The internet has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives, becoming an indispensable tool for social and economic interactions worldwide. From health and finance to sports and entertainment, virtually every sector relies on internet-enabled systems to operate efficiently.
The 10th World Internet Conference (WIC), held from November 8 to 10 in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, symbolizes this digital transformation. Wuzhen, an ancient town with a rich history of rivers and canals, has evolved into a modern digital hub, leveraging the power of the internet to drive innovation and economic growth.
Official reports highlight Wuzhen's comprehensive use of the internet industry to promote digital agriculture, cultural tourism, education, and industrial development. The town is on a mission to become an \"International Internet Town,\" encompassing a planned area of 110 square kilometers designed to host world-class internet-related exchanges and exhibitions.
This remarkable transformation from a quiet river town to a bustling digital center underscores the internet's potential to foster economic inclusion. Thousands of jobs have been created, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to benefit from investments in various industries. The internet's universal reach is crucial in providing livelihoods to millions who might otherwise be excluded from the global economy.
In his virtual address at the opening of the WIC, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that the internet should serve all countries, highlighting the importance of improving public access to information-based services, bridging the digital divide, and enhancing people's lives through internet development.
The internet has unlocked unprecedented achievements for humanity. It has become a platform where both developed and developing nations can innovate and explore new frontiers, including advanced space exploration technologies. However, the conference also addressed the ongoing digital divide, particularly between the Global North and the Global South, which continues to exacerbate social and economic inequalities despite the widespread availability of internet resources.
The 10th WIC in Wuzhen not only celebrates the internet's achievements but also calls for collective efforts to ensure that its benefits are accessible to all, fostering a more inclusive and connected global community.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
