Technology

Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), delivered a powerful address at the UN's Summit of the Future during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79). AlYahya highlighted the pressing need to address the global digital divide, which she described as "multifaceted," encompassing gaps in digital intelligence, computing capabilities, gender, and skills.

In her speech, following the adoption of the 'Pact for the Future' and the 'Global Digital Compact' by the UN General Assembly, AlYahya warned of the growing divide in AI and computing, noting that while some nations are rapidly advancing in artificial intelligence innovation, others struggle to keep up. "The AI and computing divide represents a significant barrier," she said, emphasizing the urgent need for a global, unified response.

AlYahya also touched on the gender digital divide, which continues to limit women’s access to technology, and the skills gap, which leaves many individuals without the digital competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven economy. "If we do not address these interconnected challenges, we risk leaving entire communities behind," she cautioned.

Praising the Global Digital Compact, AlYahya described it as "an ambitious roadmap for an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, and secure digital future for all." However, she stressed that "the real challenge lies in translating these goals and commitments into action," particularly in the context of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the summit, the DCO launched the Digital Economy Navigator (DEN), a groundbreaking tool designed to provide detailed insights into the digital economy performance of 50 countries. "The DEN is just one of the ways we are turning the principles of the Global Digital Compact into action," AlYahya explained, underscoring the importance of collaboration through "networked multilateralism."

The Digital Economy Navigator evaluates digital economies through three core dimensions—Digital Enablers, Digital Business, and Digital Society—using 102 indicators and data from over 27,000 participants across 50 countries.

In addition to launching the DEN, the DCO signed a strategic agreement with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aimed at enhancing digital cooperation and accelerating global digital transformation efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Furthermore, the DCO entered into a memorandum of understanding with the League of Arab States (LAS) to promote an inclusive and sustainable digital economy and foster digital transformation across the Arab world.

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