By Lydia Kukua Asamoah, GNA Special Correspondent, Kuwait
Kuwait City, Feb. 5, GNA – Member States of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), including Ghana, have called for strengthened multilateral cooperation in the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to advance socio-economic development.
The appeal was made at the ongoing Fifth General Assembly of the DCO in Kuwait, where delegates emphasised the need to prioritise ethical AI, close digital and language gaps, support e-commerce growth, build digital skills, and establish strong safeguards as part of measures to mitigate AI-related risks.
Identified risks associated with AI include cultural marginalisation, reduced social interaction, societal vulnerabilities, intellectual enfeeblement, disinformation, misinformation, and potential loss of control.
The DCO General Assembly and International Digital Cooperation Forum has brought together leaders, innovators, and digital economy stakeholders to share insights, launch initiatives, and shape the global digitalisation agenda.
The two-day forum, taking place in Kuwait City, the Kuwaiti Capital, from February 4-5, 2026, has been described as a major platform guiding digital transformation efforts for the year ahead. It also offers participating countries the opportunity to deepen collaboration, showcase progress, and accelerate collective action.
Dr Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, underscored the urgency of addressing the global digital divide.
She said the organisation, as part of its mandate, provides consultancy on the use of AI tools and supports member countries in developing policies and programmes tailored to their national needs while ensuring inclusiveness.
She commended Kuwait for assuming the 2025 Presidency of the DCO and hosting the fifth edition of the Assembly.
She also announced that Pakistan will take over the Presidency of the Organisation in 2026 and host the next General Assembly.
Mr Omar Alomar, Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Affairs, welcomed delegates and emphasised the need for strengthened government and stakeholder collaboration to bridge digital gaps.
Mr Sami Issa Smeirat, Jordan’s Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and the 2024 DCO President, highlighted the importance of shared solutions that can be adopted and scaled across Member States.
Ms Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister Information Technology and Telecommunications, and the incoming DCO Presidency of Pakistan, commended the forum’s role in promoting inclusive, ethical and responsible digital development.
She expressed optimism that partnerships forged through the DCO will contribute to a shared digital future rooted in strong values, economic welfare and social responsibility.
Countries including Rwanda, Gambia, Morocco, Ghana and Nigeria shared updates on policy frameworks and tools they are implementing to regulate AI in various sectors of their socio-economic development.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
