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Collaboration for bridging the digital divide stressed

Sunrise Today International 2023-Feb-08

News Desk

RIYADH: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), an international body to promote digital prosperity for all, has successfully concluded its second general assembly on Tuesday with a declaration calling for open collaboration among nations to bridge the digital divide.

The general assembly brought together delegations from the DCO member states, partners and other stakeholders. The assembly was also attended by Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Minister of State for Information and Communication Technology, People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Mohammed Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, State of Qatar.

Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, said: “There is an urgent need to modernize and harmonize digital policies and regulations, support MSMEs, take advantage of the cross-border nature of digital economy and reduce barriers to access new markets, grow and create new opportunities.”

“Presently, around 36% of the world’s population, or approximately 2.7 billion people, do not have access to internet and this substantial divide separates those with the means and abilities to participate in digital economy from those without, therefore, we must take collective action to unleash the full potential of digital age by equipping everyone with digital skills they need,” she added.

The one-day general assembly included several strategic announcements about the expansion of the DCO and aligning the organization to accelerate its mission in the future. On the occasion, two new member states, the Republic of The Gambia and the Republic of Ghana were welcomed to the DCO as it continues its expansion into Africa to empower nations by developing their digital economies.

The DCO agreed to launch the DCO 2030 Roadmap to promote common interests and advocate for advanced cooperation on all aspects of digital economy at local, regional and global level between countries and different stakeholders of digital world including the private sector.