The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) concluded its fifth General Assembly on 4–5 February 2026 under the Presidency of the State of Kuwait. Member States adopted the Kuwait Declaration on Responsible AI for Global Digital Prosperity and agreed on practical actions to drive inclusive, trusted, and scalable digital transformation in the AI era.
The Declaration recognizes AI’s potential to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and public service delivery while emphasizing ethical governance to mitigate risks associated with inequality, bias, privacy, and security. It reaffirms the DCO’s mission of enabling Digital Prosperity for All under its 4-Year Agenda (2025–2028).
Key Initiatives and Policy Frameworks
Member States endorsed frameworks to accelerate trusted digital growth, including the Model Digital Economy Agreement and tools to enable secure cross-border data flows. Progress was noted across flagship initiatives, such as digital economy measurement, data sovereignty, startup regulation, digital government solutions, investment facilitation, ethical AI, AI readiness, support for women-led MSMEs, digital skills development, online safety, and e-waste management. These efforts emphasize measurable outcomes and scalable impact.
Leadership Transition and Governance
The Assembly announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will assume the Presidency of the DCO Council in 2027, alongside the formation of the Executive Committee comprising Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Rwanda, Djibouti, Pakistan, Kuwait, and Morocco.
The Presidency of the Council for 2026 will be held by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with the next General Assembly scheduled to take place in Pakistan in 2027.
Member States also committed to advancing the Digital Economy Navigator, an economic intelligence platform supporting policy reform, investment prioritization, and cross-border cooperation.
Strengthening Trusted Digital Foundations
Participants endorsed measures to strengthen digital integrity, including progress on online content trust and the launch of the DCO Campaign for Combating Online Misinformation. Support for startups, investment, and AI readiness was reinforced through the STRIDE ecosystem, the Digital FDI initiative, ethical governance frameworks, and the WE-Elevate initiative.
Member States further committed to skills development, online safety, sustainability, and child and youth protection online, while expanding partnerships across the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, and deepening South–South and triangular cooperation.
Statements from Leaders
H.E. Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology Affairs and Acting Minister of Information and Culture of Kuwait, said:
“Under Kuwait’s Presidency, digital cooperation moved decisively from dialogue to delivery. We advanced responsible AI governance, strengthened institutional trust, and enabled tangible digital growth across our Member States.”
Ms. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, added:
“From Kuwait, Member States made a defining choice for our digital future: cooperation over fragmentation, responsibility over hesitation, and trust over fear. Through the DCO, we are building a digital ecosystem where technology serves people, strengthens economies, and delivers prosperity for all.”
H.E. Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications of Pakistan, said:
“Pakistan is honored to assume the DCO Council Presidency at a pivotal moment for the global digital economy. We look forward to advancing responsible AI, cross-border digital cooperation, and ensuring tangible benefits for all.”
Partnerships and Agreements
On the sidelines of the Assembly, DCO signed MoUs with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Edraak – Queen Rania Foundation, and TikTok, along with a Letter of Engagement with Arab News.
International Digital Cooperation Forum
The IDCF convened policymakers, business leaders, and experts to explore practical cooperation on priority issues shaping the digital economy, including AI and emerging technologies. Member States resolved to make 2026 a year of consolidation and acceleration, advancing responsible AI alongside trusted digital foundations, inclusive skills development, cross-border digital cooperation, and sustainable digital growth.
