The Digital Cooperation Organization concluded its fifth General Assembly in Kuwait City on February 7, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for global digital governance. Member States adopted the Kuwait Declaration on Responsible AI for Global Digital Prosperity and agreed on concrete actions to advance inclusive, trusted, and scalable digital transformation in the age of artificial intelligence.
Convened on February 4-5, 2026 under the Presidency of the State of Kuwait, the General Assembly brought together Ministers and Representatives from DCO Member States, alongside Observers, partners, and guest countries. The gathering reviewed progress against the DCO 4-Year Agenda (2025-2028), made joint decisions on multilateral initiatives, and translated shared ambition on AI into coordinated delivery mechanisms.
Kuwait Declaration on Responsible AI Adopted
Ministers and representatives reaffirmed their shared commitment to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable digital transformation. The Declaration recognizes artificial intelligence’s potential to drive productivity, competitiveness, and public service delivery, while emphasizing the need for ethical governance to address risks related to inequality, bias, privacy, and security.
Member States endorsed key policy and delivery frameworks to accelerate trusted digital growth, including the Model Digital Economy Agreement and instruments enabling trusted cross-border data flows. Progress was noted across flagship initiatives covering digital economy measurement, data sovereignty, startup regulation, digital government solutions, investment facilitation, ethical AI, AI readiness, women-led MSMEs, digital skills, online safety, and e-waste cooperation.
Key Outcomes and Strategic Endorsements
During the General Assembly, it was announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will assume the Presidency of the DCO Council for 2027. The Executive Committee was formed, chaired by Saudi Arabia and comprising Ghana, Rwanda, Djibouti, Pakistan, Kuwait, and Morocco.
Member States agreed to continue developing the Digital Economy Navigator (DEN) as a comprehensive economic intelligence platform to support policy reform, investment prioritization, and cross-border cooperation. They also endorsed coordinated action to strengthen trusted digital foundations, including the launch of the DCO Campaign for Combating Online Misinformation.
- STRIDE ecosystem for startup support
- Digital FDI initiative for investment facilitation
- AI readiness and ethical governance tools
- WE-Elevate initiative for women-led enterprises
- Skills Universe Initiative for workforce development
Leadership Statements and Vision
“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 that is already delivering measurable results across our Member States.”
H.E. Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology affairs, State of Kuwait
“From Kuwait, DCO Member States made a defining choice about the future of our digital world. We chose cooperation over fragmentation, responsibility over hesitation, and trust over fear.”
Ms. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization
“Pakistan is honored to assume the Presidency of the DCO Council at a pivotal moment for the global digital economy. We look forward to working closely with Member States to advance responsible AI, strengthen cross-border digital cooperation, and ensure that digital transformation delivers tangible benefits to everyone.”
H.E. Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, the Digital Cooperation Organization signed three Memoranda of Understanding with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Edraak – Queen Rania Foundation, and TikTok, along with a Letter of Engagement with Arab News. These partnerships will strengthen the organization’s capacity to deliver on its digital prosperity agenda.
The General Assembly confirmed the handover of the DCO Council Presidency from Kuwait to Pakistan for 2026, with the next General Assembly scheduled to take place in Pakistan in 2027. Member States resolved to make 2026 a year of consolidation and acceleration, advancing responsible AI alongside trusted digital foundations, cross-border digital cooperation, inclusive skills development, and sustainable digital growth.
The International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF), held on the sidelines of the General Assembly, convened policymakers, business leaders, and experts through dedicated sessions focused on advancing practical cooperation on priority issues shaping the global digital economy, including artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
