By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The Digital Cooperation
Organization (DCO) is calling for stronger practical cooperation among
countries to prepare for the risks and disruptions associated with the rapid
development and deployment of artificial intelligence.
DCO Founding
Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya made the call during a panel discussion titled
“From Multilateral Dialogue to Cooperation in Implementation” at the fourth
UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh.
AlYahya said AI
multilateralism must move beyond shared principles towards shared preparedness,
arguing that international consensus on AI governance needs to translate into
practical cooperation and resilience capable of protecting people and essential
services.
She pointed to growing
concerns surrounding AI-related risks and vulnerabilities, noting that
media-reported AI-related incidents have increased significantly since 2020.
She also highlighted disruptions to digital systems during periods of conflict
as evidence of vulnerabilities affecting critical infrastructure.
According to AlYahya, the
urgency of preparedness is increasing as discussions around AI governance and
regulation intensify and countries consider how to manage the implications of
rapidly evolving technologies.
At the DCO, member states
are already working on unified frameworks and principles for responsible and
ethical AI, while efforts are also being directed towards strengthening the
resilience of digital infrastructure and systems.
AlYahya stressed that
preparedness needs to be established before disruption occurs, calling for a
shift from principles to implementation and from dialogue to practical digital
solidarity.
She also emphasised the need
to make multilateral cooperation operational so that people can continue to
depend on digital systems when they are most needed.
The panel discussion brought
together AlYahya, H.E. Samba Diouf and Dr. Sattam Alsubaiee, with Tomas
Lamanauskas serving as moderator. The discussions are part of broader
international efforts to translate AI ethics and governance principles into
practical approaches to resilience and responsible technology deployment.
