The launch ceremony of the World Internet Conference Digital Academy is held during the 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit.

The World Internet Conference Digital Academy (WICDA) was launched during the main forum of the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit. As the academy's inaugural international capacity building program, the World Internet Conference Global Elite Training began on Nov 21.

 Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the WIC and president of the WICDA, Jiang Xiaojuan, professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and former deputy secretary-general of the State Council, and Barbara Ramos, chief of Research and Strategies for Exports at the International Trade Centre, attended and addressed the event.

Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the World Internet Conference and president of the World Internet Conference Digital Academy, gives a speech at the opening ceremony of the World Internet Conference Global Elite Training program. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Jiang Xiaojuan, professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and former deputy secretary-general of the State Council, addresses the opening ceremony of the World Internet Conference Global Elite Training program. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Barbara Ramos, chief of Research and Strategies for Exports at the International Trade Centre, addresses the opening ceremony of the World Internet Conference Global Elite Training program. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Renowned experts gave lectures on such topics as new quality productive forces and the digital economy, opportunities and challenges in cross-border e-commerce for small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large language models and the dawn of the AI era, and international trade rules and corporate digital transformation.

Zhou Hongyi, founder of 360 Group, gives a lecture on large language models and the dawn of the AI era. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Zhao Zhongxiu, president of the University of International Business and Economics and fellow of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, gives a lecture on international trade rules and corporate digital transformation. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

This training focuses on cutting-edge developments in the digital economy, trends in the internet industry, and global strategies for enhancing leadership in digital transformation. It has attracted 40 senior management personnel from government departments, social organizations, and enterprises across 32 developing countries.

Trainees take notes during the lectures. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

The WICDA serves as an international training platform for government officials, corporate leaders, and social organization heads, particularly those from developing countries. By focusing on high-priority topics such as artificial intelligence, data, security and emergency response, and cross-border e-commerce, the academy aims to cultivate professionals with global perspectives, cutting-edge digital thinking, and advanced digital skills. It is also dedicated to empowering SMEs worldwide on their digital transformation journeys, stimulating the growth of the digital economy and ensuring inclusive and sustainable development for all.

As the flagship training program of the WICDA, Global Elite Training will feature more comprehensive and diverse courses to nurture management talent equipped with digital leadership expertise.