Digital Cooperation Organisation Highlights Importance Of Collaboration At Summit Of The Future

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) recently participated in the UN Summit of the Future, which took place before the UN General Assembly High-Level Week on September 22–23, 2024. The DCO focused on promoting multi-stakeholder digital cooperation to enhance prosperity, aligning with its mission to foster inclusive and sustainable growth in the digital economy.

During this summit, UN Member States approved the Global Digital Compact (GDC), aiming for a digital future that is inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, and secure for everyone. This compact is part of the "Pact for the Future" and outlines a framework for governments to collaborate with various sectors like private enterprises, civil society, international organisations, and academic communities to achieve this vision.

The GDC negotiations were led by Co-Facilitators from Sweden and Zambia at the United Nations. After adopting the GDC at the Summit of the Future, DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya addressed the United Nations General Assembly as an Observer for the first time since DCO's inception. AlYahya emphasised multilateral cooperation as essential for an inclusive and sustainable global digital economy.

"Cooperation is a key driver of digital prosperity," stated Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya. "We are delighted to see the Global Digital Compact approved—a pivotal framework that seeks to create a digital future that is inclusive, open, and safe for all. The GDC reflects a real need for inclusive and sustainable growth in the digital economy to foster prosperity."

The DCO remains dedicated to fostering international cooperation within the digital economy and pledges active involvement in implementing the GDC to bridge global digital divides. At its 3rd General Assembly in Bahrain, the DCO Council adopted a Final Council Declaration. This declaration highlighted their commitment to bridging these divides and leveraging digital transformation to meet Sustainable Development Goals.

In this declaration, DCO Member States "particularly emphasize the importance of multilateral cooperation" and "request the Secretary-General to continue to lead global advocacy efforts and leverage the opportunity to shape the future of digital cooperation in the context of finalizing the Global Digital Compact."

Digital Economy Navigator: A Tool for Growth

The newly launched Digital Economy Navigator (DEN) by DCO aims to advance GDC goals by aiding informed decision-making among stakeholders. Announced during "SDG Digital" by Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya, DEN helps countries understand paths to digital economy maturity, identify growth opportunities, benchmark progress, and address gaps.

Amandeep Gill, UNSG's Envoy on Technology commented: "With the establishment of the UN Group of Friends for Digital Cooperation and engagement with its Member States, DCO has played a constructive role in shaping the Global Digital Compact. The Compact is a key milestone and a comprehensive framework for an inclusive and sustainable digital future."

Exploring New Models at Side Event

On the sidelines of this summit, DCO hosted an event titled "Fostering Global Digital Cooperation for Prosperity" at UN Headquarters in New York. Keynote speeches were delivered by Cyprus' Foreign Minister Dr. Constantinos Kombos and ERIA's Special Adviser Prof. Akiko Yamanaka. Two panels facilitated by Amir Dossal from Global Partnerships Forum explored innovative models.

The first panel discussed building global digital cooperation with insights from Pakistan's UN Representative Munir Akram, Saudi Arabia's Eng. Hisham Alsheikh from its Digital Government Authority among others. The second panel explored new models featuring experts like Alaa Abdulaal from DCO and Alexandre Pinho from Microsoft.

This event provided a platform for multiple stakeholders to explore innovative models of digital cooperation while showcasing actionable solutions aimed at achieving digital prosperity globally.

With inputs from SPA