Doha, Qatar – The need for strengthened international collaboration to foster digital development and ensure equitable access to the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) was a central theme at the 2025 Global AI Summit, according to the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). As global economies become increasingly intertwined, traditional approaches to multilateralism are proving insufficient to address the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements. The DCO is advocating for new models of cooperation to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive growth.
Deemah AlYahya emphasized this point during a panel discussion in Doha, noting that fragmented digital policies hinder progress. She stated that enhancing a nation’s digital competitiveness requires a multifaceted approach, including strategic investments, improved infrastructure, harmonized regulations, and a skilled workforce. This call for cooperation comes as countries worldwide grapple with the implications of AI and seek to maximize its potential while mitigating risks.
The Evolving Landscape of Digital Cooperation
AlYahya clarified that pursuing digital development doesn’t necessitate sacrificing national sovereignty. Instead, she argued that collaborative efforts can actually bolster a country’s ability to safeguard its interests in the digital realm. This perspective is crucial as concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and geopolitical influence in the digital space continue to grow.
The DCO, representing 16 member states and a collective population of 800 million – with 70% under the age of 30 – is actively pioneering innovative cooperation frameworks. These include public-private partnerships and the sharing of intellectual property, designed to enable countries with limited resources to access cutting-edge technologies without incurring substantial financial burdens. This approach aims to level the playing field and prevent further widening of the digital gap.
Focus on Inclusive Growth
A key component of the DCO’s strategy is ensuring that the benefits of digital development are shared broadly. AlYahya highlighted the importance of actively involving youth, women, and local communities in the formulation of digital policies. This inclusive approach is seen as essential for creating sustainable and equitable digital ecosystems.
The organization’s We-Elevate initiative, for example, has provided support to 127 women-led projects in Rwanda over the past 18 months. According to the DCO, this has resulted in the creation of 800 jobs and contributed approximately $40 million to Rwanda’s GDP. Such initiatives demonstrate the tangible economic benefits of empowering underrepresented groups in the digital economy.
Addressing Digital Security Concerns
Recognizing the increasing threats to digital infrastructure, the DCO recently adopted a four-year strategy focused on enhancing the resilience of its member states. This strategy aims to ensure continued economic and social progress in the face of escalating geopolitical, environmental, and economic risks. The need for robust digital security measures has been underscored by recent global events.
AlYahya cited several incidents, including disruptions to submarine cables in the Baltic and Red Seas, widespread power outages in Europe, and technical failures that grounded airport operations, as evidence of the vulnerabilities inherent in interconnected digital systems. These events highlight the urgent need for secure infrastructure and proactive policies to mitigate potential disruptions. The concept of cyber resilience is becoming increasingly important for national security and economic stability.
The DCO’s work also aligns with broader international efforts to promote responsible AI development and governance. Discussions around digital cooperation at the United Nations, for instance, emphasize the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to address the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. Furthermore, the growing focus on digital transformation across various sectors is driving demand for skilled workers and innovative solutions.
AlYahya concluded that achieving a truly inclusive and thriving digital economy requires a shift from simply collecting data and formulating recommendations to implementing concrete actions and rigorously measuring their impact. This focus on tangible results is crucial for ensuring that digital transformation benefits all nations fairly and efficiently.
Looking ahead, the DCO plans to expand its membership and deepen its collaboration with other international organizations. The success of these efforts will depend on continued political will and a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and secure digital future. The organization is expected to release a progress report on its four-year digital security strategy in the first quarter of 2025, which will provide further insights into its priorities and achievements.
