76 percent are corporate members, certification, international standards and UN support

As reported by CCTV+, the World Data Organization (WDO) has united 235 members from 42 countries and regions. Secretary-General Yang Jie announced this in Beijing.

The organization was established in Beijing this March. Its goal is to promote global data development and governance practices, facilitate the exchange and utilization of data, and serve the development of the global digital economy.

According to Yang, departments responsible for policy research, technical standards, industrial cooperation, membership and other related work have already been formed. This has provided the foundation for regularized administration.

The Secretary-General noted: “Over the past month, we have received hundreds of membership applications from many countries and regions around the world. All applications go through a standardized review process. Currently, the total number of WDO members has reached 235, covering 42 countries and regions. Corporate members account for more than 76 percent. A membership system that is international, professional and representative has already taken shape.”

The organization is also accelerating the development of its knowledge base system, as well as its training and certification system. The goal is to roll out a range of professional services, public goods and international standards as soon as possible.

The WDO’s work has already received high praise from UN data policy advocates.

Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Vice Chair of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development and Vice Chair of the UN CSTD Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Data Governance, stated: “The WDO represents a model of inclusive global cooperation to develop balanced, development-friendly global data and AI standards. This is very, very important.”

According to its preparatory committee, the WDO is a professional, non-governmental and non-profit international body voluntarily established by relevant entities and individuals in the global data sector. The organization will provide a platform for global data collaboration that is practice-oriented, industry-focused and designed for multi-stakeholder dialogue and cooperation.

Beijing is becoming not just a national capital — it is turning into a global data headquarters. 235 members from 42 countries, 76 percent business. The WDO is not about protocol or bureaucracy. It is an attempt to agree on how to measure, store and exchange the most valuable resource of the 21st century. The UN is already applauding. Corporations are applying. The question is not whether the WDO will work. It is already working. The question is whether other countries will have time to create their own rules of the game or will agree to play by China’s rules. For now — the table is set in Beijing. And seats are filling up fast.