DCO Champions Inclusive Tech Diplomacy and Ethical AI Governance

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) played a central role at the 2025 ITU Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) in Riyadh, delivering a high-impact program on international collaboration in tech diplomacy, with a focus on gender inclusion in ICT and ethical AI governance.

In partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), DCO convened policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to address the challenges of the digital era. Activities, including high-level panels and a comprehensive training course on ethical AI governance, reflect the organization’s role as a global thought leader in advancing inclusive and ethical digital economies.

The DCO hosted a training course on AI Ethics and Responsible Governance, a web-based training designed to strengthen global understanding of the rapidly evolving AI governance landscape. Participants explored the intersection of AI and human rights, applied the DCO Principles of Ethical AI to real-world challenges, and gained hands-on experience with DCO’s AI Ethics Evaluator tool through lectures and case studies.

Those who completed the course were awarded an official certification in AI Ethics and Responsible Governance from the DCO, a recognition from a leading multilateral international organization, joining a global community of practitioners empowered to advance responsible and inclusive AI adoption.

Commenting on the success of the DCO’s participation, Director General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui, emphasized, “Progress always comes with challenges — from varying levels of digital readiness to the rapid pace of technological change — but the opportunities before us are far greater. Global platforms give governments the space to share experiences and test solutions, proving that cooperation is not only possible, it is already underway.

At its heart, tech diplomacy is about building trust, bridging differences, and creating a shared language for the digital age. This is precisely where the Digital Cooperation Organization plays a leading role, which is why we were proud to co-host this panel on tech diplomacy. By bringing together regulators, innovators, and industry leaders, the session demonstrated how dialogue can translate into real-world frameworks that support inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital growth.

The DCO has emerged as the world’s foremost platform for tech diplomacy, uniting its Member States around a common vision of digital prosperity. By fostering dialogue, aligning policies, and enabling collaboration, the DCO ensures that every country — regardless of its size or stage of development — has a voice in shaping the digital future and a seat at the global table.”

“Artificial Intelligence brings immense promise, but without clear principles and responsible governance, it also carries significant risks. That is why the DCO made this training course on AI Ethics and Responsible Governance a priority. By equipping policymakers, regulators, and practitioners with practical tools such as the DCO AI Ethics

Evaluator, we are ensuring that technology serves people, protects human rights, and drives inclusive growth. With this course, we are building not just skills, but a global community committed to advancing AI in a way that is ethical, accountable, and beneficial for all.” Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui added.

A key highlight of the event was the “Tech Diplomacy in Action” panel, powered by the DCO. The session was represented by Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui, Director General of the DCO, alongside global leaders, including H.E. Ahmad Farooq, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Fatima El Sheikh, the Secretary General of BADEA, Prof. Dr. Corneliu Bjola from Oxford University, and Mr. Bocar Ba, the CEO of SAMENA Telecommunications Council, to examine pressing challenges in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

The dialogue underscored the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in building trust between regulators and innovators, laying the groundwork for governance models that promote secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital development.

At ITU GSR 2025, the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) solidified its role as a global leader in technology diplomacy and digital policy, while championing inclusive digital growth and demonstrating actionable frameworks for the ethical deployment of AI.