Kuwait, February 4 (Petra) -- The second edition of the International Digital Cooperation Forum opened in Kuwait on Wednesday with the participation of ministers, policymakers, CEOs, technology leaders, entrepreneurs and civil society representatives. The two-day forum, organised by the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), focuses on strengthening global cooperation on artificial intelligence and the digital economy.

Opening the event, Kuwaiti Minister of State for Communications Omar Al Omar called for securing digital transformation environment and warned against misinformation in AI, noting that up to 80% of information may be misleading.

He said that digital transformation places responsibility on governments to deliver inclusive services and remain competitive globally.

Under the theme "Digital Prosperity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," Jordan's Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Samir Smeirat discussed the opportunities and risks posed by AI, warning that weak cooperation and governance could widen the digital divide.

He noted that Jordan, Kuwait and Ghana, is leading practical AI initiatives, with 19% of Jordanian startups specialising in AI and 27 universities offering related programmes.

Jordan ranks third in the Arab world and 29th in the Artificial Intelligence Diffusion Index. DCO Secretary-General Dima Yahya said that uneven digital transformation is widening global inequalities, while misinformation spreads rapidly across borders.

In a recorded message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for inclusive digital platforms and stronger efforts to bridge the digital divide.

On the sidelines, a ministerial roundtable addressed AI risks and governance, with participants calling for coordinated global action, updated legislation and safeguards to protect users while maximising AI's benefits.

Experts agreed that existing regulations remain insufficient and called for collaborative solutions that support innovation, data protection and national sovereignty.

Founded in 2020, DCO is the world's first independent international body dedicated to advancing an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. It comprises 16 member states and focuses on empowering youth, women and entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and social prosperity.

//Petra// AK