KUWAIT CITY: Pakistan on Thursday formally assumed the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) during a handover ceremony at the body’s 5th General Assembly in Kuwait, attended by senior officials and representatives from 16 member states.

Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister Shiza Fatima Khawaja represented Pakistan at the ceremony, taking over the presidency and reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to digital cooperation, inclusion and shared technological progress.

In a video message posted by the DCO on its official Instagram page, Khawaja thanked the organization’s leadership and accepted the presidency on behalf of Pakistan.

“First of all, I would like to thank the Secretary General, Deemah Al-Yahya, for her continuous leadership of the Digital Cooperation Organization over the past five years,” she said.

“I would also like to humbly accept the presidency of the DCO on behalf of Pakistan. It is an absolute honor, and one that comes with great responsibility, to work collaboratively on our shared digital future,” Khawaja added.

Emphasizing cooperation among member states, she said, “At the DCO, we believe in the power of collaboration, especially in the field of digital cooperation.”

The DCO is a multilateral platform focused on advancing digital infrastructure, data governance and international collaboration. Pakistan’s presidency is expected to prioritize inclusive digital growth, cybersecurity, digital literacy and responsible adoption of emerging technologies.

Officials said Pakistan’s leadership of the organization reflects its expanding role in global digital policy discussions and its push for equitable access to technology across developing and emerging economies.

Azhar Javaid

Pakistan assumes DCO presidency, pledges inclusive digital future