Jeddah: GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi stated that the GCC General Secretariat places great importance on its relationship with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO).
According to Saudi Press Agency, this relationship is crucial as part of the efforts to solidify cooperation and partnership with active organizations in telecommunications and digital transformation. These efforts were highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the GCC General Secretariat and the DCO in 2021, establishing a framework for exchanging expertise and enhancing cooperation in developing the digital economy.
The statement was made during a speech in the State of Kuwait at the meeting of the Ministerial Committee for Post and Telecommunications and the Ministerial Committee for Digital Government. The meeting included participation from the DCO and was chaired by Kuwaiti Minister Omar Saud Al Omar.
Albudaiwi emphasized that this cooperation has led to significant achievements, including the preparation and exchange of regulatory frameworks and guidelines for the telecommunications and IT sector. Additionally, technical and legal consultations have contributed to developing a legislative environment that promotes innovation and digital transformation.
In December 2024, the GCC General Secretariat hosted the 4th Diplomatic Connect event of the DCO, attended by ministers and ambassadors from GCC and DCO member states, as well as more than 120 leaders in the global digital economy. This event served as a platform for sharing visions and expertise on international digital cooperation.
Furthermore, nine roundtable sessions for the Digital Space Accelerators were conducted in 2023 and 2024, involving experts and policymakers from GCC countries. These sessions focused on studying challenges and proposing solutions to enable a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.
Albudaiwi also noted that in August 2025, the GCC hosted a joint dialogue session with the DCO to discuss the outcomes of the roundtable sessions, with participation from over 80 participants from GCC countries and regional organizations. In August of this year, the General Secretariats of the GCC and DCO implemented an executive program for cooperation, aiming to enhance expertise and develop tools and reports to strengthen the digital economy of member states.