FII Institute and Digital Cooperation Organization Sign MoU to Advance Inclusive AI in Emerging Markets

Riyadh, September 21, 2025 — The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute and the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the inclusive adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across emerging markets. The partnership will drive collaboration on FII Institute’s AI Initiative, expand joint conclaves, and co-create thought-leadership publications.

The agreement aligns with FII9’s theme, “The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth”, which will convene global investors and visionaries in Riyadh from October 27–30, 2025.

The MoU establishes collaborative workstreams around:

• AI Inclusion: ensuring emerging markets share in AI’s benefits.
• FII Conclaves: knowledge-driven, invite-only dialogues.
• Publications: co-developing actionable thought leadership.

As part of the agreement, the DCO will serve as Knowledge Partner for FII Institute’s AI Initiative through July 31, 2026, supporting both FII9 and the post-summit program.

Richard Attias, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Acting CEO of the FII Institute, said: “AI sits at the core of FII Institute’s strategy for an inclusive digital future. Partnering with the DCO expands our ability to ensure fast-growing digital economies benefit from AI adoption, not only in Saudi Arabia but across global markets.”

Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui, Director General of the DCO, added: “This partnership comes at a pivotal moment for the global digital economy. By combining DCO’s mandate for inclusive digital growth with FII’s forward-looking AI agenda, we are creating tangible pathways for our Member States and partners to benefit from cutting-edge innovation. Signing this MoU during UNGA underscores our shared commitment to ensuring digital prosperity is inclusive, sustainable, and borderless.”

The DCO is the world’s first intergovernmental body dedicated to accelerating inclusive digital growth. Representing 16 Member States, with a combined GDP of over $3.5 trillion and 800 million people, the DCO enables cross-border cooperation, forward-looking policies, and opportunities in the digital economy. Its focus on AI and the Future of Work ensures that emerging markets are active beneficiaries of next-generation technologies.

The FII Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data, innovation, and impact. Through its THINK, XCHANGE, ACT pillars, the Institute fosters actionable solutions across AI, sustainability, healthcare, and education. FII9, held October 27–30, 2025 in Riyadh, will gather leaders for plenaries, labs, and exclusive conclaves designed to translate dialogue into deals and policy roadmaps.

The MoU with the DCO dovetails with the Institute’s ongoing AI Inclusive initiative—ensuring emerging markets access funding, expertise, and capacity-building to accelerate equitable AI adoption.

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