Riyadh, January 28, 2024, The 3rd General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is set to take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain on January 31st, 2024, as announced in a press release from DCO. Chaired by Mohammed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications of Bahrain and DCO Chair of the Council, the assembly aims to deliberate on the organization's plans and initiatives focused on advancing digital prosperity.
The gathering will be attended by ministers and officials representing the 15 DCO Member States, DCO's Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya, high-level delegations from partners and observers, as well as representatives from guest countries and international organizations. The discussions will center on strategic initiatives to foster global digital cooperation, shedding light on the current status of the digital economy and addressing challenges hindering inclusive and sustainable growth in this crucial sector.
Minister Mohammed Al Kaabi expressed the honor of hosting the assembly and emphasized the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to sharing its knowledge and expertise to contribute to global economic growth. As a founding member, Bahrain has actively participated in DCO activities and initiatives, including the Digital Prosperity Awards, encouraging cooperation and innovation among Member States.
Secretary-General AlYahya highlighted the significance of the General Assembly in Manama, stating that digital cooperation is vital for harnessing the benefits of the digital economy. She anticipates the assembly to serve as a strategic platform for governments, the private sector, and civil society to draw a roadmap for the year, addressing challenges and exploring opportunities for digital prosperity.
During the assembly, the DCO Secretary-General will present a detailed overview of the latest developments in the digital economy and critical achievements in 2023. Key topics on the agenda include discussions on market growth and its impact on the digital economy, the strategic value of data in the digital age, achieving a sustainable digital economy to improve the quality of life, and emphasizing the pivotal role of humans in the development process.
The discussions will extend to the DCO's plan for 2024 and new initiatives aligned with its 2030 Strategic Roadmap, aiming to advance global digital cooperation toward an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. Financial and administrative reports from the organization's General Secretariat will also be discussed during the assembly.
The DCO, comprising 15 countries with ministries of communications and information technology, represents a significant economic and demographic force, with a combined GDP exceeding $3.3 trillion and a market encompassing nearly 800 million people, with over 70% under the age of 35. The previous DCO General Assembly took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 5th, 2023.
