Kuwait to Host DCO General Assembly 2026 Focusing on AI Prosperity
The upcoming DCO General Assembly 2026 is set to convene in Kuwait City from February 4–5 to shape the global digital agenda for the coming years. This fifth annual gathering, presided over by the State of Kuwait, will bring together ministers, policymakers, and CEOs from over 60 countries to address the rapid evolution of the global digital economy.
The Context: A Strategic Digital Shift
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), founded in 2020, represents 16 Member States with a combined GDP of nearly $3.5 trillion. As the world’s first intergovernmental organization dedicated to an inclusive digital economy, its mission aligns closely with regional initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a global investment powerhouse and a hub connecting three continents.
By focusing on a young demographic—where over 70% of the DCO’s 800 million people are under the age of 35—the organization acts as a catalyst for the “vibrant society” goals seen in Saudi strategic planning.
Why This Matters: Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI
Under the theme “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI,” the assembly will address how artificial intelligence can be utilized as a driver for social and economic development without leaving any nation behind. The event will feature the second International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF), a high-level platform for discussing:
- Digital Trade: Enhancing cross-border flows of goods and services.
- Skills Mobility: Ensuring talent can thrive in a globalized tech market.
- Ethics & Safety: Developing frameworks for responsible AI deployment.
H.E. Omar Saud Al-Omar, Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs, noted that the event emphasizes multilateral cooperation to keep pace with transformations in advanced technologies.
Future Outlook: Handover to Pakistan
A significant administrative highlight of the assembly will be the ceremonial handover of the DCO Council Presidency. After the 2025 term led by Kuwait, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will assume the presidency for 2026.
Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya emphasized that digital prosperity must be accessible to all, reinforcing the DCO’s commitment to supporting SMEs and female entrepreneurs across its member states.
