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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.

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.

Cyprus Government Fortifies Economic Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty

Government Commitment to Stability and Growth

Cyprus continues to build a strong and resilient economic foundation to support business planning and investment, as emphasized by Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki. Representing President Nikos Christodoulides at the 12th Keve Business Leader Awards, Piki underscored that in today’s volatile global landscape, a consistent and reliable economy remains the cornerstone for long‐term strategic planning and confidence-building among businesses.

Strengthening Competitive Edge and Attracting Investment

Piki lauded the role of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) for its dedication to promoting Cyprus as an attractive investment destination and for supporting the expansion of local businesses. Reflecting on President Christodoulides’s recent address at Keve’s annual general assembly, she outlined the government’s vision for a more competitive Cyprus, which includes expanding market access, improving financing channels, and implementing a streamlined, business-friendly regulatory framework—all pivotal as Cyprus prepares for its EU Council presidency.

Economic Indicators Reflecting Confidence

Despite global uncertainties, Piki highlighted that the Cypriot economy continues to demonstrate resilience: gross domestic product grew by 3.4% in 2024, and forecasts indicate nearly 4% growth in 2025. With inflation remaining among the lowest in the European Union and unemployment dropping below 5%, these indicators affirm steady economic progress. Furthermore, positive ratings from international credit agencies, which have placed Cyprus in the A category with upbeat outlooks, underscore the success of prudent economic policies.

Fiscal Discipline and Strategic Investments

The government’s upcoming 2026 budget, which reinforces fiscal stability with a surplus balance and targets a decline in public debt to 50.9% of GDP, opens the door for strategic policy interventions. Piki noted that investments in energy, digital infrastructure, technology, and green growth are key priorities. Enhanced by the nearing completion of Recovery and Resilience Plan projects, Cyprus is now setting the stage for the next seven-year EU funding framework, ensuring a robust platform for sustained growth with active collaboration from the business community.

Regulatory Reforms and Market Liberalization

Central to the government’s agenda is the imminent tax reform, expected to be finalized on December 22 and implemented on January 1, 2026. This reform is designed to bolster business liquidity and attract new investments. The establishment of the National Enterprise Development Organisation further complements these efforts by offering financing tools and advisory services for small and medium-sized enterprises. Complementing these initiatives, the Cyprus Equity Fund is actively investing in innovative companies, while the Ministry of Energy grant schemes are projected to mobilize €360 million by 2027 to boost competitiveness.

Accelerating Digital Transformation and Energy Reforms

In its pursuit of a modernized business environment, the government is set to introduce a Business Service Centre in central Nicosia in 2025, consolidating licensing procedures to significantly reduce bureaucratic delays. In tandem, the impending launch of a competitive electricity market in October 2025 will empower companies to select their energy suppliers, fostering market competition and fair pricing.

Nurturing Human Capital

Recognizing the importance of talent in driving economic progress, the government is intensifying efforts to attract skilled professionals back to Cyprus. The Minds in Cyprus initiative, a collaboration with Keve and Invest Cyprus, seeks to reverse the talent drain by engaging Cypriots abroad through a series of events scheduled in the United States, United Kingdom, and Greece during 2026.

Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Concluding her address, Deputy Minister Piki congratulated the award recipients for their innovation and resilience, asserting that their achievements are a testament to the dynamism of the Cypriot business community. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing reforms that support a stable, competitive, and sustainable economic future for Cyprus.

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