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Digital Cooperation Organisation Unveils Groundbreaking AI Ethics Evaluator

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 14, 2025

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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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.