KUWAIT CITY / ISLAMABAD — In a major diplomatic milestone for its tech sector, Pakistan formally assumed the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
The handover took place during the 5th General Assembly in Kuwait, where Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja took over the chair from Kuwait. This leadership role positions Pakistan at the forefront of global digital policy for the 2026–2027 term.
Vision for the 2026 Presidency
Minister Shaza Fatima outlined a proactive agenda focused on bridging the global digital divide. Under Pakistan’s leadership, the DCO will prioritize:
- Inclusive Prosperity: Ensuring the digital revolution benefits youth and women across all member states.
- AI & Cybersecurity: Strengthening joint global efforts to regulate Artificial Intelligence and secure digital infrastructure.
- Data Governance: Promoting shared standards for “data as the new gold” while respecting cross-border regulations.
- Digital Education: Scaling up digital skills development to prepare the 800-million-strong combined market of the DCO for the “Age of AI.”
The DCO: A Digital Powerhouse
Founded in 2020 by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, the DCO has rapidly expanded into a significant multilateral body.
- Membership: Now includes 16 member states, representing a combined GDP of $3.5 trillion and a population where 70% are under the age of 35.
- Member Countries (2026): Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Djibouti, The Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Rwanda, and Saudi Arabia.
- Observer Status: The DCO was granted UN General Assembly observer status in late 2022, cementing its role in international governance.
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Pakistan’s “Hot Hand” in Tech
The presidency follows a string of successes for Pakistan in the digital arena:
- Digital FDI Forum 2025: Last year, Pakistan became the first country to host the DCO’s Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum, securing significant investment commitments.
- National AI Policy: Pakistan’s leadership is bolstered by the approval of its first comprehensive National AI Policy in July 2025.
- Upcoming Hosting: Minister Shaza Fatima announced that Pakistan will host the 6th DCO General Assembly in 2027, a key opportunity to showcase the “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision to international delegates.
Pakistan takes the lead at DCO 2026–27 🇵🇰
Minister for IT & Telecom, Ms.Shaza Fatima Khawaja, receives the presidency—marking a proud step toward an inclusive, ethical digital future focused on AI & emerging tech, under PM Shehbaz Sharif’s vision.#DigitalPakistan @ShazaFK pic.twitter.com/YywMtC0YjB— Muzamil Chaudhary Adv (@ChMuzamilGujjar) February 5, 2026
Strategic Importance
As the Council President, Pakistan will now shape the DCO’s collective workstreams. This role allows Islamabad to:
- Amplify the Global South’s Voice: Advocacy for fair opportunities for developing nations in the $24 trillion global digital economy.
- Attract Investment: Use the platform to pitch Pakistan as a regional hub for IT exports and AI-driven offshoring.
- Collaborative Security: Lead conversations on “frontier threats” that existing international regimes are currently unequipped to handle.
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