Kuwait envoy urges using digital tools for peace, recovery

RIYADH: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative to the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Monday underscored the importance of employing digital technologies to support peacebuilding, humanitarian efforts and post-conflict reconstruction as pathways to stability and prosperity.

Representing Kuwait, which holds the DCO presidency for 2025, Sheikh Sabah delivered his remarks at the fifth edition of the Digital Cooperation Diplomacy series, jointly organized by the Kuwaiti Embassy in Riyadh and the DCO under the theme “Digital Tools to Enhance Post-Conflict Recovery.” The event was attended by DCO Secretary-General Dima Al-Yahya, former UK Minister of Culture and Digital Economy Lord Ed Vaizey, alongside a host of ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Riyadh.

In his speech, Sheikh Sabah stressed the urgency of deepening cooperation in the face of global challenges and advancing policies that ensure the effective use of digital tools in conflict resolution and recovery. “The participation of diplomats in this dialogue reflects their commitment to the objectives of the DCO,” he said. He reaffirmed Kuwait’s strong support for the organization’s mission to accelerate digital prosperity and inclusive growth, highlighting the importance of building a more resilient and prepared digital ecosystem through collaboration and collective action.

“The convening of this dialogue comes at an exceptional time when Kuwait attaches great importance to digital transformation as part of its Vision 2035, while working to advance the shared interests of the international community,” Sheikh Sabah said. He noted that Kuwait’s simultaneous presidency of both the DCO and the Gulf Cooperation Council this year underscores the weight of its responsibilities amid mounting global challenges. DCO Secretary-General Dima Al-Yahya, for her part, emphasized the critical role of digital technology in post-conflict recovery, noting that today’s crises have displaced more than 122 million people worldwide. “Wars and disasters tear apart institutions, erode trust and displace families,” she said.

“But digital reconstruction can help accelerate recovery, rebuild societies on stronger foundations and design systems that are more just and effective.” She called for flexible, realistic and responsive international cooperation to keep pace with rapid digital transformations, while urging stronger partnerships between governments, technology companies, academia and civil society to ensure that digital transformation benefits reach the most vulnerable.

Former UK Minister Lord Ed Vaizey also highlighted the transformative potential of technology in rebuilding societies. “From restoring basic services to creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs, digital innovation offers hope even in the most difficult circumstances,” he said. The dialogue, held under Chatham House rules, brought together ambassadors from DCO member states and international partners for an open exchange on harnessing digital tools to promote peace, reconstruction and long-term stability. — KUNA