Riyadh: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), the world's first standalone international organization dedicated to the growth of the digital economy, has announced the approval of eight new countries as candidate member states. The expansion could increase DCO's membership from 16 to 24 countries, encompassing around 980 million people.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Republic of Albania, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kenya, the Lebanese Republic, the State of Palestine, the Syrian Arab Republic, and the Republic of Zambia will join the organization upon completing formal accession procedures. These procedures include signing the DCO Charter and its adoption and ratification within each country.
Additionally, the Republic of Tajikistan will be welcomed as an associate member, providing new opportunities for digital cooperation, public-private partnerships, and initiatives focused on digital innovation and inclusion, aligning with Tajikistan's National Development Strategy through 2030.
Secretary-General of the DCO, Deemah AlYahya, remarked on the organization's evolution since its inception by five countries in 2020. She highlighted the practical reasons for countries joining, emphasizing the importance of shaping digital economy rules rather than merely inheriting them.
AlYahya pointed out that the expansion represents a significant step towards digital sovereignty, allowing member countries to collaboratively set terms for the digital economy. She noted that the organization's growth to 24 countries would transform alignment into infrastructure, investment, and rules that shape the collective future.
The expansion underscores increasing global confidence in DCO's vision, reinforcing its role as a leading platform for international digital cooperation. The new memberships would mean that approximately 12% of the global population actively participates in shaping the digital economy's rules through the DCO.
This development also signifies a geographic broadening of the DCO's presence, extending into Central Asia and other strategic regions for the first time. The organization's reach now includes the Caucasus and Western Balkans, regions with rapidly evolving digital economies.
As the DCO continues its strategic agenda for 2025-2028, focusing on digital policy, public infrastructure, AI governance, and other key areas, it remains committed to transforming digital ambitions into tangible outcomes. This will be achieved through stronger partnerships among governments, the private sector, international organizations, academia, and civil society.