Oriented on making people closer

The 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Summit has opened in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, east China. The event has gathered over 1,000 delegates, including representatives from international organizations, government agencies, leading Internet companies, as well as experts and scholars.

The theme of the 2024 event is “Embracing a People-Centered Digital Future that Leverages AI for Good: Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace.” It includes 24 sub-forums on topics such as the Global Development Initiative, the Digital Economy, and the Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies.

Participants called for innovation in artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and blockchain, while accelerating the translation of scientific advances into practical applications. Participants also reached a consensus to promote the development of artificial intelligence aimed at improving human well-being. These efforts should prioritize social security, respect for human rights, shared global values and a people-centered ethical approach to AI.

“Artificial intelligence is changing people’s lives at an unimaginable speed,” Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs said, addressing participants via video link at the opening ceremony.

The main forum also included an award ceremony for 18 WIC 2024 Global Youth Leaders for their contributions to the development of the Internet. The WIC Global Youth Leadership Program, established in 2023, identifies young Internet talent around the world.

Following the award ceremony, the summit hosted the launch ceremonies of the WIC Think Tanks and WIC Digital Academy collaboration program.

The WIC Digital Academy is designed to prepare professionals with digital thinking and skills. By facilitating the global flow of knowledge and technology, the institute aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of Internet development reach more countries and people.

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