2023 In Perspective

As we stand at the edge of an eventful year marked by moments of exhilarating highs and heart wrenching lows, I wish to take a moment to take stock of where Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) stands as an organization.

While our targets for the years have been achieved thanks to the relentless and dedicated efforts of our #SuperTeamDCO, guided by DCO Strategic Roadmap 2030, what we are most grateful for is the impact unlocked in our pursuit to foster global digital cooperation and enable #DigitalProsperity4All.

Our goals are clear -

1. Empower businesses of the DCO cross border digital market to thrive in the global digital economy.
2. Leverage the full potential of data across our ecosystem.
3. Foster an inclusive, human centric and sustainable digital economy.

With these goals charted out, our year started with a bang with the launch of the Bridging the Gap report which through 6 global roundtables, extensive literature review, interviews and expert input revealed key barriers preventing individuals and companies from fully tapping into the potential of the digital economy and offered key recommendation to bridge these gaps and create a more inclusive digital economy.

Since then, in pursuit of our goals, we have -

• Supported Champion Member States with our unique DFDI initiative that sets nations for success by attracting lucrative digital foreign direct investment.
• Empowered our Member States Governments on their journey to digital transformation and economic growth through the launch of IMPACT - a digital marketplace for government services.
• Launched reports, white papers, and guides on topics such as - Policy Implications of the Metaverse; Enabling Cross Border Data Flows; Countering Misinformation, ICT Sustainability Toolkit, and, more recently, Start up guides for Member States; each providing invaluable insights and recommendations for the key stakeholders.
• Lead impactful Digital Space Accelerators in Geneva, Riyadh, and Cape Town that brought together SMEs and key stakeholders from around the world to discuss and develop effective solutions for Digital rights, Online content misinformation, Public private partnership, Digital Skills Gap for youth, Women's empowerment in and through ICT, and Tax and financial incentives for ICT sector.

• Developed a comprehensive course for taxation professionals of our Member States to learn the intricacies of international taxation in the digitalized economy.
• Initiated the UN Group of Friends for Digital Cooperation during the 78th United Nations General Assembly 78 (as observers), paving the way for meaningful #DigitalCooperation among nations.
• Spearheaded pioneering research to develop tech policy recommendations for governments.
• Championed various initiatives to empower Member State MSMEs, governments and citizens.

• Successfully conducted two editions of the DCO Diplomatic Connect bringing together the diplomatic and tech ecosystem to equip the diplomatic community with the cutting-edge knowledge and tools they need to enhance international relations and foster global cooperation.

These are fruits of our determination to achieve the vision of a world where every individual, business, and country can reap the opportunities of the digital economy. We go into 2024, more determined than ever, to put out impact-driven work that uplifts the communities that rely on us.

Last but not the least, to my precious #SuperTeamDCO - the ones who are making this impact possible day by day - each email sent, call made, and report written is contributing to changing millions of lives. Not all Superheroes wear capes, some wear DCO ID cards instead. :) YOU are the real heroes, making the impossible possible!

Here's to a new year more joyous, more prosperous, and more inspiring than the one before!

#2023InPerspective #DigitalProsperity4All