In a remarkable display of digital prowess, Pakistan has secured the prestigious presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) for 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward global digital leadership. This achievement, celebrated at the DCO 4th General Assembly, underscores Pakistan’s growing influence in the digital sphere and its commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive economy.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja Champions Digital Transformation
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, represented Pakistan with great pride at the DCO 4th General Assembly. During her address, she emphasized Pakistan’s strategic vision for the digital future and its collaboration with the DCO and the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Initiative. This initiative is set to bolster Pakistan’s efforts in attracting international investment in its burgeoning digital economy.
Major Wins for Pakistan at the DCO Assembly
Several key accomplishments at the DCO Assembly marked Pakistan’s growing role in global digital cooperation:
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Hosting the Digital Future Development Initiative (DFDI): Pakistan has been selected to host the inaugural DFDI, a groundbreaking event that will connect local businesses with international investors. The initiative aims to create an ecosystem for digital growth, where global partners can collaborate on advancing digital innovation in Pakistan.
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Elected as DCO Council President for 2026: One of the most significant achievements of the assembly was Pakistan’s election as the president of the DCO Council for 2026. This prestigious position will give Pakistan the opportunity to lead global digital efforts and shape strategies that will promote digital development across member states.
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Appointed to the 2025 Executive Committee: In addition to the presidency, Pakistan has been appointed to the DCO Executive Committee for 2025. This strategic role enables Pakistan to actively participate in shaping the organization’s policies and initiatives, further solidifying its influence on the global digital stage.
Digital FDI Summit: A Landmark Event
As part of its digital transformation agenda, Pakistan is preparing to host the highly anticipated Digital FDI Summit in Islamabad on April 29-30, 2025. This summit will bring together global investors, technology leaders, and policymakers to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital economy. The event will serve as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and the sharing of best practices, marking a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s digital journey.
Pakistan’s Digital Transformation Agenda
Pakistan’s digital transformation is driven by several forward-thinking initiatives aimed at digitizing its economy, governance, and society. Among these initiatives, the Digital Nation Pakistan Act stands out as a comprehensive framework designed to create a digitally inclusive environment. This Act seeks to modernize the country’s digital infrastructure, promote innovation, and enhance digital governance, thereby setting the stage for a future-ready economy.
Additionally, Pakistan has been a key player in the Digital FDI Initiative, which was launched in 2022 by the WEF and DCO. The initiative seeks to facilitate cross-border investments in the digital economy, with Pakistan being the first country to implement it. The initiative focuses on four core pillars: digital infrastructure, digital adoption, new digital activities, and digital services exports—each targeting critical areas of growth that are essential for attracting sustained foreign investment.
Conclusion: A Digital Nation on the Rise
Pakistan’s achievements at the DCO General Assembly, including its election as Council President and its role in hosting major digital initiatives, highlight the country’s strategic vision to become a global leader in the digital economy. The upcoming Digital FDI Summit in April 2025 will serve as a critical milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey, offering a platform for innovation, investment, and international collaboration.
As Pakistan continues to prioritize digital transformation, its commitment to creating a robust, inclusive, and future-ready digital economy is evident. The country’s progress in securing global leadership positions in the digital space, coupled with strategic initiatives like the Digital Nation Pakistan Act and the Digital FDI Initiative, ensures that Pakistan is well-positioned to lead the way in the global digital revolution.
