Riyadh, December 8, 2024 – In a recent lecture at the Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), delved into the profound impact that digital technologies have on contemporary diplomacy and global policy strategies. The lecture, titled "Digital Transformation and Contemporary Diplomacy," brought together heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Saudi Arabia, underscoring the growing significance of digital tools in shaping international relations.
AlYahya emphasized that digital technologies are no longer merely tools for communication or enhancing efficiency; they have become central drivers that shape the strategic decisions of nations on the global stage. These technologies, she argued, are pivotal in strengthening digital resilience and ensuring self-sufficiency, both of which are essential to safeguarding digital sovereignty and enabling nations to independently shape their futures within the global digital economy.
During her lecture, AlYahya elaborated on the complementary relationship between technology and diplomacy, noting that while technology can catalyze cooperation, innovation, and economic growth, it also introduces new challenges. These challenges include the potential for digital tools to exacerbate conflicts, threaten security, and disrupt peace. She pointed out that digital sovereignty, a cornerstone of modern diplomacy, relies heavily on the resilience of a nation's digital economy, its self-reliance in digital infrastructure, and the ability to protect and control its data and technologies. Such sovereignty enables nations to make independent decisions, free from external influence, while bolstering national security, driving innovation, and adapting to global changes.
AlYahya also highlighted the rising threats in the digital world, including cyberattacks, misinformation, and unexpected disruptions. These threats, she warned, present significant risks to regional and international security. To counter these challenges, she proposed several strategies, including enhanced international digital cooperation, the creation of robust legal and regulatory frameworks, and the encouragement of local technological innovations to build digital resilience and reinforce digital sovereignty.
The Secretary-General also took the opportunity to showcase Saudi Arabia as a leading example of leveraging technology to transform its economy and strengthen its global leadership. Through initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and other ambitious projects, the Kingdom has made significant strides in integrating data and artificial intelligence to drive economic growth and global influence. AlYahya praised Saudi Arabia's forward-thinking strategies in data management and AI as critical components of its digital transformation efforts.
Drawing on various international case studies, AlYahya acknowledged the darker side of the digital age, where cyberattacks and other malicious activities threaten digital ecosystems. She stressed the need for nations to adopt innovative, collaborative solutions and to recognize that building a secure digital environment is a shared responsibility. Coordinated strategies at the international level, she argued, are essential to mitigate risks while harnessing the opportunities presented by the digital economy.
In closing, AlYahya called for the adoption of international treaties and charters that foster cooperation, enhance digital resilience, and protect nations' digital sovereignty. She emphasized the critical role of diplomacy in advancing global digital cooperation and maintaining security, ensuring that nations can capitalize on the benefits of the digital economy while safeguarding against its risks.
The Digital Cooperation Organization, founded in November 2020, serves as a multilateral platform to promote digital prosperity for all. With 16 member states representing over $3.5 trillion in GDP and a population of more than 800 million—70% of whom are under the age of 35—the DCO seeks to unite efforts in advancing digital transformation, enhancing digital resilience, and addressing shared challenges in the digital realm.
