Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Iraqi Communications Minister Mustafa Jabbar Sanad met with Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) on the sidelines of the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in relation to digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, digital investment, and skills development.

AlYahya pointed out that Iraq is a nation that helped create the first chapters of human civilization and is now creating a new chapter via digital innovation, complimenting the country’s rising momentum in digital transformation.

With Iraq accelerating its efforts to modernize its technology sector, the talks focused on enhancing collaboration between Iraq and the DCO in areas such as digital foreign direct investment (FDI), digital infrastructure, digital skills, and inclusive digital development.

According to the DCO’s latest statistics, Iraq had 48.1 million active mobile connections in early 2025, corresponding to 103% of the population, and 38 million online users, with an internet penetration rate of 81.7%.

The organization’s Digital Economy Navigator also rated Iraq at 73.4% for digital adoption and social inclusion, an indication of growing access to digital services.

The gathering comes as Sanad continues to pursue an ambitious digital transformation agenda.

Iraq’s Ministry of Communications’ is moving forward with plans to set up 5G networks in cooperation with Huawei and is also in talks to bring Starlink satellite internet services to Iraq.

Sanad has also emerged as a key voice in international tech policy, representing Iraq in global forums on artificial intelligence and digital governance, including this week’s AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is an intergovernmental organization established in 2020 to build inclusive digital economies and promote global digital cooperation.

In 2021, AlYahya became the first Saudi woman to head an international institution, appointed as inaugural Secretary-General.