Kazakhstan Set to Join Digital Cooperation Organization
Kazakhstan is set to join the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) as a new Member State, creating opportunities for deeper cooperation in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation and digital trade. The DCO, the world’s first standalone international organization focused on accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth of the digital economy, announced on Aug. 28 that its Council had approved Kazakhstan’s candidature alongside seven other countries.
The move could increase the organization’s membership from 16 to 24 countries, representing approximately 980 million people, or around 12% of the global population. Alongside Kazakhstan, the approved candidate countries are Albania, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Zambia. Tajikistan is set to join as an Associate Member.
Kazakhstan’s prospective accession would mark the DCO’s first expansion into Central Asia and could create a new regional platform for digital cooperation. The organization said the growing interest in membership reflects the increasing importance of joint work on digital policy, artificial intelligence, cross-border data flows, digital public infrastructure and digital skills.
The approval of Kazakhstan’s candidature marks the beginning of the formal accession process. Membership will take effect once Kazakhstan completes its internal accession procedures and deposits its instrument of accession in accordance with the DCO’s founding documents.
Established in 2020, the DCO currently brings together 16 countries representing more than 800 million people. Its agenda focuses on digital inclusion, innovation, entrepreneurship and cooperation across the digital economy.
