Pakistan has assumed the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), succeeding Kuwait during the organisation’s fifth General Assembly session, marking a significant milestone in the country’s growing role in global digital policy and cooperation.
As a founding member alongside Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, Pakistan has been actively involved in the DCO since its launch in November 2020. The country previously hosted the Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum in 2025, which brought together global stakeholders to advance collaboration and investment in the digital economy.
Speaking at the session, IT Minister Shaza Fatima reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing inclusive digital transformation and promoting shared prosperity through international collaboration. The current assembly theme, “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI,” reflects growing global focus on managing the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence.
During its presidency, Pakistan is expected to play a stronger role in shaping the organisation’s workstreams, including digital skills development, innovation, data governance, cybersecurity, and AI readiness. The leadership position is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen cross-border cooperation and align digital priorities among member states.
The minister highlighted the need for responsible AI governance, noting that rapid technological advancement brings both opportunities and complex challenges, particularly around cybersecurity, data protection and trust. Pakistan’s recently approved National AI Policy was also referenced as part of its broader efforts to build capacity and support ethical AI adoption.
International stakeholders echoed the importance of coordinated action, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressing the need for collective global governance of AI, while DCO leadership called for inclusive multilateral cooperation to prevent widening digital divides as AI adoption accelerates worldwide.
