- Advertisement -
By Mudassar Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Feb 04 (APP):Pakistan is set to assume the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Council in 2026, marking a significant milestone in its digital journey.
The country officially took over the presidency during the 5th General Assembly of the DCO in Kuwait on February 4-5.
DCO General Assembly started with opening remarks of Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs, Omar Saud Al-Omar, highlighted the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation to keep pace with rapid transformations in the global economy, particularly in AI and advanced technologies.
He welcomed Member States and partners to the 5th General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) in Kuwait, highlighting Kuwait’s commitment to advancing digital integration and capacity development.
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of DCO, marked the occasion as a defining moment for the global digital community, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to ensure digital prosperity for all. She highlighted the theme “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI” and stressed that digital transformation should be comprehensive and transparent, with no country left behind.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to digital cooperation and economic growth during her speech at the DCO General Assembly in Amman, Jordan.
Minister emphasized Pakistan’s leadership in championing the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Initiative, a joint effort with the DCO and the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The minister said that the Pakistan aims to create a digital-first economy, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif leading the National Digital Commission and also a national digital infrastructure to establish digital identities, streamline governance, and foster a secure digital ecosystem.
Shaza said the Pakistan will host the first-ever Digital FDI Summit in Islamabad to attract global investors and explore digital economy opportunities and also focus on enhancing digital literacy, promoting women’s participation in tech, and introducing policies for sustainable digital development.
Pakistan’s presidency coincides with the DCO’s 2025-2028 Four-Year Agenda, aiming to accelerate progress on shared digital priorities. The country’s IT sector has experienced rapid growth, with a 27% annual increase, and has attracted significant investments, she concluded.