DCO Urges Multistakeholder Action to Strengthen Civilian Digital Ecosystems Amid Crisis Risks
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has unveiled a pivotal report titled “Civilian Digital Ecosystems at the Core: Safeguarding During Crisis.” This initiative aims to enhance international digital cooperation and foster the development of trusted, resilient, and people-centered digital ecosystems.
The report highlights the escalating risks that civilian digital ecosystems face during crises. These risks encompass the manipulation of emergency-related information, impersonation of official channels, the dissemination of misleading AI-generated content, and cyber incidents targeting critical digital infrastructure. It proposes a comprehensive framework for coordinated action to bolster the resilience, continuity, and trustworthiness of civilian digital systems and services that millions rely on daily.
The Imperative of Digital Protection
The DCO emphasizes that the protection of civilians is a longstanding obligation under international law, a responsibility that must now extend to the digital domain. As societies increasingly depend on digital systems for critical civilian services, the report serves as a practical reference for governments, international organizations, businesses, academic institutions, digital platforms, and civil society organizations. It calls for immediate and collective action to safeguard civilian digital ecosystems through enhanced international cooperation and multistakeholder coordination.
Key Tracks for Collective Action
The report delineates four essential tracks for collective action:
- Ensuring the Resilience of Civilian Digital Infrastructure
- Protecting and Strengthening Public Trust
- Sharing Emerging Knowledge and Information
- Ensuring Digital Services Continuity and Resilience
These tracks aim to create a robust framework for stakeholders to collaborate effectively in addressing the vulnerabilities of digital ecosystems.
Insights from DCO Leadership
Ms. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, remarked on the report’s significance, stating that crises today transcend physical borders and infiltrate the digital systems crucial for civilian life. She underscored that when these systems falter, the repercussions are immediate and severe. AlYahya articulated that safeguarding civilian digital ecosystems is no longer merely a technical priority; it has evolved into a societal and developmental imperative that cannot be postponed until the next crisis arises.
She further noted that the report provides a practical framework for governments and stakeholders to transition from fragmented responses to coordinated action. Protecting the continuity, integrity, and trustworthiness of these systems is a shared responsibility, and addressing it now will safeguard individuals, economies, and institutions during critical moments.
Call to Action for Stakeholders
The DCO has urged all relevant stakeholders, including governments, to utilize the findings of the report as a foundation for immediate collective action. The organization reaffirms its commitment to support stakeholders through data-driven insights, practical policy guidance, and digital tools and initiatives, including the Digital Economy Navigator (DEN). This initiative is part of the DCO’s expanding multistakeholder ecosystem of Observers and Partners.
For further details and to access the complete report, visit DCO’s official website.
About the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)
Established in 2020, the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is the world’s first standalone international intergovernmental organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. The DCO unites the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology from its 16 Member States, which collectively represent nearly $3.5 trillion in GDP and a market of over 800 million people, with more than 70% of this population under the age of 35.
The DCO collaborates with governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to promote digital inclusion, facilitate cross-border data flows, empower women and youth, and support entrepreneurs and SMEs. It plays a crucial role in coordinating digital policies across borders and holds observer status with the United Nations General Assembly and other global entities.
For additional information, including a complete list of Member States and access to DCO’s digital tools, visit DCO’s website or follow @DCOrg on Twitter and LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact media@DCO.org.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-22 15:36:00 • By the Editorial Desk
