At the 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit, Francis Gurry, vice-chair of the WIC and former director-general of the World Intellectual Property Organization, said that the future of the internet depends on cooperation rather than competition.

Gurry praised the participants of the Global Youth Leadership Program, noting that they demonstrate outstanding technical skills and a strong sense of social responsibility. He highlighted that the program has evolved from a summit-based exchange platform into a year-round empowerment initiative, continuously offering opportunities for young people worldwide.

Addressing current global internet challenges, Gurry called for stronger international cooperation to bridge the digital divide. He stressed that the internet was designed as an open medium and must be used to foster global collaboration so that everyone can benefit from the social, cultural, and economic dividends of digitalization.

Watch the full video to learn more about Francis Gurry's insights.