spots of AI. It is built on global best practices and grounded in the fundamentals of human rights. This tool gives developers, regulators, and innovators the power to transform abstract ethics into tangible accountability.' AlYahya described the Evaluator as a forward-looking compass for responsible AI: 'From fairness audits and privacy safeguards to transparency scoring and accountability mechanisms, the Evaluator guides users through real risk assessments across six critical dimensions, delivering tailored recommendations for every role in the AI lifecycle.' 'This isn't just a diagnostic, it's a compass. A tool to help nations and innovators stay on course toward human-centered, rights-driven AI. We launched it because ethical AI is not a luxury, it is urgent. It is non-negotiable. And it is a responsibility we all share.' Following Al-Omar's and AlYahya's remarks, Alaa Abdulaal, Chief of Digital Economy Intelligence at the DCO, offered a brief walk-through of how the Evaluator works: 'The future of AI will not be shaped by how fast we code, but by the values that we choose to encode. The AI Ethics Evaluator Policy Tool operationalizes the DCO principles through structured self-assessments that guide AI developers and deployers in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating ethical and human rights risks.' The launch event brought together ministers, policymakers, AI specialists, and civil society representatives from across the globe. Participants contributed meaningfully to ongoing discussions around responsible AI development. The session concluded with a strong call for cross-sector collaboration to ensure the ethical design and deployment of AI technologies. Several DCO Member States and private sector entities expressed interest in piloting the AI Ethics Evaluator in their national and organizational AI strategies. With this initiative, the DCO reaffirms its global leadership in ethical digital cooperation, ensuring that technological advancement aligns with the values of human dignity, trust, and sustainable development.
Arab News
03-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
A new chapter in impactful digital cooperation
When the Digital Cooperation Organization was established in 2020 on the sidelines of the G20, with its headquarters in Riyadh, it marked a significant milestone for the region. It was a bold step by Saudi Arabia, alongside four additional founding members, to anchor a global multilateral platform focusing on the digital economy to enable digital prosperity for all. Today, the DCO unites 16 member states across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, collectively representing over 800 million people and a gross domestic product of $3.5 trillion. The organization was created with a clear purpose — to ensure that no country is left behind in the digital economy. It exists to help governments design and implement forward-looking digital policies, build foundational infrastructure and align on responsible innovation. It is action-oriented, member-led and impact-focused. The DCO is already making a difference. Over the past four years we have launched key tools, including the Digital Economy Navigator, which helps member states assess their digital readiness and align policy frameworks. We have built strategic partnerships with the UN, the International Telecommunication Union and other global institutions. And we have supported digital upskilling, cross-border regulatory collaboration and startup ecosystem development, all tailored to the needs of our members. Now, we are entering a phase of intensified execution, guided by the Four-Year Agenda, a roadmap co-developed with member states that sets out strategic priorities and measurable goals. Our focus will be on accelerating inclusion, promoting digital trust and enabling investment in infrastructure, people and innovation. The DCO Four-Year Agenda is aimed at enhancing cooperation among member states to boost digital economic resilience and foster social prosperity. It is focused on building a modern, integrated digital economy. Central to this effort is the digital enablers pillar, which aims to establish a unified policy framework, accelerate regulatory harmonization and enhance resilience through resource sharing. The organization was created with a clear purpose — to ensure that no country is left behind in the digital economy. Hajar El Haddaoui The agenda also emphasizes digital corridors, integrating the digital economies of member states by strengthening cross-border digital trade and mobility. This includes promoting secure data exchange and cultivating a skilled, mobile workforce. To support innovation, the digital business and innovation pillar empowers startups and small and medium-sized enterprises by fostering innovation ecosystems and expanding access to capital, driving growth in digital enterprises. Finally, the digital society pillar champions digital inclusion, accessibility and environmental sustainability, ensuring