Listen to the article
In a recent call to action against the growing threat of misinformation, Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya emphasized that collaboration across all sectors of society remains essential to combat false information effectively.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 5th DCO General Assembly held in Kuwait, Al-Yahya highlighted the significance of the organization’s newly formed partnership with Arab News, which became the first media outlet to join forces with the DCO in a pledge to fight misinformation.
“This partnership with Arab News is truly significant, especially at this time. The leadership that Arab News showed in stepping up and partnering with DCO shows the real commitment to combating misinformation and disinformation,” Al-Yahya said during an interview.
The partnership, formalized last Thursday, aims to address what the DCO describes as an escalating threat to societies and economies worldwide. According to the organization, misinformation systematically erodes trust in governments, media platforms, and markets – all critical components of a functioning digital economy. These false narratives can trigger financial volatility, damage reputations, disrupt essential services, and undermine public health initiatives.
“This is becoming a threat to all our societies, economies as well,” Al-Yahya noted. “And it is increasing when it comes to its negative implications, either from a government perspective or also from a private sector perspective.”
The DCO-Arab News collaboration will focus on developing awareness initiatives, appropriate frameworks, and technological solutions to help nations effectively combat the spread of false information in an increasingly digital world.
Al-Yahya’s core message throughout the assembly was clear: “Cooperation is essential. No nation can accelerate their growth, or digital economy growth, without cooperation. We have to work together.”
The annual assembly, held under the chairmanship of Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs Omar Saud Al-Omar, convened representatives from more than 60 countries, including ministers from member states, observers, partners, policymakers, CEOs, and innovators, all working to shape the global digital agenda.
This year’s theme, “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI,” reflected growing concerns about potential disparities in how artificial intelligence benefits will be distributed globally. Al-Yahya highlighted both the tremendous economic potential of AI and the risk of widening digital divides.
“We’re looking at AI right now, and how it’s opening opportunities – $15 trillion, we expect, added to the global GDP because of AI,” she explained. “Now that is an abundance of opportunities for countries to diversify their economy. But then, how many countries can benefit? And this is where 70 percent of that number will go to fewer countries, even less than 10 countries.”
Bridging this gap, according to Al-Yahya, requires collective commitment from member states to share infrastructure, talent, and best practices.
Now marking its fifth year since establishment in 2020, the DCO has evolved rapidly from a regional initiative to an influential global organization. Al-Yahya revealed ongoing discussions with Azerbaijan, China, Lebanon, Iraq, Poland, and Palestine regarding potential membership.
“It really fills me with pride that it was just an initiative five years ago, and now it is a credible organization where countries are flooding to join DCO,” she said. “That’s a sentiment of the great power that the secretariat and its team are driving to serve its member states, and also the commitment of the member states to work together.”
The DCO describes itself as the first global organization of its kind in the region, focused on facilitating social prosperity and digital economic growth through unified efforts among its member nations.
“We do see the outcomes of DCO growing and growing every year. And the speed, agility, is very much appreciated by our member states,” Al-Yahya added.
With the Kuwait assembly now concluded, preparations are underway for the 2027 general assembly, which will be held under the presidency of Pakistan.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
18 Comments
The partnership between the DCO and Arab News is an encouraging development in the fight against misinformation. Strengthening ties between organizations and media outlets will be key to restoring public trust.
Absolutely, this kind of cross-sector collaboration is essential to tackling the complex challenge of misinformation effectively.
Strengthening trust in institutions and markets is crucial to maintaining a healthy digital economy. The DCO’s efforts to tackle misinformation are commendable and much-needed.
I share your view. Misinformation can have far-reaching consequences, so it’s vital that organizations like the DCO take proactive steps to address this issue.
The DCO’s partnership with Arab News is a positive step in the right direction. Addressing the misinformation crisis will require sustained commitment from a diverse range of stakeholders.
Agreed, the challenges posed by misinformation are complex and multi-faceted, so a comprehensive, collaborative approach is critical.
Cooperation across sectors is key to fighting misinformation effectively. The partnership between DCO and Arab News sets a great example of how media outlets can step up and contribute to this crucial effort.
Absolutely, building coalitions and leveraging the reach of major media players will be critical to combating the spread of false information.
Kudos to the DCO for recognizing the growing threat of misinformation and taking concrete action through partnerships with media outlets. This type of collaboration is essential to combat false narratives.
Absolutely, the DCO’s initiative is a positive sign that more organizations are taking the misinformation challenge seriously and working to find solutions.
Misinformation poses a serious threat to economies and societies worldwide. Kudos to the DCO for recognizing this challenge and taking concrete steps to address it through strategic partnerships.
I agree, the erosion of trust in institutions due to misinformation is a worrying trend that needs to be tackled head-on.
Combating misinformation is a critical priority, and the DCO’s efforts to foster cooperation across sectors are commendable. Building coalitions and leveraging media partnerships will be crucial to this endeavor.
I agree, the DCO’s initiative demonstrates a recognition that misinformation is a multifaceted problem that requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder response.
The DCO’s emphasis on cooperation across sectors to combat misinformation is a smart approach. Building coalitions and leveraging the reach of media partners will be crucial to this effort.
I agree, the DCO’s recognition of the need for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder response to misinformation is a step in the right direction.
It’s encouraging to see the DCO prioritizing the fight against misinformation. Collaborative efforts between organizations and media outlets will be key to stemming the tide of false narratives.
Absolutely, this kind of cross-sector coordination is essential to combat the rapidly evolving misinformation landscape.