The official presence of DCO at LEAP 2026 concluded in Riyadh following the signing of new member charters and multilateral digital programs.
During the event, the State of Palestine signed the Digital Cooperation Organization Charter to become a Signatory Member. In addition, Palestine unveiled the Digital Prosperity Plan 2026–2028, co-developed with the organization to develop digital infrastructure, skills, government services, and small businesses.
Expansion of Member States and Bilateral Accords
The Syrian Arab Republic also signed the organization’s charter during a ceremony at headquarters in Riyadh. The agreement establishes joint efforts in digital transformation, infrastructure development, online services, and regional knowledge exchange.
In a related development, Syrian telecommunications provider Syriatel submitted a formal Letter of Intent to join the organization as an Observer. Discussions centered on building digital skills through the Syriatel Academy and its associated Innovation Hub.
Key Outcomes of DCO at LEAP 2026
Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya led a ministerial discussion titled “Governing Growth: Building Human-Centered Digital Economies in an AI-Driven Era.” The session brought together government ministers from Algeria, Barbados, Eswatini, Pakistan, and Syria to address responsible technology adoption, skills development, and cross-border investment.
Furthermore, the organization engaged with Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority and ITL Estonia on cross-border data governance. The delegation also participated in a panel examining business benefits within Estonia’s digital network.
Technical Initiatives and Open Innovation
On the technology front, the organization partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology alongside chipmaker AMD. Together, they introduced an open artificial intelligence and open innovation initiative, supported by a specialized DevDay workshop for software engineers and developers.
To address information accuracy, the organization hosted a Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable on Strengthening Online Content Integrity. The session gathered media organizations and tech platforms to evaluate AI-generated material, misinformation risks, and user trust.
Startup Matchmaking and Development Dialogues
Through the STRIDE program, 30 startups from 11 member nations participated in business matchmaking sessions. Founders met with commercial investors and corporate partners, including Elm, ITL, and Tools & Solutions.
Development partnerships remained central throughout the event. The organization joined the World Bank for a focused discussion examining technology financing and infrastructure, while Elm hosted a separate roundtable on funding digital innovation to create employment opportunities. Overall, the activities of DCO at LEAP 2026 established practical frameworks for digital growth across participating countries.