equitable digital access and minimizing environmental impact. This comprehensive strategy focuses on advancing digital maturity across the region, recognizing the critical role that digital technologies play in today's economy. At a time when digital regulation, artificial intelligence and data governance are reshaping the global landscape, the DCO continues to help member states lead, not just adapt. Whether it is helping a government harmonize its data policies, supporting the rollout of artificial intelligence frameworks or enabling small enterprises to connect to global markets, we are committed to practical, inclusive solutions. The reappointment of Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya to a second four-year term, announced during a visit to Kuwait — the member state currently holding presidency of the organization — reflects a clear vote of confidence in her leadership. Over the past four years, the DCO has moved from concept to implementation. Under the secretary-general's stewardship, we are already delivering real value to member states. The next chapter will be about delivering more, scaling our work, deepening our impact and turning vision into long-term outcomes that benefit people and economies. This is also a moment of pride. While Saudi Arabia submitted the nomination for her reappointment, it was endorsed by the DCO council — a powerful reflection of the Kingdom's growing leadership in multilateral diplomacy and digital policy. Our member states may span diverse geographies, cultures and economies, but they are united by a shared belief in the power of cooperation. The power of partnership. That belief is the foundation of everything we do. As director general of DCO, I am honored to work alongside our secretary-general, member states, observers and partners to realize the organization's full potential. The next four years will be defined by action, alignment and achievement. Together, we are building a future where the digital economy works for all. • Hajar El Haddaoui is director general of the Digital Cooperation Organization
Russia Today
06-06-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Russia and Global South shaping multipolar digital future
Russia and the Global South have been strengthening ties and expanding digital cooperation in light of new opportunities opened by Western sanctions, according to delegates attending the country's first Global Digital Forum this week. The two-day event, which kicked off on Thursday in Nizhny Novgorod, brought together government officials, business leaders, and experts from more than 100 countries, including China, India, and some African nations. Some of them shared their views with RT on the sidelines of the forum, highlighting prospects for collaboration in areas such as trade, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and technology transfer. 'China and Russia are strategic partners and good neighbors,' said Zhou Liqun, chairman of the Chinese Entrepreneurs' Union in Russia. He noted that bilateral trade reached $240 billion last year, with China remaining Russia's top food product partner for 15 consecutive years. 'Even under sanctions, the number of Chinese companies in Russia is growing,' Zhou said, adding 'We see the trend of promising cooperation.' Sun Tianshu, founder of the China-Russian Platform, pointed out that 'many opportunities in the (Russian) market [were] freed up' following the introduction of Western restrictions, allowing Chinese firms to step in. 'Trade between our countries has one tendency – growth,' he said, stressing that past challenges, including payment issues, had been resolved. 'Even if new problems appear, we will be able to solve them,' he argued. Indian cybersecurity expert Sunny Vaghela called for closer cooperation in the AI and cyber fields. 'Russia is technologically advanced, and India is a hub of tech talent. Why not join hands to make AI and cyber a boom for both countries?' asked the CEO of Techdefence Labs. He added that some Russian companies were ready to come to India to collaborate. African delegates voiced similar interest in digital partnerships, especially in sectors like agriculture, education, and information management. 'We came to learn how to bring AI and robotics home to help our people,' said Tanzanian expert Henry Nkya. 'Russia is using AI to boost productivity – we want to do the same.' His colleague Mawazo Mataje emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange. 'We're looking at sharing skills, experiences, and cultural understanding between Russia and the Global South,' he said. Bangladeshi entrepreneur Mohammad Saber Shah described the event as 'a truly encouraging experience,' saying he had the chance to meet IT professionals 'from around the globe.' 'This forum acts as a bridge between us,' helping identify gaps that can be filled through partnerships. 'Russia has long been a friend to Bangladesh – there's now real opportunity for digital collaboration,' he said.
