Nigeria, 15 Others Commit to Breaking Digital Barriers for Global Prosperity

Nigeria, alongside 15 other member states of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), has pledged to strengthen cross-border collaboration to drive digital transformation for global peace and shared prosperity.

The commitment was made during the inaugural High-level Dialogue for Digital Cooperation, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

In a joint statement, the countries emphasized the need to dismantle digital barriers and foster inclusive and resilient digital economies. “We must overcome digital fragmentation and strengthen cooperation across borders to drive resilience, prosperity, and peace,” the statement read.

The DCO member states include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Djibouti, The Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Rwanda, and Saudi Arabia. The governments reaffirmed their dedication to digital inclusion, responsible innovation, and building robust digital ecosystems.

They also pledged support for innovative cooperation models such as South-South and Triangular partnerships, describing them as vital pathways for inclusive growth. To track progress, the organisation highlighted the importance of tools like the DCO Digital Economy Navigator and welcomed the expansion of the UN Group of Friends for Digital Cooperation, co-chaired by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Established in 2020, the DCO is the world’s first intergovernmental organisation dedicated solely to advancing inclusive and sustainable digital economies. With observer status at the UN, it represents over 800 million people, more than 70 percent of whom are under 35. The body works with governments, the private sector, and civil society to promote digital inclusion, enable cross-border data flows, empower women and youth, and support entrepreneurship and small businesses.