As the year 2024 draws to a close, the World Internet Conference (WIC) can reflect on a year of significant progress in building a community with a shared future in cyberspace. From high-level forums to launching new initiatives, 2024 has been marked by enhanced international cooperation and promotion of digital development. These initiatives underscore the WIC's resolve to encourage global dialogue and collaboration in pursuit of an improved digital future.

In February, during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, the WIC organized a special forum, "Computing Power Network: Smarter Network for a Smarter World", which brought together global industry experts to explore the potential of smart networks to empower the digital world. This discussion laid the foundation for collaborative efforts to advance computing power networks, enabling a smarter and more connected global society.

In April, the WIC hosted the Digital Silk Road Development Forum in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province. Participants from nearly 50 countries and regions discussed how connectivity and shared prosperity can drive infrastructure development, digital economy growth, and bridge the digital divide. The forum provided an essential platform for enhancing international collaboration among countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The WIC's Working Group on Cross-Border E-Commerce unveiled the "Collection of Cross-Border E-Commerce Practice Cases" and organized a series of discussions on e-commerce competitiveness, further strengthening the global cross-border trade ecosystem.

In September, the Seminar on Advancing the Building of a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace to a New Stage was held in Beijing, where experts from countries including China, the Republic of Korea, the UK and Australia, shared their insights and experiences. The discussions emphasized the significance of working together to ensure that internet development benefits all of humanity. The WIC called on all stakeholders to prioritize common development, and promote mutual understanding and collective action in the digital age.

Another significant milestone was the adoption of the Global Digital Compact at the United Nation's Summit of the Future in September. The WIC, in collaboration with 15 other organizations, successfully submitted a proposal, which aims to guide global digital policies and promote cross-border digital collaboration.

The WIC Wuzhen Summit in November was the highlight of the year, gathering participants from over 130 countries and regions to discuss "Embracing a People-Centered and AI-for-Good Digital Future". The summit showcased the international community's commitment to building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

Several key awards and initiatives were launched during the summit, including the 2024 WIC Awards for Pioneering Science and Technology and Release and Presentation of Outstanding Cases of Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace.

The Light of Internet Expo featured over 40 AI models, while the "Straight to Wuzhen" Global Internet Competition brought a fresh focus to AI+ innovation applications. The Wuzhen World Internet Science and Technology Museum was also enhanced with interactive experiences, offering participants a chance to engage with cutting-edge technology and latest use cases of AI.

A key milestone in 2024 was the establishment of the World Internet Conference Specialized Committee on Artificial Intelligence during the Wuzhen Summit. The committee will play an important role in developing standards for AI, addressing security and governance issues, and promoting global AI cooperation.

In addition, the Think Tank Cooperation Program was launched, with the goal of enhancing collaboration between global think tanks. This initiative will facilitate joint research, policy exchanges, and the release of thought leadership that supports industry growth and digital transformation.

The WIC Data Working Group also contributed with the release of the "Promoting Open, Collaborative, and Mutually Beneficial Global Data Cooperation" report, which provides actionable insights for enhancing global data cooperation, an area of increasing importance in today's digital landscape.

The WIC Global Youth Leadership Program, in its second year, attracted participants from 85 countries and regions, with 18 young leaders from 17 nations making to the final list. This initiative emphasizes the importance of young people around the world shaping their own digital future.

The World Internet Conference Digital Academy, launched during the Wuzhen Summit, provides a platform for internet capacity building, particularly for governments and enterprises in developing countries. In 2024, the academy hosted Global Elite Training and Digital Silk Road Cross-Border E-Commerce Training, helping to equip emerging leaders with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

The year 2024 also saw the WIC's network of members grow. Over 170 organizations and individuals from more than 30 countries and regions have joined the WIC community, strengthening global collaboration on internet development.

The WIC held several Membership Activity Days, offering members an opportunity to connect and discuss best practice. 

Looking back on the achievements of 2024, the WIC will continue playing its role in shaping the future of cyberspace. Looking ahead to 2025, the WIC plans to build on the success of the Wuzhen Summit, hosting forums at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and organizing regional events like the Asia-Pacific Summit in Hong Kong and the Digital Silk Road Development Forum in Quanzhou, East China's Fujian province.

The World Internet Conference (WIC) was established as an international organization on July 12, 2022, headquartered in Beijing, China. It was jointly initiated by Global System for Mobile Communication Association (GSMA), National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Center of China (CNCERT), China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), Alibaba Group, Tencent, and Zhijiang Lab.