Pakistan is set to assume the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Council in 2026, as the multilateral digital bloc prepares to hold its 5th General Assembly in Kuwait on February 4–5. DCO disclosed the development via a statement released on Monday. “The two-day gathering is the DCO’s most significant annual moment, convening the full digital ecosystem, including member state ministers, observers, partners, policymakers, CEOs, innovators, and representatives from over 60 countries to contribute to shaping the global digital agenda,” read the statement. The 5th General Assembly serves as the organisation’s platform for reviewing achievements, shaping strategic direction, and launching initiatives aligned with the 2025–2028 Four-Year Agenda. “The meeting will also include the ceremonial handover of the DCO Council Presidency from the State of Kuwait to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the 2026 term,” it said. DCO is a global body launched by Saudi Arabia in 2020 to foster inclusive digital growth, connect countries to digital opportunities, and promote shared digital prosperity through international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement. Pakistan was one of the initial five countries, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, that launched the DCO in November 2020. The South Asian country was also the first to host the DCO’s Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum in 2025, which attracted global leaders and investment commitments. NUST becomes first Pakistani university to join DCO Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs of the State of Kuwait and Chairperson of the DCO Council, stated: “Hosting the 5th General Assembly of the DCO and the International Digital Cooperation Forum reflects the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and enhancing collective efforts to keep pace with the rapid transformations shaping the global economy, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Through its current chairmanship of the DCO Council, the State of Kuwait welcomes member states, partners, and participating guests, and reaffirms its commitment to supporting a shared agenda focused on advancing digital integration, building advanced digital infrastructure, and strengthening capacity development and knowledge exchange. These efforts aim to enable countries to harness technology as a driver of economic and social development, while promoting balanced and inclusive growth for all.” Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, said: “Hosting the Fifth General Assembly and the Second International Digital Cooperation Forum in the State of Kuwait marks a defining moment for the global digital community and a proud milestone in our collective journey.” More than 100 organisations from various sectors and partner entities are expected to participate, fostering enhanced collaboration and dialogue.