Introduction
The 4th General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) in Amman [1] [4], Jordan [1] [4] [6], highlighted the critical importance of prioritizing ethical considerations in digital innovation and development. Bjørn Berge [1] [4], Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe [1] [4] [6], underscored the need for safe, responsible [1] [4] [6], inclusive [1] [4] [5] [6], and innovative digital technologies [1] [4] [6], framing the technological revolution as an ethical one [1] [4].
Description
Bjørn Berge [1] [4], Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe [1] [4] [6], emphasized the importance of prioritizing people in the context of digital innovation and development during the 4th General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) in Amman [1] [4] [6], Jordan [1] [4] [6]. He called for ensuring that AI and digital technologies are safe [6], responsible [1] [4] [6], inclusive [1] [4] [5] [6], and innovative [1] [4] [5] [6], framing the current technological revolution as an ethical revolution [1] [4].
During the assembly, 13 key initiatives were adopted to enhance digital economic resilience and promote social prosperity, underscoring the significance of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. Notable initiatives included the DCO Entrepreneurship and Innovation Standard of Excellence [5], the DCO Interoperability Mechanism for Cross-Border Data Flows [5], the AI Ethics Evaluator [5], and the AI Readiness Toolkit [5]. Additionally, a framework to combat online misinformation was established [5], along with the formal adoption of the DCO Model Startup Act [5], the DCO Data Privacy Principles [5], and the DCO Principles for Ethical AI [5]. The assembly also addressed the protection of digital intellectual property and the creation of a safe digital space for children [5], with several Memorandums of Understanding signed to highlight collaborative efforts in the digital landscape [5].
In a keynote speech at a roundtable on EUDCO cooperation [1] [4], Berge reiterated the accessibility of the Council of Europe’s legal instruments to states globally, facilitating collaboration in critical areas such as AI [1] [4], cybercrime [1] [4] [6], and data protection [1] [4] [6]. He urged participation in key initiatives [4], including the Framework Convention on AI and the Cybercrime Convention [1] [4], advocating for a collective effort to shape a digital future that upholds human rights [6], democracy [1] [2] [3] [4] [6], and the rule of law [1] [3] [4] [6]. Canada has recently signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence [2] [3], joining 12 other countries in establishing a legal framework for AI governance [2]. This convention [2] [3] [6], adopted in May 2024 [2] [3], aims to mitigate risks associated with AI while fostering international cooperation in its development [2]. It will take effect once at least five states [2], including three Council of Europe Member States [2] [3], formally agree to be legally bound by it [2]. Canada’s participation aligns with its broader AI governance strategy [2], emphasizing adherence to democratic and legal principles [2], and is a key focus for its 2025 G7 Presidency [2].
Berge also engaged in discussions on cybersecurity with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister [4], focusing on protecting European democratic institutions from cyber threats [4]. Additionally, he met with Jordan’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address geopolitical issues in the Middle East and explore potential cooperative solutions in data protection [4], anti-corruption [4], and cybercrime [1] [4] [6]. The Secretary General of the DCO emphasized the progress made in uniting various stakeholders to tackle challenges within the digital economy [5], while the incoming DCO President reaffirmed a commitment to combating online misinformation and advancing digital transformation initiatives [5]. The International Bar Association endorsed the Framework Convention on AI in October 2024 [2], recognizing it as the first legally binding international treaty focused on governing AI systems in compliance with fundamental human rights and democratic values [2]. Canada actively participated in the negotiations [3], consulting various stakeholders [2] [3] [5], including provinces [2] [3], territories [2] [3], Indigenous groups [2], and experts [2], prior to signing the convention [2] [3], and plans to continue this engagement during the implementation process [2].
Conclusion
The assembly’s outcomes underscore the growing recognition of the ethical dimensions of digital innovation and the need for international cooperation in addressing these challenges. The initiatives and agreements reached at the assembly are poised to significantly impact global digital governance, promoting a future where technology aligns with human rights, democracy [1] [2] [3] [4] [6], and the rule of law [1] [3] [4] [6]. The involvement of countries like Canada in these efforts highlights a commitment to shaping a responsible digital future on the international stage.
References
[1] https://www.coe.int/be/web/portal/-/digital-development-people-must-come-first-
[2] https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/general/canada-signs-council-of-europe-ai-convention-to-address-global-risks/391237
[3] https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2025/02/canada-signs-the-council-of-europe-framework-convention-on-artificial-intelligence-and-human-rights-democracy-and-the-rule-of-law.html
[4] https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/digital-development-people-must-come-first-
[5] https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/02/20/cyprus-highlights-strategic-role-as-digital-hub-at-dco-assembly
[6] https://www.coe.int/it/web/portal/-/digital-development-people-must-come-first-
