What's Happening?
The Lebanese Republic has officially signed the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Charter, marking a significant step towards becoming a full member state. This signing ceremony took place in Riyadh, where H.E. Dr. Kamal Shehadi, Lebanon’s Minister
of Displaced Persons and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, formally handed the signed charter to DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya. Concurrently, Lebanon and the DCO launched the Lebanon Digital Prosperity Plan (DPP). This plan is designed to translate Lebanon's national digital priorities into actionable initiatives across various sectors, including digital policy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment. The DCO, founded in 2020, is an intergovernmental body focused on fostering an inclusive and sustainable digital economy, currently comprising 16 member states with a combined GDP of nearly USD 3.5 trillion and a market of over 800 million people.
Why It's Important?
This agreement is crucial for Lebanon's economic development, particularly in strengthening its digital economy and connecting it to regional and global opportunities. The Lebanon Digital Prosperity Plan aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, develop national capabilities, support startups and entrepreneurs, and attract strategic investment. This initiative is expected to empower Lebanese talent and drive growth and innovation within the economy and society. For the DCO, Lebanon's accession expands its geographical reach and network, bringing in a country with a resilient technology sector, active universities producing researchers, and a significant diaspora in major global markets. This collaboration will align Lebanon's digital transformation priorities with DCO expertise and international partnerships, fostering measurable outcomes and coordinated digital policies across borders.
What's Next?
Following the signing of the DCO Charter, the Lebanese Republic will proceed with the necessary accession procedures to become a full member state of the Digital Cooperation Organization. The immediate focus will be on the implementation of the Lebanon Digital Prosperity Plan (DPP). This plan outlines specific actions and initiatives in areas such as digital policy, infrastructure and connectivity, artificial intelligence, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment. The DCO and Lebanon will work together to ensure these initiatives translate into practical and measurable outcomes. The DCO Council has also approved the candidatures of eight additional countries, potentially expanding the organization's membership from 16 to 24 countries, which would further broaden the scope of digital cooperation and market reach.
Beyond the Headlines
The signing of the DCO Charter by Lebanon signifies a broader trend of nations recognizing the critical role of digital transformation in national development and international cooperation. This move highlights the increasing importance of intergovernmental organizations like the DCO in facilitating shared digital prosperity and addressing global digital challenges. For Lebanon, this partnership could be a catalyst for economic recovery and diversification, leveraging its existing high internet penetration (approximately 91% in 2024) and a robust ecosystem of around 550 ICT companies. The emphasis on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies within the DPP also underscores a strategic foresight to position Lebanon at the forefront of future technological advancements, fostering a knowledge-based economy and creating new opportunities for its young, tech-savvy population.
