2026 Digital World Conference (DWC) Launched at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
As the global digital transformation accelerates, how digital technologies can better serve social equity and sustainable development has become a key focus for the international community. On July 11, 2025, during the Global Consultation on the Social Aspects of Digital Technologies and AI jointly organized by the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) and the World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, WDTA officially announced the inaugural Digital World Conference (DWC), to be held in Geneva in 2026.
This announcement coincided with the global AI for Good summit, forming a strategic synergy between two major international initiatives. Both aim to promote inclusive development and ethical governance of digital technologies, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Peter Major, Vice Chair of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UN CSTD) and Honorary Chairman of WDTA, noted at the meeting that the world is currently facing both opportunities and challenges brought by the rapid advancement of digital technologies. While digital innovation offers unprecedented momentum for societal progress, issues such as the digital divide, lack of AI ethics, lagging data governance, and insufficient youth engagement are exacerbating social inequalities and hindering the realization of sustainable development goals. The collaboration between WDTA and UNRISD seeks to promote tech for good and enhance the global digital governance architecture.
Prof. Li Yuhang, Executive Chairman of WDTA and Chairman of DWC，emphasized that the DWC will be built on the pillars of "Speed Inclusive Innovation·Safety for all·Share Global Gains." Under the United Nations framework, it will bring together governments, businesses, and civil society worldwide to transform the vision of the UN Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact into actionable multinational collaboration. The DWC aims to build a next-generation governance framework for data and AI, advance inclusive digital practices, foster global leadership in the digital age, and narrow the digital divide for developing countries.
Xu Ting, Vice Chair of WDTA and Executive Chairman of DWC stated: “DWC is not just an annual summit; it is a high-level, multi-tiered, and innovation-driven platform and coordination mechanism. By establishing a three-dimensional dialogue network across regions, sectors, and themes, it will emphasize standards harmonization and capacity building. