DCO Concludes 5th General Assembly with Adoption of the Kuwait Declaration on Responsible AI for Global Digital Prosperity
KUWAIT CITY—The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has successfully concluded its fifth General Assembly, where Member States adopted the Kuwait Declaration on Responsible AI for Global Digital Prosperity. This declaration emphasizes actions aimed at fostering inclusive, trusted, and scalable digital transformation in the AI age.
Overview of the Assembly
Held on February 4–5, 2026, under the presidency of the State of Kuwait, the General Assembly convened ministers and representatives from Member States, along with observers, partners, and guest countries. The primary agenda included reviewing progress against the DCO’s 4-Year Agenda (2025–2028), making joint decisions on multilateral initiatives, and translating shared ambitions regarding AI into actionable outcomes.
Commitment to Digital Transformation
During the assembly, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable digital transformation. The declaration acknowledges AI’s potential to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and public service delivery, while stressing the importance of ethical governance to address risks like inequality, bias, privacy, and security.
The DCO’s mission of enabling Digital Prosperity for All under its 4-Year Agenda was also reinforced. Member States endorsed several frameworks aimed at accelerating trusted digital growth, including the Model Digital Economy Agreement and mechanisms to facilitate trusted cross-border data flows.
Flagship Initiatives and Progress
Significant progress was noted across key flagship initiatives, covering areas such as:
- Digital economy measurement
- Data sovereignty
- Startup regulation
- Digital government solutions
- Investment facilitation
- Ethical AI
- AI readiness
- Women-led MSMEs
- Digital skills
- Online safety
- E-waste cooperation
This underscores a commitment to measurable outcomes and scalable impact.
Leadership Transition and Future Directions
It was announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will assume the presidency of the DCO Council for 2027. The assembly also established an Executive Committee, chaired by Saudi Arabia and including representatives from Ghana, Rwanda, Djibouti, Pakistan, Kuwait, and Morocco.
Member States agreed to continue developing the Digital Economy Navigator, an economic intelligence platform aimed at supporting policy reform, investment prioritization, and cross-border cooperation.
Strengthening Digital Foundations
Actions were endorsed to bolster trusted digital foundations, including:
- Progress on online content integrity
- The launch of the DCO Campaign for Combating Online Misinformation
- Support for startups and investment through initiatives like the STRIDE ecosystem and Digital FDI initiative
- AI readiness and ethical governance tools
- The WE-Elevate initiative
There was a reaffirmation of commitments to skills development, online safety, and sustainability, alongside the next phase of the Skills Universe Initiative.
Global Partnerships and Future Assemblies
The General Assembly confirmed the handover of the DCO Council Presidency from Kuwait to Pakistan for 2026. The next General Assembly is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in 2027.
H.E. Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology of Kuwait, stated: “Under Kuwait’s Presidency, digital cooperation moved decisively from dialogue to delivery.”
Additionally, three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with the International Chamber of Commerce, Edraak – Queen Rania Foundation, and TikTok, along with a Letter of Engagement with Arab News.
Conclusion
Member States resolved to make 2026 a year of consolidation and acceleration, focusing on advancing responsible AI alongside establishing trusted digital foundations, enhancing cross-border digital cooperation, and fostering inclusive skills development for sustainable digital growth.
On the sidelines, the International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF) gathered policymakers, business leaders, and experts to discuss practical cooperation on key issues shaping the digital economy, including AI and emerging technologies.
