DCO And GCC Host 4th Diplomatic Connect Event To Explore Tech Diplomacy's Role In Digital Economy

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) jointly hosted the 4th Diplomatic Connect event on December 17 at the GCC headquarters in Riyadh. This gathering brought together ministers, ambassadors, and representatives from DCO Member States to discuss tech diplomacy as a crucial tool for engaging stakeholders in shaping the digital economy's future.

Participants included GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi, DCO Secretary General Deemah AlYahya, and ministerial representatives from the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The event featured a keynote presentation titled "Global Tech Diplomacy Forecast – Key Influences on 2025," delivered by Tech Diplomacy Network Co-founder Martin Rauchbauer. This presentation examined geopolitical influences on tech regulation, innovation priorities, and international relations.

A panel discussion followed the keynote, focusing on tech diplomacy's role in fostering a safe, resilient, and prosperous digital economy. GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi stated: "The DCO Diplomatic Connect is a strategic platform for the GCC to demonstrate its leadership in digital innovation and international collaboration. By showcasing our commitment to advancing the digital economy, the GCC acts as a key player in shaping the future of global economic transformation. This aligns with the region's broader goals of economic growth and diversification."

DCO Secretary General Deemah AlYahya emphasized: "Digital technologies are at the heart of future economic opportunities. The DCO Diplomatic Connect underscores the role of tech diplomacy and the importance of collective action in harnessing the full potential of the digital economy and driving digital transformation. By bringing stakeholders together, we not only strengthen understanding among our Member States and international organizations on the need for tech diplomacy but also advocate for social inclusion within the digital economy, including women’s empowerment and marginalized communities."

The Diplomatic Connect event gathers ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, thought leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in thought-provoking conversations about digital diplomacy. It emphasizes leveraging advanced technologies, digital tools, and data-driven insights to bolster diplomatic efforts and foster international collaboration.

Through this initiative, DCO reaffirms its commitment to bridging digital and diplomatic worlds by facilitating comprehensive discussions, collaborations, and knowledge sharing. The focus is on advancing digital inclusivity, empowering underrepresented communities, and accelerating sustainable growth in a digital economy.

Strategic Alignment for Growth

The fourth edition of Diplomatic Connect was co-hosted by DCO and GCC. It highlights their strategic alignment in leveraging digital technologies for sustainable economic growth while bridging the regional digital divide. Previous editions were hosted at embassies of Oman and Pakistan.

Martin Rauchbauer commented: "Amidst a polycrisis demanding collaborative solutions, new technologies hold the key to addressing our greatest global challenges. The DCO Diplomatic Connect underscores the pivotal role of tech diplomacy in shaping a future where diplomacy and technology are inseparable."

Founded in November 2020, DCO is a global multilateral organization representing 16 Member States with a combined GDP exceeding $3.5 trillion and over 800 million people. Seventy percent of this population is under 35 years old. The organization's mission is to enable digital prosperity for all by unifying efforts to advance digital transformation.

With inputs from SPA