The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) convened diplomats, ambassadors, policymakers, and technology leaders in Riyadh for the fifth Diplomatic Connect, focusing on the theme ‘Tech for Rebuilding: Digital Tools for Post-Conflict Resilience.’
The event focused on how digital tools can contribute to building resilience and fostering peace in post-conflict environments. Diplomatic Connect addressed the urgent need for practical digital resilience in a world where more than 122 million people have been displaced due to conflicts or crises.
Organized in collaboration with the Kuwaiti embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Diplomatic Connect featured a welcome address by Kuwaiti Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
This was followed by an opening speech by DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya. The keynote address was delivered by British former Minister of State for Culture and Digital Economy Lord Ed Vaizey, a prominent international voice on digital cooperation.
Discussions were grounded in real-world examples of digital resilience that have delivered tangible outcomes. Among these was Ukraine’s Diia platform, which has enabled more than 20 million citizens to access over 100 government services digitally, ensuring the continuity of essential services amid ongoing conflict.
In Jordan, blockchain-powered digital wallets are providing aid efficiently and transparently to over 300,000 refugees. In Syria, UNICEF-supported digital classrooms are reconnecting displaced children with education. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s digital transformation rebuilt trust in public services and helped foster a thriving tech sector now regarded as a leading technology hub in Africa.
DCO Secretary-General AlYahya highlighted that discussions on technology for reconstruction and digital tools supporting post-conflict economic resilience are occurring at a crucial time.
Image credits: SPA | Cropped by GBN
She noted that over 122 million people worldwide are currently displaced by wars and crises, which disrupt institutions, erode trust, and displace families. However, she emphasized that digital rebuilding has the potential to accelerate community recovery and provides an opportunity to create more just and effective systems.
The Kuwaiti ambassador emphasized that Kuwait has always viewed diplomacy and dialogue as the foundation of peace. By hosting this edition of Diplomatic Connect, Kuwait aims to provide a platform for ambassadors and international partners to explore how digital tools can enhance resilience, restore trust, and support communities on their path to stability.
