Digital Cooperation Organisation Unveils Groundbreaking AI Ethics Evaluator

A New Framework For Ethical AI

The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), the world’s first dedicated intergovernmental body for advancing digital economies, has officially launched its AI Ethics Evaluator Policy Tool. Unveiled at the prestigious AI for Good Summit 2025 and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) in Geneva, Switzerland, the new tool is a strategic step in operationalising the DCO’s Principles for Ethical AI, which were endorsed by its 16 Member States earlier this year.

Guiding Ethical Standards And Accountability

Designed to help governments, organisations, and individual stakeholders systematically assess ethical and human rights risks associated with artificial intelligence, the Evaluator produces tailored, actionable recommendations accompanied by a comprehensive visual report. The tool, introduced by Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs of Kuwait and Chairperson of the DCO Council for 2025, is based on meticulous DCO research and global consultations with experts. It implements a structured self-assessment model that addresses six key categories of ethical risks as defined by the organisation’s principles.

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Enabling A Unified And Sustainable Digital Future

Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, emphasised that the new tool embodies the organisation’s commitment to transforming ethical commitments into pragmatic action. “AI without ethics is not progress, it’s a threat,” she stated, underscoring the tool’s role in mitigating algorithmic bias, data exploitation, and other potential risks. The Evaluator serves as both a diagnostic instrument and a directional compass guiding nations, developers, regulators, and innovators towards aligning technological advancements with core human values.

Global Collaboration And Future Impact

Alaa Abdulaal, Chief of Digital Economy Intelligence at the DCO, highlighted that the future of AI will be determined not merely by technological speed but by the underlying values encoded into its systems. The launch event, attended by ministers, policymakers, civil society representatives, and AI experts from around the globe, marked a pivotal moment in the international dialogue on AI governance. With several Member States and private sector partners poised to integrate the Evaluator into their national frameworks, the DCO is clearly positioning itself at the forefront of digital cooperation.

Setting The Standard For Responsible Digital Transformation

Since its inception in November 2020, the DCO has been a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable digital transformation, representing nearly 800 million people across its diverse membership. By promoting inclusive policies, expanding market opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, and empowering underrepresented groups, the organisation is ensuring that emerging technologies advance global prosperity without compromising fundamental rights.

With the launch of the AI Ethics Evaluator Policy Tool, the DCO is not only affirming its mission but also setting a high benchmark in digital governance, establishing a shared ethical foundation that redefines progress as being inseparable from accountability and human dignity.

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Strained Household Finances: Eurostat Data Reveals Persistent Payment Delays Across Europe and in Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 22, 2025

Improved Financial Resilience Amid Ongoing Strains

Over the past decade, Cypriot households have significantly increased their ability to manage debts—not only bank loans but also rent and utility bills. However, recent Eurostat data indicates that Cyprus continues to lag behind the European average when it comes to covering financial obligations on time.

Household Coping Strategies and the Limits of Payment Flexibility

While many families are managing their fixed expenses with relative ease, one in three Cypriots struggles to cover unexpected costs. This delicate balancing act highlights how routine payments such as mortgage installments, rent, and utility bills are met, but precariously so, with little room for unplanned financial shocks.

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Breaking Down Payment Delays Across the European Union

Eurostat reports that nearly 9.2% of the EU population experienced delays with their housing loans, rent, utility bills, or installment payments in 2024. The situation is more acute among vulnerable groups: 17.2% of individuals in single-parent households with dependent children and 16.6% in households with two adults managing three or more dependents faced payment delays. In every EU nation, single-parent households exhibited higher delay rates compared to the overall population.

Cyprus in the Crosshairs: High Rates of Financial Delays

Although Cyprus recorded a notable 19.1 percentage point improvement from 2015 to 2024 in delays related to mortgages, rent, and utility bills, the island nation still ranks among the top five countries with the highest delay rates. As of 2024, 12.5% of the Cypriot population had outstanding housing loans or rent and overdue utility bills. In contrast, Greece tops the list with 42.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.7%), Romania (15.3%), Spain (14.2%), and other EU members. Notably, 19 out of 27 EU countries reported delay rates below 10%, with Czech Republic (3.4%) and Netherlands (3.9%) leading the pack.

Selective Improvements and Emerging Concerns

Between 2015 and 2024, the overall EU population saw a 2.6 percentage point decline in payment delays. Despite this, certain countries experienced increases: Luxembourg (+3.3 percentage points), Spain (+2.5 percentage points), and Germany (+2.0 percentage points) saw a rise in payment delays, reflecting underlying economic pressures that continue to challenge financial stability.

Economic Insecurity and the Unprepared for Emergencies

Another critical indicator explored by Eurostat is the prevalence of economic insecurity—the proportion of the population unable to handle unexpected financial expenses. In 2024, 30% of the EU population reported being unable to cover unforeseen costs, a modest improvement of 1.2 percentage points from 2023 and a significant 7.4 percentage point drop compared to a decade ago. In Cyprus, while 34.8% still report difficulty handling emergencies, this marks a drastic improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 60.5%.

A Broader EU Perspective

Importantly, no EU country in 2024 had more than half of its population facing economic insecurity—a notable improvement from 2015, when over 50% of the population in nine countries reported such challenges. These figures underscore both progress and persistent vulnerabilities within European households, urging policymakers to consider targeted measures for enhancing financial resilience.

For further insights and detailed analysis, refer to the original reports on Philenews and Housing Loans.

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