Pakistan has formally taken over the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), marking a significant step in the country’s growing role in global digital policymaking and technology cooperation.
The handover took place during the DCO’s fifth General Assembly held in Kuwait, attended by senior officials and representatives from 16 member states. Pakistan was represented by Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who assumed the presidency on behalf of the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Khawaja said Pakistan would prioritise strengthening international collaboration in digital cooperation, cybersecurity, digital inclusion and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for collective action to build resilient and inclusive digital economies.
The DCO is an intergovernmental platform focused on enhancing cooperation among member states in areas such as the digital economy, digital infrastructure and data governance. During Pakistan’s tenure, the organisation is expected to place special emphasis on digital education, online safety and inclusive access to technology.
Khawaja said Pakistan’s leadership would work to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach youth, women and communities across all member countries, aligning innovation with economic opportunity and social development.
Analysts say Pakistan’s assumption of the DCO presidency strengthens its visibility in global digital forums and opens new avenues for international cooperation in emerging technologies, positioning the country as an active contributor to shaping the future of the digital economy.
