Tech Diplomacy for a Digital Future
Venetia van Kuffeler gains exclusive insight into the Digital Cooperation Organisation's vision from its Secretary General Deemah AlYahya
In an era where technological advancement is reshaping every facet of our societies, diplomacy must evolve with equal urgency. The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), a unique intergovernmental body, is leading this charge – bridging diplomacy and technology to ensure that digital transformation is inclusive, sustainable, and globally coordinated.
Representing 16 member states across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe – home to over 800 million people, 70 per cent of whom are under 30 – the DCO is working to close the digital divide and build future-ready digital economies. With its Secretary General Deemah AlYahya recently re-elected for a second term, the organisation is entering a new phase of strategic growth, global partnerships, and tech-led diplomacy.
With its permanent headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the DCO’s governing Council is composed of Ministers of Communications and Information Technology (or their equivalents) from the organisation’s current Member States. Secretary-General AlYahya brings nearly two decades of experience in fostering tech communities across the United States and the Middle East. She has been a driving force behind innovation, helping to create a supportive ecosystem for digital entrepreneurs and developers. A pioneer for Saudi women in technology, the Secretary-General began her career as a developer and quickly rose to roles as Chief Innovation Evangelist at Microsoft. On the launch of their Vision 2030, she joined the government of Saudi Arabia as part of the task force to create the digital transformation of Saudi Arabia. "I am proud that Saudi is at the forefront of digital transformation, and that I was part of that, and then that I was tasked to amplify that experience on a global level."
Diplomacy in the Age of AI
“We are trying to raise awareness in the diplomatic community about tech diplomacy,” said the DCO Secretary General during a recent visit to London. “Technology is not just innovation—it’s a tool that can drive prosperity and growth. But we also need to understand its risks.”
The DCO is embedding this message within diplomatic channels. Through initiatives such as Diplomatic Connect, diplomats are invited to workshops and briefings on the implications of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and digital infrastructure. London – host of tech-focused events such as London Tech Week and SXSW – has become a vibrant stage for this engagement.
“In today’s world, diplomats are not only negotiating peace treaties—they’re negotiating AI governance frameworks and data-sharing agreements,” the Secretary General emphasised. “They need the knowledge and tools to be effective at the digital frontier.”
An Organisation Born in the Cloud
The DCO was born during the COVID-19 pandemic – a testament to technology’s power to bring nations together even during crises. “If it weren’t for virtual meetings, it might have taken two to three years to sign a founding charter. Instead, we did it in six months,” the Secretary General recalled.
What sets the DCO apart is its mission: to accelerate the digital economy through cooperation among nations, private sector partners and innovators. “We’re not just for talking shop,” she said. “We’re a platform for co-creating policies, sharing infrastructure, and unlocking the value of digital markets.”
The organisation has already supported over 180 startups from its member countries to expand globally, underscoring its commitment to action over rhetoric.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Despite widespread innovation, nearly half the world’s population remains offline. The DCO is acutely aware of this gap and has made digital inclusion a top priority.
“Connectivity is as essential as water and electricity,” the Secretary General noted. “Without it, emerging technologies like AI will only widen existing inequalities.”
To address this, the DCO is investing in infrastructure and cross-border digital collaboration. One such initiative is the Gen AI Centre of Excellence, which connects AI experts with computing power across member states to develop locally relevant solutions.
“We’re looking at how one country’s data centres can support another country’s developers. It’s about building ecosystems,” she added.
“Connectivity is as essential as water and electricity,” the Secretary General noted. “Without it, emerging technologies like AI will only widen existing inequalities.”
London and Global Tech Diplomacy
The Secretary General’s recent visit to London exemplifies the DCO’s strategy of building bridges between member states and tech-forward nations like the UK.
“The UK was the first country to launch a national quantum computing strategy. We’re here to learn from that and bring those insights back to our members,” she said.
Moreover, London – as a hub of diplomacy, innovation, and regulation – offers a unique opportunity to align emerging economies with global standards. The DCO is not just interested in bilateral partnerships; it aims to facilitate multilateral collaboration where UK startups, for example, can access markets across DCO member states, and vice versa.
The Secretary General used her time here wisely, meeting Parliamentarians, heads of mission and key stakeholders in the private sector, as well as speaking at a Chatham House roundtable for diplomats, tech leaders and academics on how digital priorities should be at the forefront of a country's reconstruction following political tensions or environmental catastrophe.
AI’s Role in Modern Diplomacy
AI is more than a buzzword; it’s a strategic tool for statecraft. The DCO sees AI not only as an enabler of government services and economic growth but as a powerful asset in the diplomatic toolkit.
“AI can help diplomats with behavioural analysis, situational assessments, and rapid decision-making,” said the Secretary General. “Just as how email or WhatsApp changed communication. I have a WhatsApp group with all 16 of our DCO ministers. We’re in constant touch. AI will be the next leap.”
She envisions a future where “AI ambassadors” might represent nations virtually – extending diplomatic presence. “This would not replace the human touch and analysis, but they could act an enabler and helper to existing missions.” But she also warned of the risks if AI is built on poor-quality or biased data.
Diplomats at the Table
A striking point made during the discussion is the emerging role of diplomats as key negotiators of the digital era. “When countries discuss cross-border data flows or AI ethics at the UN or other forums, it’s not tech experts at the table – it’s diplomats,” the Secretary General said.
This underscores the need for a digitally literate diplomatic corps, capable of engaging with both technology providers and policymakers. “We must develop a common language between diplomats and the private sector. It’s crucial for global governance,” she added.
She envisions a future where “AI ambassadors” might represent nations virtually – extending diplomatic presence. “This would not replace the human touch and analysis, but they could act an enabler and helper to existing missions.”
Data: Critical Trend
When asked about the most critical trend shaping the digital economy, the Secretary General’s response was unequivocal: data.
“Whether it’s AI or quantum computing, it all goes back to data. Good data powers good technology. Bad data can lead to harmful outcomes,” she explained. “We need to set standards for data collection, storage, and use. That’s the foundation for any meaningful digital transformation.”
This focus on data quality and standardisation will guide the DCO’s agenda in the coming years, ensuring that innovation is both responsible and scalable.
Looking Ahead
With her re-election as Secretary General, the DCO is doubling down on its mission. The next four years will focus on accelerating digital growth that is resilient to political, environmental, and economic shocks.
“We want to make sure that even in times of crisis, our member states can continue to grow and innovate. That means creating systems that are sustainable and adaptable,” she said.
A key metric of success? Cross-border collaboration that leads to measurable increases in GDP and job creation.
A Career of Building Digital Bridges
Reflecting on her journey – from software engineer to global digital diplomat – the Secretary General shared two defining moments. First, receiving the concept of the DCO on a flash drive and being entrusted to bring it to life. Second, her re-election as Secretary General, endorsed by nations that collectively represent a $3.5 trillion GDP.
“These moments remind me that with trust, technology, and cooperation, we can achieve the impossible,” she said.
Why Tech Diplomacy Matters Now More Than Ever
As cities like London position themselves at the forefront of global digital policy, they stand to become nerve centres of international cooperation.
“Tech diplomacy means that decisions, regulations, and standards are forged where the world meets—capitals like London, Riyadh, and New York,” the Secretary General explained. “If you host the dialogue, you help shape the future.”
In a time of global uncertainty and rapid technological change, the DCO is proving that cooperation, not isolation, is the key to a prosperous digital future. Through initiatives that bring together governments, innovators, and diplomats, it is building a world where technology empowers, includes, and connects.
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