Lebanon signs DCO charter to join organization — Cyprus Mail
In Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon signed the charter of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), launching the process of obtaining full membership. The document was signed by Lebanon’s Minister of Displaced Persons and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Kamal Shehadi. During a ceremony at the organization’s headquarters, the document was handed over to DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya.
The signing granted Lebanon signatory-state status, while final accession to the organization is to take place after the relevant procedures are completed. This was reported by Cyprus Mail.
Digital development plan
Alongside the signing of the charter, Lebanon and the DCO launched the Lebanon Digital Prosperity Plan. It covers digital policy, infrastructure and connectivity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment.
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Kamal Shehadi stated that cooperation with the DCO is expected to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, support startups and entrepreneurs, and attract strategic investment. According to the DCO, internet penetration in Lebanon stood at around 91% in 2024, while approximately 550 information and communications technology companies operated in the country.
Cooperation with Cyprus
Cyprus is already a DCO member and participates in the organization’s work on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The article notes that Lebanon’s accession process could create an additional mechanism for bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Lebanon in digital policy, technology entrepreneurship, skills development, and investment.
The DCO was founded in 2020 as an intergovernmental organization to accelerate the development of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. It currently brings together relevant ministries from 16 countries with a combined GDP of nearly $3.5 trillion and a market of more than 800 million people.
