On May 28, 2025, Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) announced the reappointment of its Secretary-General, Ms. Deemah AlYahya, for a second four-year term. The decision was confirmed during a Special Council Meeting held virtually from Kuwait and was initiated through a formal nomination by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. DCO Council unanimously ratified the proposal, reflecting collective confidence in her leadership as the organization enters a new phase focused on digital resilience and inclusive growth.
Ms. AlYahya’s reappointment aligns with DCO’s 4-Year Agenda, which was unveiled during the organization’s 4th General Assembly in February 2025. The agenda sets out a comprehensive strategy to bolster cooperation among Member States and advance digital maturity that contributes to economic resilience and social prosperity. This long-term vision is rooted in promoting innovation, accelerating digital transformation, and addressing shared challenges like digital divide.
Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs and Chairperson of DCO Council, His Excellency Omar Saud Al-Omar, congratulated Ms. AlYahya, highlighting the Council’s unanimous support as a testament to the exceptional leadership she demonstrated during her first term. He emphasized the organization’s anticipation of deeper impact and expanded initiatives in the coming years under her stewardship.
In her statement following the announcement, Ms. AlYahya expressed gratitude to DCO Council for its trust and to the Government of Saudi Arabia for nominating her for the role. She reiterated her commitment to advancing the digital development of Member States by fostering transparency, adaptability, and impactful results. Acknowledging the achievements of her first term, she cited significant progress in digital inclusion, ethical use of emerging technologies, and expanding the organization’s global presence. She also reaffirmed her focus on closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology and opportunities across all member nations.
Since its inception in November 2020, DCO has introduced strategic tools like Digital Economy Navigator (DEN), designed to assist Member States in evaluating their digital economy progress, identifying development gaps, and unlocking sustainable growth pathways. Under Ms. AlYahya’s guidance, DCO has grown from its original five founding members to a diverse coalition of sixteen Member States. These countries collectively represent a GDP exceeding USD 3.5 trillion and a population of over 800 million, with a significant youth majority under the age of 35.
DCO’s efforts have centered on enabling governments to build inclusive and future-ready digital infrastructure, support innovation-driven economies, and align with global Sustainable Development Goals. The continuity in leadership brought by Ms. AlYahya’s second term is viewed by Member States as essential for driving results, fostering international collaboration, and maintaining policy momentum.
Among those who acknowledged the development was Shaza Khawaja, who extended congratulations to Ms. AlYahya and recognized her achievements in digital inclusion, innovation, and regional cooperation. She praised the unanimous vote as a sign of deep trust in Ms. AlYahya’s vision and applauded the ongoing progress under her leadership. Khawaja reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for DCO’s goals and expressed optimism for future collaboration.
Ms. AlYahya’s second term signals a continued commitment to impactful leadership and a shared digital future rooted in resilience, inclusion, and innovation among DCO Member States.
