FII Institute, DCO Sign MoU for Inclusive AI in Emerging Markets

Published Date : 21/09/2025 

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

Riyadh, September 21, 2025 — The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute and the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) have 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.

About FII Institute

FII Institute is a global nonprofit with a single pressing agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global, inclusive, and driven by data, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions and actions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability. Visit https://fii-institute.org/ for more information.

For media inquiries, registration, and further details, please contact media@fii-institute.org.

About the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is the world’s first standalone international intergovernmental organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. Founded in 2020, the DCO brings together the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology of its 16 Member States, representing nearly 3.5 trillion in GDP and a combined market of over 800 million people, more than 70% of whom are under the age of 35. The DCO works with governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to promote digital inclusion, enable cross-border data flows, empower women and youth, and support entrepreneurs and SMEs. It facilitates coordinated digital policies across borders and holds observer status with the United Nations General Assembly and other global bodies. Visit www.dco.org or follow @DCOrg on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn for more information.

For media enquiries, please contact media@DCO.org. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of the MoU between FII Institute and DCO?

A: The main goal of the MoU is to accelerate the inclusive adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across emerging markets. This partnership will drive collaboration on FII Institute’s AI Initiative, expand joint conclaves, and co-create thought-leadership publications.

Q: What are the key focus areas of the MoU?

A: The key focus areas include AI Inclusion, FII Conclaves, and Publications. These workstreams aim to ensure emerging markets share in AI’s benefits, facilitate knowledge-driven dialogues, and co-develop actionable thought leadership.

Q: What is the role of the DCO in this partnership?

A: The DCO will serve as the Knowledge Partner for FII Institute’s AI Initiative through July 31, 2026, supporting both FII9 and the post-summit program. The DCO is dedicated to accelerating inclusive digital growth and ensuring emerging markets benefit from cutting-edge innovation.

Q: What is FII9 and when is it being held?

A: FII9 is an event with the theme 'The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth.' It will be held in Riyadh from October 27–30, 2025. The event will gather global investors and visionaries for plenaries, labs, and exclusive conclaves.

Q: What is the mission of the FII Institute?

A: The FII Institute is a global nonprofit foundation driven by data, innovation, and impact. Its mission is to foster actionable solutions across AI, sustainability, healthcare, and education, with the overarching goal of making a positive impact on humanity. 

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