On February 19, 2025, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan welcomed esteemed leaders, delegates, and officials to the Fourth General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). This key event, held in the vibrant city of Amman, is part of the global push to enhance the digital economy and empower societies through digital transformation. The assembly was led by Jordan’s Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Abdul Fattah Hassan, accompanied by Deemah bint Yahya AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, along with heads of delegations from various member states.
A Pivotal Moment in Global Digital Collaboration
The Fourth General Assembly was a significant milestone in advancing global efforts to promote a digital economy. Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Abdul Fattah Hassan acknowledged the importance of this gathering as a platform for driving digital transformation in member states. He welcomed the participating delegations, commending the Digital Cooperation Organization for its vital role in enhancing digital collaboration, supporting sustainable development goals, and fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem.
- The DCO is committed to accelerating digitalisation in its member countries and beyond. The assembly took place amidst a heightened global focus on expanding the digital economy, which is seen as essential for economic growth and social advancement in the 21st century.
- With this global transition, countries are exploring ways to collaborate, innovate, and enhance digital inclusivity for the benefit of all, particularly targeting sectors such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment.
High-Level Participants and Key Delegates
The Fourth General Assembly saw the participation of high-ranking officials and digital economy leaders from across the globe. Among them were the following representatives:
- Dr. Nicodemos Damiano, Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy from Cyprus
- Mariam Hamdo Ali, Minister of Digital Economy and Innovation from Djibouti
- Omar Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs from Kuwait
- Amal Al-Falah Sagrouchni, Minister of Digital Transformation and Administrative Reform from Morocco
- Said Al-Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology from Oman
- Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of Information and Communication Technology from Pakistan
- Ahmed Al-Soyyan, Governor of the Digital Government Authority from Saudi Arabia
- Zhaslan Madiev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry from Kazakhstan
- Krzysztof Kamil Jaukowski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs from Poland
- Alberto Rodriguez da Silva, Minister of State for Modernization and Digitalization from Portugal
DCO’s Commitment to Digital Transformation
Deemah bint Yahya AlYahya, the Secretary-General of the DCO, expressed her gratitude to Jordan for hosting this significant gathering. In her speech, she highlighted how the Fourth General Assembly aligns with the DCO’s mission to advance digital cooperation among member states and foster a digital economy that benefits societies at large.
She emphasized that the world is currently experiencing an unprecedented digital transformation, which requires collective action to fully harness the potential of modern technologies. According to AlYahya:
- “Our meeting in Jordan demonstrates our shared commitment to creating an inclusive and thriving digital ecosystem that generates sustainable economic opportunities aligned with future needs.”
- She further elaborated that youth and women play a crucial role in the digital economy. The DCO continues to focus on empowering these groups to ensure they are fully included in the rapidly changing digital landscape.
The Assembly’s Focus: Promoting Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Fourth General Assembly wasn’t just a ceremonial event – it was a working summit aimed at addressing key digital economy challenges and laying the groundwork for future initiatives. Some of the main topics discussed during the assembly included:
- Digital Innovation: Expanding digital innovation across member states to drive new solutions for old problems.
- Empowering Digital Entrepreneurship: Encouraging the growth of digital startups and fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs in the digital space.
- Digital Inclusivity: Ensuring that all societies, particularly vulnerable groups, are included in the digital revolution.
The DCO is dedicated to fostering a collaborative digital environment that opens doors for global partnerships, particularly in sectors such as digital trade, e-government, and online education. Through this partnership, member states are pooling resources to overcome digital challenges and promote a more connected world.
Key Takeaways: What This Means for the Future of Digital Economy
The Fourth General Assembly was a critical moment for digital cooperation, with a clear focus on sustainable growth and inclusivity. As the digital world evolves, the importance of global cooperation in shaping the future of the digital economy cannot be overstated. With the right leadership, digital transformation has the potential to create a more equitable and prosperous world.
Key Takeaways:
- Global digital cooperation is essential for creating a stronger, more inclusive digital economy.
- The focus is on empowering youth and women, ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy reach everyone.
- Jordan’s leadership as the host country has been pivotal in bringing together diverse countries to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusivity.
- This assembly marks a significant step in expanding the reach and impact of the Digital Cooperation Organization on the global stage.
Jordan’s Strategic Role in Global Digital Transformation
As the host nation for the Fourth General Assembly, Jordan has positioned itself as a key player in the global digital economy. The country’s leadership role within the Digital Cooperation Organization is vital in shaping discussions about digital economy policy and ensuring that member states collaborate effectively.
- Jordan has become an advocate for digital transformation and sustainability, pushing for policies that create inclusive growth and enhance digital infrastructure.
- The Kingdom continues to play a leading role in fostering connections between countries that are navigating the complexities of digital transformation.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Digital Economy Cooperation
The Fourth General Assembly marked a significant step toward a more digitally connected and inclusive world. The ongoing work of the Digital Cooperation Organization continues to set the stage for the future of the global digital economy, ensuring that it remains inclusive, sustainable, and innovative. The commitment of Jordan and its partners to this cause will undoubtedly pave the way for further collaboration, development, and progress in the digital sphere.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Digital Cooperation Organization
- Jordan’s Digital Economy Efforts
- Global Digital Economy
- Youth Empowerment in Digital Economy
- Digital Transformation Strategies
Photo credit: Arab News
