The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is a global intergovernmental organisation established in November 2020, dedicated to enabling digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive and sustainable growth of the digital economy. Headquartered in Riyadh and comprising 16 member states, DCO seeks to unite governments, industry, and civil society around a shared agenda of digital innovation, empowerment, and cooperation.
DCO’s core vision is predicated on the belief that every country, business, and person should have a fair opportunity to prosper in the digital economy. Its activities span policy‑making, standard‑setting, capacity building, and ecosystem acceleration. Flagship initiatives include ethical AI frameworks, national digital maturity benchmarking, and programmes to foster digital entrepreneurship and cross‑border data flows.
A prominent pillar of DCO’s work is advancing digital inclusion—targeting youth, women, and underserved communities. The organisation promotes startup ecosystems, supports digital‑skills development, and drives region‑wide collaborations across its member states—which include countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. DCO also facilitates multilateral partnerships, issuing frameworks like the Model Startup Act, data‑privacy principles, and e‑waste management standards that help align national policies and stimulate innovation.
In practice, DCO convenes annual General Assemblies, hosts forums such as the International Digital Cooperation Forum, and signs memorandums of understanding with technology firms, academic institutions, and other global bodies to scale its impact.
In summary, the Digital Cooperation Organization is a forward‑looking platform that connects governments, the private sector, and civil society to chart the digital economy’s next frontier. By combining policy innovation, ecosystem-building, and international collaboration, DCO helps create a more inclusive, resilient, and dynamic digital future for its members and partners worldwide.
