The Advanced Training on Digital Economy Innovation and Development, jointly organized by the World Internet Conference Digital Academy (WICDA) and the Data and Technical Support Center of the Cyberspace Administration of China, was successfully held during the 2025 World Internet Conference Digital Silk Road Development Forum. Under the theme “Digital Economy and Data Compliance,” the program attracted government officials and business representatives from 26 countries and regions. Through a combination of specialized courses, cultural experiences, and forum discussions, participants explored critical issues such as data governance, cross-border data flows, and the upgrading of digital trade and related industries in the digital age.
At the opening ceremony of the training, Liang Hao, the executive deputy secretary-general of the WIC and executive vice dean of the WICDA, emphasized that data is becoming a key driver of economic and social development in the digital economy era. He also pointed out that opportunities in internet development come hand-in-hand with risks and challenges, and that the digital divide continues to hinder progress in many developing economies. This marked the first time that the Academy had focused specifically on the theme of “data” in its training, aiming to work with global participants to explore new paradigms and pathways for digital development
. Liang is looking forward to participants translating the insights gained from the program into actionable policies, projects, and collaborations. These efforts will inject new vitality into the digital development of their respective nations while making proactive contributions to building an open, trustworthy, and shared global digital economy ecosystem.
Tailored to the evolving needs of the global digital economy and based on prior in-depth research, the Academy developed a curriculum covering key topics such as data development and security, global data flows, digital economy regulations, and digital trade. Experts from the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Belt and Road School of Beijing Normal University, and the Asia Academy of Digital Economics served as instructors, combining theory with practice through case studies, trend analysis, and interactive discussions. These sessions offered participants cutting-edge knowledge, essential skills, and a clearer understanding of future trends in the digital economy.
Participants from Asia, Africa, South America, Oceania, praised the training for its international perspective and regional practicality, noting that it provided valuable insights for strengthening national data governance systems and driving domestic digital transformation. Many expressed their hope to deepen multilateral cooperation through future programs and jointly promote the development of the Digital Silk Road.
Following the training, participants will
attend a traditional Chinese cultural performance, offering them a chance to experience the rich heritage and cultural charm of China. On the following day, they will join the opening ceremony and main forum of the 2025 Digital Silk Road Development Forum, where they will be presented with key achievements and best practices in global digital trade.
In addition, the Advanced Training on Digital Economy Innovation and Development for Member Enterprises of the World Internet Conference will be held tomorrow afternoon. This closed-door session will feature expert-led policy briefings, analysis of international regulations, and practical case studies, offering tailored guidance for enterprise-level digital transformation and compliance.
The World Internet Conference Digital Academy (WICDA) was officially launched in November 2024 to
focus on key areas of the digital economy. Our goal is to conduct training programs globally, especially for developing countries, to cultivate digital talents, empowering governments and enterprises in their digital transformation, bridging the global digital divide, and fostering the shared benefits of inclusive development.
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