Asharq Al-Awsat
29-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's Deemah AlYahya Reappointed as DCO Chief
The Digital Cooperation Organization announced the reappointment of Deemah AlYahya as secretary-general for a new four-year term, following a nomination by the Kingdom and the approval of member states during the DCO council meeting held virtually in Kuwait. AlYahya's reappointment paves the way for implementing the organization's agenda over the next four years, as announced in February 2025 during the DCO's fourth annual general assembly. The agenda focuses on supporting collaborative efforts to enhance the resilience of the digital economy and promote social prosperity by advancing digital maturity levels across member states. On behalf of the DCO council, Kuwaiti Minister of State for Communication Affairs and chairman of the DCO council's current session Omar Al-Omar congratulated AlYahya on her reappointment as secretary-general. He noted that the decision reflects her exemplary leadership during her first term and expressed optimism about the continued success of the DCO over the next four years. Under AlYahya's leadership, the DCO has expanded its membership from five founding nations to 16 member states, solidifying its position as a multilateral international organization. The DCO focuses on empowering nations to shape policies and develop digital infrastructure that fosters economic opportunities, supports youth and entrepreneurs, and advances alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Klickl signs strategic MOU with WeBank and Goldford Group
ABU DHABI — Klickl, a regulated Web3 financial services provider based in the UAE, has signed a landmark tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mainland China's leading digital bank, WeBank, and Hong Kong's innovation conglomerate, Goldford Group. The collaboration aims to establish a cross-regional fintech innovation alliance spanning Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the Middle East—ushering in a new phase of digital economic cooperation. The signing took place as part of a broader economic dialogue catalyzed by the official visit of a high-level delegation from Hong Kong and Mainland China to Qatar, led by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee. The mission included top officials such as the Financial Secretary and senior representatives from the Financial Services and Treasury Bureau, alongside more than 30 enterprise delegates, reflecting a shared interest in advancing strategic cooperation in digital finance, AI, and infrastructure development across the Gulf region. At the ceremony, Klickl UAE CEO Dermot Mayes, Goldford Group representative and Legislative Council member Dr. Duncan Chiu, and senior executives from WeBank formally sealed the agreement—positioning the three parties to co-develop financial infrastructure across blockchain, AI, and quantum technologies. A Strategic Tri-Regional Collaboration Framework With growing regional momentum toward digital transformation, this partnership represents the first structured initiative of its kind to link fintech ecosystems across the Greater Bay Area and the Middle East. Klickl brings its compliance-first Web3 financial capabilities and deep understanding of the Gulf regulatory landscape; WeBank contributes leading financial technology from Mainland China; and Goldford Group offers integration strength across Hong Kong's tech innovation ecosystem. The alliance will jointly pursue six core areas of cooperation: Blockchain & AI Incubation Platform Startup Acceleration Across Asia–MENA Next-Gen Financial Services for Cross-Border Use Cases Digital Transformation for Legacy Financial Institutions Localized Fintech Deployment for Gulf Markets Quantum Technology Exploration in Financial Applications Klickl's Institutional Role: Bridging Regulation, Markets, and Innovation 'This partnership is more than symbolic—it is strategic,' said Michael Zhao, Founder and CEO of Klickl. 'As the only homegrown Web3 financial services provider in the region, we are proud to help bridge capital, compliance, and technology across three economic hubs. This alliance reflects not only our infrastructure readiness, but also the trust we've built with institutions across Asia and the Middle East.' Klickl's institutional credibility is backed by its status as a policy-aligned fintech entity, having participated in recent sovereign economic missions to Malaysia, Poland, and Japan. Its regulatory licensing through ADGM (FSP) and VASP registration in the European Union positions Klickl to operate across key financial jurisdictions, providing end-to-end Web3-native solutions including digital wallets (Klickl4U), institutional accounts (KlicklONE), payment rails (KlicklPay), stablecoin services, asset custody, and trading infrastructure. Outlook: A New Financial Corridor Connecting East and Gulf As Hong Kong amplifies its engagement in the Middle East and the UAE accelerates its digital economy agenda, Klickl stands uniquely positioned to anchor multi-regional collaboration. The signing of this MOU is a pivotal step in its international growth, and a signal of the convergence between policy, fintech, and decentralized infrastructure. The company remains committed to co-building the next generation of global Web3 financial infrastructure—designed for compliance, optimized for interoperability, and aligned with institutional-grade trust. For more information, visit:
