At the 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference in Beijing, leaders from over 40 cities across Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America have launched the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance. This pioneering network marks a new era of multilateral collaboration designed to power the next wave of digital innovation worldwide.
The alliance will focus on critical issues shaping the digital future: upgrading digital infrastructure, setting cross-border data governance standards, embedding AI ethics in emerging technologies and scaling smart city applications. By moving beyond one-off partnerships, member cities aim to share best practices and co-develop solutions on a global stage.
The initiative builds on Beijing’s 2023 Partner City Cooperation Initiative and the six action plans its global network rolled out in 2024. This year’s official launch enjoys support from international bodies such as the UN Institute for Training and Research, the International Telecommunication Union and the International Trade Centre.
Organized by the Beijing municipal government, the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Data Administration, Xinhua News Agency and the United Nations Development Programme, GDEC2025 runs through July 5. The conference features an opening ceremony, six main forums and multiple thematic sessions, drawing more than 1,000 participants from around the world.
For young entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts and digital nomads, this alliance promises richer data ecosystems, stronger cross-border cooperation and a blueprint for sustainable urban innovation. As cities unite under a shared vision, the new alliance could redefine how communities harness digital tools for growth, inclusion and resilience.
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Beijing launches cities alliance to boost global digital economy ties
cgtn.com
