Digital Cooperation Organization admits eight new member states in major expansion

The Digital Cooperation Organization has announced the addition of eight new full member states, bringing its total membership to 24 countries. These countries collectively represent nearly 980 million people. The new members include Albania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Zambia. Upon ratifying the organization's charter, they will join the existing 16 members, completing the expansion process.

Additionally, Tajikistan is set to become an associate member, further expanding the organization's reach. The Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, Deemah AlYahya, highlighted that the organization was established in 2020 and has demonstrated effectiveness over its five-year existence. The expansion is driven by the need to shape the global digital economy, with the new members expected to influence its future and support the concept of digital sovereignty through broad-based membership.

The Digital Cooperation Organization's membership now accounts for nearly 12% of the world's population, providing a significant role in shaping digital economy rules. This expansion also marks the organization's first geographic reach into Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Western Balkans, regions known for their fast-growing digital economies in Eurasia.

The Digital Cooperation Organization continues to implement its 2025-2028 strategy, focusing on developing digital policies, infrastructure, AI governance, enhancing digital skills, supporting startup ecosystems, cross-border data flows, and measuring the digital economy, while fostering partnerships between governments, private sectors, and international organizations.