DCO and UN ESCWA Sign MoU
Agencies leading regional technology cooperation have agreed to prioritize digital economy development across Arab countries through policy alignment and institutional support. The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New York on September 24, 2026. This formal agreement establishes joint action between the two entities following initial strategic discussions held in June 2026.
The initiative connects regional policy frameworks with national execution to accelerate digital transformation programs. Furthermore, the partnership combines ESCWA analytical resources and the Arab Digital Agenda with DCO diagnostic tools, member state networks, and private sector financing partners.
Primary Workstreams for Digital Economy Development
Cooperation between the organizations centers on two distinct tracks. The first track focuses on digital economy development through institutional capacity building, policy implementation, and investment readiness. Meanwhile, the second track addresses responsible artificial intelligence readiness by pairing diagnostics with peer learning and policy advisory mechanisms.
Leadership Perspectives on Joint Implementation
Officials emphasized the operational nature of the agreement, confirming that an active calendar of initiatives for 2027 will be finalized before the end of the year.
“A signature is a beginning, not an achievement. This memorandum does not stand alone. It comes with a joint action plan setting out where we will work together over the coming years, and our intention is to agree a concrete calendar of activities for 2027 before the end of this year.”
Rania Al-Mashat, UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCWA Executive Secretary
DCO leadership noted that regional innovators require active representation in international governance forums governing data and technology systems.
“ESCWA member countries are building some of the most ambitious digital economies in the world, and their talent and innovation deserve a stronger voice in how the rules for data and AI are written. By pairing ESCWA regional depth with DCO tools for turning strategy into delivery, we will support governments in moving faster on investment, skills and responsible AI.”
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization
Global AI Governance and Representation
The partnership aligns with upcoming international technology discussions. Specifically, both entities will prepare member states for the Global Digital Compact review at the 82nd United Nations General Assembly and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in New York scheduled for May 2027. Consequently, developing markets will gain unified platforms to contribute evidence and policy perspectives to global debates on cybersecurity and data rules.
Expanding Regional Membership Reach
The reach of the initiative expands as DCO membership grows across the region. In addition to eight existing Arab member states, the accession process includes Lebanon, the State of Palestine, and the Syrian Arab Republic. Founded in 2020, DCO represents 16 member states with a combined GDP of nearly 3.5 trillion dollars and a population exceeding 800 million people, providing a broad footprint to support digital skills development.
