The fourth General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) will take place on 19 February 2025 to address several important issues related to strengthening digital cooperation among the 16 member states that make up the DCO, accelerating the growth of the digital economy, supporting technological innovation, and exploring ways to overcome challenges hindering inclusive and sustainable growth in the digital world.
Chaired by His Excellency Eng. Sami Smeirat, Jordan’s Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and the chairperson of the DCO council, the annual General Assembly will be hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center in the Dead Sea and attended by ministers and officials representing the member states.
Participation will include high-level delegates from member states, guest countries, international organisations, observers, and digital economy experts. With the assembly showcasing a variety of panels, The Fintech Times‘ Richie Santosdiaz will be in attendance, moderating a discussion on ‘Financing for Digital Development in an Era of AI’.
In addition to the General Assembly
The General Assembly will also include the inaugural edition of the International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF), an annual gathering of global leaders, innovators, policymakers, and changemakers to accelerate digital economy growth.
Taking place alongside the General Assembly, it will foster collaboration through dynamic engagement, high-impact discussions and initiatives. The forum will serve as a catalyst for actionable strategies that drive inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
Building up to the event
In preparation for this occasion, Smeirat stated: “We look forward to welcoming delegations from member states, representatives of international organisations, and experts in technology and the digital economy. This Assembly will be an important platform to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in the digital field, accelerate economic growth, and support innovation, serving the achievement of sustainable development goals.”
About Jordan’s aspirations in the Assembly, Minister Smeirat added: “The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s hosting of the DCO General Assembly reflects its leadership’s belief that the digital economy is the future, and affirms the country’s leading role in technology and the digital economy in the region and its commitment to enhancing international cooperation to enable the development of the digital economy.”
Deemah AlYahya, secretary-general of the DCO, emphasised the importance of the upcoming General Assembly meeting, saying: “The DCO recognises the pivotal role of multilateral cooperation in working towards the achievement of the Organization’s mission for a prosperous digital future for all.
“The DCO General Assembly is an ideal multistakeholder platform for multilateral dialogue to draw a clear roadmap for the coming year, identifying mechanisms to address challenges stemming from the rapidly developing technologies, particularly in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Without proactive efforts, AI risks deepening the global digital divide instead of advancing sustainable development goals.”
AlYahya expressed her anticipation to meet with all delegations at the Dead Sea to review the organization’s achievements in 2024 and discuss upcoming initiatives for 2025, which will advance the organization towards achieving the goals of its 2030 Strategic Roadmap. “I look forward to a fruitful General Assembly that contributes to strengthening international cooperation and helps shape an inclusive and sustainable global digital economy,” she added.
Digital Prosperity Awards
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, the DCO will hold the Digital Prosperity Awards ceremony, an initiative recognising outstanding digital contributions that drive growth, prosperity, and sustainable development. “The Assembly will also be a valuable opportunity to accelerate innovation in our Member States by celebrating and showcasing innovative entrepreneurs and highlighting valuable digital investment opportunities in promising start-ups,” AlYahya explained.
