The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) on Wednesday successfully concluded its fourth general assembly in Jordan, with the endorsement of a comprehensive 2025-2028 agenda aimed at advancing digital maturity across its member states.  The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) is a global multilateral organisation committed to enabling digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy.  At the event, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou highlighted Cyprus’ growing role as a strategic digital hub.  Speaking during a panel discussion titled “Digital FDI: The AI Investment Landscape,” Damianou emphasised Cyprus’ geographic position as a vital data superhighway connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa through undersea cables.  “Approximately 95 per cent of global communications pass through this region, making Cyprus a key player in the digital economy,” he stated.  He also underscored Cyprus’ stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting its strong bilateral relations with neighbouring countries and its rapidly growing economy.  “We have the second-highest growth rate among EU member states and have been classified as ‘strong innovators’ in our region on the EU Innovation Scoreboard,” he stated.  “With over 500 startups and scaleups, 3,500 researchers, and 4,000 entrepreneurs, we have built a strong innovation ecosystem that we are committed to expanding,” Damianou added.  Regarding artificial intelligence, he stressed its significance in shaping the digital future, citing Cyprus’ inclusion among the top 35 countries in AI readiness by the IMF.  “Technology is the new champion of foreign direct investment. Our tech sector is the fastest-growing in the economy, contributing 14 per cent to GDP,” he said.  Damianou also highlighted Cyprus’ achievements in digital infrastructure, noting that it was the first in Europe to achieve 100 per cent 5G coverage and is working towards full gigabit connectivity.  “With over 500 startups and scaleups, 3,500 researchers, and 4,000 entrepreneurs, we have built a strong innovation ecosystem that we are committed to expanding,” Damianou added.  Later in the day, Damianouparticipated in a ministerial roundtable discussion focused on digital priorities between Europe and DCO member states, as well as at the institutional level.  During that discussion, which involved representatives from the Council of Europe, Greece, Portugal, Austria,and Morocco, among others, he reiterated key points from his earlier discussion, while also stressing the necessity of internationalcollaboration on AI and technology.  It should be noted that the assembly saw the adoption of 13 key digital economy initiatives underthe Council Declaration and at the inaugural International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF).  Among the newly approved initiatives arethe DCO Entrepreneurship and Innovation Standard of Excellence, the DCO Interoperability Mechanism for Cross-Border Data Flows, the DCO Model Contractual Clauses, the AI Ethics Evaluator, and the AI Readiness Toolkit.  Additional measures include a framework to combat online misinformation, the creation of a Ministerial Committee led by Kuwait, and an e-waste management framework.  The assembly also saw the formal adoption of the DCO Model Startup Act, the DCO Data Privacy Principles, the DCO Principles for Ethical AI, the DCO Intent on Safe Digital Space for Children, and the DCO Intent on Digital Intellectual Property Protection.  On the sidelines of the assembly, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, including agreements with the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (MISK), HP Inc., and the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development. Additionally, the Sultanate of Oman signed an agreement with 500 Global, and a Statement of Intent was signed between the DCO and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).   (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Cyprus Mail