The focus of the recent Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) General Assembly was clear: Cyprus is positioned as a vital gateway for EU engagement. The assembly, held from February 4–5, 2026, in Kuwait, saw member states adopt the Kuwait Declaration on Responsible AI for Global Digital Prosperity, aimed at fostering inclusive digital transformation.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Under the leadership of the State of Kuwait, ministers and representatives from DCO member states convened to assess the progress made under the organisation’s four-year agenda set for 2025–2028. The discussions centred on translating collective ambitions regarding artificial intelligence (AI) into actionable outcomes, while also reviewing initiatives related to digital policy and governance.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
The Kuwait Declaration underscores a shared commitment to navigating the complexities of digital transformation, which AI is increasingly shaping. It highlights the technology’s potential to drive productivity and public service delivery, while also addressing the ethical considerations necessary to mitigate risks associated with inequality and security.
As part of the assembly’s outcomes, key frameworks were endorsed to facilitate trusted digital growth. This includes the Model Digital Economy Agreement and the establishment of mechanisms to support cross-border data flows, vital for enhancing cooperation among member states.
During the assembly, significant progress was reported across various flagship initiatives. These initiatives span essential areas such as digital economy measurement, investment facilitation, and the promotion of ethical AI practices. Member states were encouraged to focus on measurable outcomes that would have a scalable impact across their initiatives.
In a strategic announcement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will assume the Presidency of the DCO Council in 2027, with an Executive Committee comprising representatives from Ghana, Rwanda, Djibouti, Pakistan, Kuwait, and Morocco. This leadership change aims to strengthen the DCO’s collaborative efforts in the digital realm.
Crucially, the assembly confirmed that Pakistan will take over the DCO Council Presidency in 2026 and that the next General Assembly will be held there in 2027. This shift signifies a continued commitment to digital cooperation and responsible governance.
Omar Saud Al-Omar remarked on the decisive actions taken during Kuwait’s Presidency, stating, “Under Kuwait’s Presidency, digital cooperation moved decisively from dialogue to delivery.” He noted the tangible digital growth achieved and the strengthened institutional trust among member states.
Deemah AlYahya, in her address, pointed to the defining choices made by DCO member states regarding the future of digital governance. She emphasised collaboration over division, highlighting the ongoing negotiations towards an AI Treaty and the importance of combating online misinformation as integral to responsible innovation.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, partnerships were forged with organisations such as the International Chamber of Commerce and TikTok, signalling a broadening of the DCO’s outreach and collaborative efforts in the digital landscape.
Amid these discussions, AlYahya spotlighted Cyprus’s strategic role within the DCO framework. She announced plans for a DCO event in Cyprus in June 2026, coinciding with the Cypriot presidency of the European Union. This event further emphasises Cyprus’s emerging status as a business and investment hub for EU and Gulf countries.
Approximately 60–62 startups have already benefitted from this positioning, demonstrating the effective facilitation of cross-border activities through DCO initiatives. AlYahya explained the AI-REAL Toolkit, aimed at assisting governments in implementing AI principles effectively, underscoring the DCO’s commitment to responsible AI adoption.
The AI-REAL Toolkit comprises three components designed to assess national AI capabilities, provide tailored recommendations, and offer a playbook for responsible AI integration. This structured support is essential for governments seeking to align with global best practices.
With ambitions set high, DCO member states are poised to make 2026 a year of consolidation and acceleration. The focus on responsible AI, cross-border cooperation, and inclusive skills development will be pivotal in driving sustainable digital growth across the region.
