CRI Online — From Nov 6 to 9, during the World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, the World Internet Conference Digital Academy (WICDA) hosted the 2025 World Internet Conference Global Elite Training (WIC-GET 2025). The program brought together over 40 officials and professionals from more than 30 countries and regions, representing government departments and institutions. Here, participants not only learned about cutting-edge technologies and ideas but also viewed China as a "mirror" through which to explore digital development paths tailored to their own national realities.

Patrick Nijs, Co-Founder of the EU-China Joint Innovation Center and Former Belgian Ambassador to China, delivers a lecture at the training program [Photo by Jiao Juning]

Bridging the Digital Divide: Talent Development as the Breakthrough

"Many people around the world still lack access to the Internet. How should we respond? The answer lies in cultivating talent," said Patrick Nijs, Co-Founder of the EU-China Joint Innovation Center and former Belgian Ambassador to China. He emphasized that in an era of rapid technological change, providing hardware alone is not enough to address the root causes—sustainable progress hinges on nurturing homegrown talent. Nijs noted that China, as the world's largest developing country and a global leader in digital technology, serves as a bridge connecting countries at different stages of development and promoting digital inclusiveness. The Global Elite Training of World Internet Conference Digital Academy embodies this vision, bringing together participants from around the world who will become key drivers in narrowing the digital divide.

Ideas First: Igniting the Spark of Governance Innovation

Vision precedes action. Unlike importing technologies or securing financial support, advanced ideas often ignite the spark of transformation. Yakupitiyage Kasuni Sandunika, from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism, was impressed by China's widespread adoption of mobile payment systems. She realized that it was more than a technological change—it represented transparency and traceability in transactions. "E-payments can serve as a tool for social governance," she said. The program's core value lies in its role as an intellectual catalyst, opening a window for officials from developing countries to glimpse the frontiers of digital civilization and enabling pioneers like Sandunika to return home ready to chart development paths suited to their national contexts.

Classroom scene from the training program [Photo by Jiao Juning]

Empowering Individuals: Bringing China's Experience Home

Auxillia Lifalalo, an official from the National Planning Department of Zambia's Ministry of Finance, expressed strong optimism about her country's growing ICT sector. She noted that Zambia's national strategy is undergoing a crucial transformation—from being a "beneficiary of technology" to becoming a "co-creator of innovation." This shift from "receiving" to "creating" reflects a broader awakening among developing countries amid the global digital wave. Lifalalo said the program offered invaluable knowledge and networking opportunities, transforming participants' passion for learning into momentum for national development. During the training, she had the chance to learn directly from leading global experts and gain deep insights into digital development. Looking ahead, she plans to advocate for more digital innovation projects and promote policy and legislative improvements—integrating China's experience into Zambia's development agenda.

As the flagship capacity-building initiative of the WIC Digital Academy, the Global Elite Training underscores that bridging the digital divide requires collective global wisdom and collaboration. In this process, China has transformed from a participant into an active advocate and connector. China's contribution goes beyond technology—it offers a new paradigm grounded in equality, cooperation, and shared opportunities for development.