Beijing Welcomes The World As GDEC 2025 Gets Underway

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- The 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference (GDEC 2025) opened in Beijing on July 2 under the theme "Building a Digital-Friendly City", drawing thousands of participants, including over 300 international delegates from more than 50 countries and key global organisations.

In a landmark move at the opening ceremony, Beijing officially launched the Global Digital Economy City Alliance in partnership with over 40 cities across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America.

The initiative aims to foster multilateral collaboration on digital infrastructure, cross-border data governance, artificial intelligence ethics, and smart city applications, according to a statement.

Marking a shift from bilateral cooperation to institutionalised multilateral frameworks, the Alliance is positioned to accelerate joint innovation, strengthen city-level digital ecosystems, and promote coordinated digital governance across global urban networks.

The Alliance builds on earlier milestones, including the “Digital Economy Partner Cities” initiative introduced at GDEC 2023 and the rollout of Beijing’s “Six-Action Plans” with initial member cities in 2024.

The initiative also gains backing from international institutions such as the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, the International Telecommunication Union, and the International Trade Centre.

Approved by China’s State Council, GDEC 2025 is co-hosted by the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Data Administration, the Xinhua News Agency, and the United Nations Development Programme.

The event follows a “1+6+N” format — comprising one opening ceremony, six main forums, and a series of thematic and featured events.

-- BERNAMA