DCO and LAS Sign MoU to Boost Digital Economy

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on September 23 in New York, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, to accelerate digital transformation and economic development across the Arab region. The agreement was signed by LAS Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya, marking a significant step toward building an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. The MoU focuses on enhancing cooperation in digital market development, policy alignment, innovation, research, and ethical artificial intelligence (AI). This partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to bridging the digital divide and fostering prosperity through technology.

Context and Background

The DCO, a global multilateral organization dedicated to enabling digital prosperity for all, has been actively working to accelerate inclusive growth of the digital economy. The LAS, as the oldest regional intergovernmental organization, plays a pivotal role in unifying the Arab region’s vision for the digital future. The MoU follows a meeting in Cairo in May 2024, where both entities committed to enhancing cooperation. This agreement builds on that momentum, aiming to exchange experiences and information while accelerating digital transformation and economic development. The collaboration comes at a critical time when the Arab world seeks to keep pace with rapid technological changes and leverage digital tools for sustainable development.

Key Details

Under the MoU, the DCO and LAS will collaborate on several fronts: developing digital markets, aligning policies and legislation concerning the digital economy, and promoting innovation, research, and development. They will also work on policies related to ethical AI, support innovation, and engage in joint research to bridge the digital divide by improving digital infrastructure, governance, skills, and awareness. DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya stated, “Our mission is to elevate cooperation, mutual understanding, and coordination among our member states while fostering collaboration with non-member countries and entities. We aim to ensure that every nation, business, and individual has a fair opportunity to prosper in an inclusive, cross-border, and sustainable digital economy.” She added that the MoU marks a significant step in advancing sustainable social and economic development across DCO member states. LAS Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit remarked, “It is fundamental that the Arab region keeps pace with the rapid technological changes shaping the future of the global economy. This includes investing in digital infrastructure, enhancing technology education and innovation, and ensuring widespread access to digital tools and services.” He emphasized that the agreement underscores a shared commitment to leveraging technology to combat poverty, enhance security, and foster sustainable development.

Implications and Impact

This MoU is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Arab region and beyond. By aligning digital policies and promoting ethical AI, the DCO and LAS aim to create a harmonized digital market that can attract investment and drive economic growth. The focus on bridging the digital divide will help improve digital infrastructure, governance, skills, and awareness, particularly in underserved communities. This collaboration also supports entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), empowering them to thrive in a cross-border digital economy. Furthermore, the partnership sets a precedent for international cooperation in digital transformation, showcasing how regional organizations can work together to address global challenges. For Saudi Arabia, which is a member of both the DCO and LAS, this agreement reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership in advancing digital cooperation and its commitment to Vision 2030 goals.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places digital transformation at the heart of its strategy to diversify the economy and enhance quality of life. The Kingdom has been a key supporter of the DCO, which was founded in November 2020 and is headquartered in Riyadh. This MoU aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives by promoting innovation, supporting SMEs, and fostering sustainable development. Through such partnerships, Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous digital future for the Arab world and beyond, demonstrating its global leadership in driving inclusive and ethical technological advancement.

20 Questions

Q1. What does DCO stand for?

A1. DCO stands for the Digital Cooperation Organization, a global multilateral organization committed to enabling digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy.

Q2. What is the LAS?

A2. The LAS is the League of Arab States, the oldest regional intergovernmental organization that unifies the Arab region’s vision for political, economic, and social development.

Q3. When and where was the MoU signed?

A3. The MoU was signed on September 23, 2024, in New York, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

Q4. Who signed the MoU on behalf of the DCO?

A4. DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya signed the MoU on behalf of the Digital Cooperation Organization.

Q5. Who signed the MoU on behalf of the LAS?

A5. LAS Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit signed the MoU on behalf of the League of Arab States.

Q6. What are the main areas of cooperation under the MoU?

A6. The main areas include digital market development, policy alignment, innovation, research and development, and ethical AI promotion.

Q7. How will the MoU help bridge the digital divide?

A7. It will improve digital infrastructure, governance, skills, and awareness to ensure widespread access to digital tools and services across the Arab region.

Q8. What did Deemah AlYahya say about the MoU?

A8. She said the MoU marks a significant step in advancing sustainable development and empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs to thrive in a cross-border digital economy.

Q9. What did Ahmed Aboul Gheit emphasize?

A9. He emphasized the need for the Arab region to keep pace with technological changes and invest in digital infrastructure, education, and innovation.

Q10. How does this MoU support SMEs?

A10. By fostering collaboration and creating an inclusive digital economy, the MoU aims to empower entrepreneurs and SMEs to grow and thrive.

Q11. What previous event led to this MoU?

A11. A meeting in Cairo in May 2024 between the DCO and LAS, where both entities committed to enhancing cooperation.

Q12. How does this MoU relate to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A12. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting innovation, supporting SMEs, and fostering sustainable development through digital transformation.

Q13. Is Saudi Arabia a member of the DCO?

A13. Yes, Saudi Arabia is a founding member of the DCO, which is headquartered in Riyadh.

Q14. What is the significance of ethical AI in this partnership?

A14. Ethical AI ensures that artificial intelligence is developed and used responsibly, promoting trust and inclusivity in the digital economy.

Q15. How will the MoU impact digital market development?

A15. It will harmonize policies and legislation, creating a more integrated and attractive digital market for investment and growth.

Q16. What role does the LAS play in the digital future?

A16. The LAS unifies the Arab region’s vision for the digital future, facilitating coordination and cooperation among member states.

Q17. What are the expected economic benefits of this MoU?

A17. It aims to accelerate economic development, attract investment, and create opportunities for businesses and individuals in the digital economy.

Q18. How does this MoU address poverty and security?

A18. By leveraging technology for sustainable development, it aims to combat poverty and enhance security across LAS member states.

Q19. What is the DCO’s mission?

A19. The DCO’s mission is to enable digital prosperity for all by accelerating inclusive growth of the digital economy and ensuring fair opportunities.

Q20. What are the next steps after signing this MoU?

A20. The DCO and LAS will implement joint initiatives, exchange knowledge, and work on policies to advance digital transformation and economic development.

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