Beijing, April 1: In the intelligent age, data is regarded as “the new oil” and a crucial factor in production. However, immediate solutions are needed for challenges such as cross-border data flow and secure governance. The World Data Organization (WDO), the first professional international organization focused on data development and governance, has recently been established in China’s capital, Beijing. Its location reflects both China’s data-related strength and its commitment to governance.
The organization brings together over 200 members from more than 40 countries, filling a gap in the international data governance coordination mechanism. President Xi Jinping emphasized in his congratulatory letter that China will adhere to principles of extensive consultation, shared cooperation, and mutual benefits. He expressed support for the organization’s role in promoting secure data flow and efficient development. According to Professor Qiao Jieqi from Peking University, this platform can address challenges in data policies across various countries, promote the breaking of monopolies, bridge the digital divide, and enhance the development capabilities of countries in the Global South.
The decision to establish the headquarters in Beijing is inspired by China’s robust data foundation and management experience. According to the International Data Group (IDG), by 2025, China’s total data volume will account for 27.8% of the global total, placing it in the top position. Its digital economy will be the second largest globally, with over 1.125 billion internet users, and its digital infrastructure and application landscape will be leading. China has long promoted the marketization of data elements, established laws such as the Cybersecurity Law and the Data Security Law, and gained practical experience in balancing development and protection, which has received international recognition.
China continues to contribute solutions to global data management. In 2020, it proposed a global data security initiative. In 2023, at the United Nations World Data Forum, China advocated for “data management” to support sustainable development. During its inaugural meeting, China’s three suggestions (open cooperation to promote dissemination, inclusive sharing to boost development, and collaborative governance to safeguard security) coordinated development and security, receiving widespread appreciation. Chek Perry, the chairman of the 48 Group in the UK, praised China for making digital benefits more inclusive.
The era of big data presents both opportunities and challenges, making the establishment of the World Data Organization timely. As the headquarters, China aims to collaborate with all parties to build a fair, open, secure, and inclusive global data management system. This will enable the benefits of data to be utilized for the world, achieving the goal of “winning the future together through data.”
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
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