Pakistan is set to assume the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Council in 2026, which would position the South Asian nation at the centre of global efforts to advance digital transformation amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
The ceremonial handover of the presidency from the State of Kuwait to Pakistan is to take place during the DCO’s 5th General Assembly, scheduled for February 4–5 in Kuwait.
“The DCO General Assembly is the organisation’s most significant annual convening, bringing together ministers, policymakers, CEOs, innovators, and international organisations from more than 60 countries to address the future of the global digital economy,” Hajar El Haddaoui, Director General of the DCO, said in an exclusive interview to media.
DCO is a global body launched by Saudi Arabia in 2020 to foster inclusive digital growth, connect countries to digital opportunities, and promote shared digital prosperity through international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement.
“This provides an important opportunity for Pakistan to contribute more directly to the global digital cooperation agenda while advancing its own national priorities”
Pakistan was one of the first five countries, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, that launched the DCO in November 2020. It was also the first to host the DCO’s Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum in 2025, which attracted global leaders and investment commitments.
Held under the presidency of the State of Kuwait, the upcoming event will focus on advancing digital cooperation at a time of rapid technological change.
“This provides an important opportunity for Pakistan to contribute more directly to the global digital cooperation agenda while advancing its own national priorities,” Hajar said.
In recent years, Pakistan has taken a number of initiatives to foster its digital growth. In 2018, the then government launched the Digital Pakistan Policy, aiming to incentivize the IT sector, improve governance and nurture entrepreneurship.
Last year, the government approved the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025, aimed at aligning the country with global technological advancements, fostering an AI-driven ecosystem, and generating employment opportunities.
However, despite the measures, much needs to be done to drive the country towards a digital future.
Assuming the presidency will provide Pakistan an opportunity to “elevate its voice on topics like digital skills, innovation and inclusive growth, and strengthen international partnerships that support local technology ecosystems,” says Hajar.
“This leadership role can help unlock new opportunities for collaboration, attract investment in digital infrastructure, and build deeper engagement between Pakistan’s policymakers and global stakeholders through sustained cooperation and dialogue, supporting domestic transformation goals,” Hajar said.
READ MORE: Pakistan to assume DCO Council’s presidency in February 2026
Pakistan’s presidency also coincides with the rollout of the DCO’s 2025–2028 Four-Year Agenda, which seeks to accelerate progress on shared digital priorities identified by its member states.
The agenda focuses “on strengthening regulatory alignment, boosting digital skills and talent mobility, expanding public-private cooperation, and enhancing frameworks for responsible technology governance, particularly in relation to AI and emerging technologies,” said the DCO official.
It also seeks to promote interoperability and cross-border data flows, support digital SMEs and startups, and encourage investments that drive inclusive growth in line with national development priorities.
“Together, these strategic directions are intended to give countries practical tools and frameworks grounded in shared evidence and peer learning that help their citizens, businesses and governments thrive within a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, the 2nd International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF), which will be held alongside the General Assembly, will provide a high-level platform for dialogue among ministers, CEOs, innovators, civil society and technical experts.
The IDCF’s theme, “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI,” reflects a “shared belief among DCO Member States that the benefits of digital transformation and AI should be available to everyone, not just a few countries, companies or communities”.
Experts note that by taking on a leadership role within the organization, Pakistan is expected to leverage shared evidence, peer learning and DCO-led tools to advance its own digital transformation goals while contributing to a more inclusive global digital agenda.
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