Digital transformation is the main driver of global progress: Al-Bannai
Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tariq Al-Bannai, said digital transformation has become the pulse of progress and the primary driver of development worldwide.
Speaking at an event held on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, titled “Data-Driven Strategies to Address Gaps in Social Development and Accelerate the Building of a More Inclusive Digital Economy,” Al-Bannai emphasized that digital transformation is fundamentally human-centered.
It seeks to empower individuals and communities by improving access to opportunities, education, and livelihoods, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
He stressed that the digital era enables youth in rural areas, female entrepreneurs, and small businesses to actively participate in the rapidly evolving global economy.
“Digital transformations are no longer a complementary element of development but have become its true essence,” he said. “The digital age is reshaping how we learn, trade, communicate, and govern. Placing digital transformation at the heart of our development vision means recognizing that connectivity, innovation, cybersecurity, and inclusion are now essential pillars of sustainable growth.”
Al-Bannai highlighted the vital role of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) as a multilateral platform dedicated to enabling digital prosperity for all.
The organization brings together nations seeking to transform opportunities into shared outcomes, promoting digital transformation capabilities, cross-border investment, and inclusive digital policies through its programs and partnerships.
He noted that Kuwait assumed the presidency of the DCO Council this year, during which the organization adopted a collective roadmap titled “Digital Resilience and Social Prosperity Pathway,” emphasizing inclusion, innovation, and trust as the foundation of a shared digital future.
Among the DCO’s key initiatives, Al-Bannai cited the “Navigator” digital economy platform, an innovative tool developed to help countries assess their digital readiness and identify priority areas for development.
He also underlined Kuwait’s pivotal role in reinforcing the UN framework for responsible state behavior in the use of information and communication technologies.
Through national initiatives, Kuwait has contributed to capacity building and developed a digital tool to assist member states in implementing voluntary, non-binding standards for responsible behavior in cyberspace.
Al-Bannai concluded by expressing Kuwait’s commitment to fostering communication and partnerships, building digital bridges, and leveraging innovation to empower people globally. “By joining forces,” he said, “we can ensure that digital transformation serves all of humanity—without leaving anyone behind.”
