On Nov 8, the Next-Generation Internet Forum of the 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit was held in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The report "Promoting Global Digital Infrastructure Development and Bridging the Digital Divide," which is the research outcome of the WIC Think Tank Cooperation Program, was released at the forum. Zhang Haiyi, director of the Technology and Standards Research Institute at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), introduced the main findings of this joint research project on behalf of the program.
The Report first elaborates on the conceptual scope of digital infrastructure, defining it as a novel infrastructure system which spans the entire lifecycle of data elements. It systematically sorts out the current status of global digital infrastructure development that the coverage of network infrastructure continues to expand, computing power infrastructure is gradually moving towards sustainable development, data infrastructure activates the value of data elements, and model infrastructure promotes intelligent transformation in various fields. The Report also analyzes the current status of global digital divide, pointing out that the scope of digital divide has gradually expanded from network connectivity to encompass broader aspects such as intelligence and security capabilities.
The Report further analyzes three key challenges in international cooperation in digital infrastructure development which includes the differences in digital governance approaches, the imbalance in digital development capabilities and the uneven investment in digital infrastructure. In response to these key challenges, the Report puts forward recommendations for international cooperation in global digital infrastructure development from the perspectives of countries, international organizations, and industry. At the national level, it is necessary to promote infrastructure connectivity and mutual recognition of rules. At the international organization level, it is necessary to enhance the role of multilateral mechanisms, promote standard coordination and capacity building. At the industry level, it is necessary to promote technology inclusiveness and ecosystem co-construction. From narrowing the gap in digital development between Global North and Global South to enabling underdeveloped regions to share the dividends of intelligent transformation, from safeguarding the digital rights and interests of vulnerable groups to promoting digital technology to truly serve the common well-being of humanity, the report calls for transforming the consensus on bridging the digital divide into concrete actions.
Digital infrastructure has become an important cornerstone for promoting global economic development and social progress. The significance of promoting global digital infrastructure development and international cooperation lies in driving human society towards intelligent interconnection and sharing the dividends of the digital development era through connection, empowerment and reconstruction. This report points out the direction for international cooperation in current digital infrastructure development, gathers international consensus with the concept of inclusive development, and demonstrates the contemporary significance of addressing global challenges through multilateral coordination and building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.
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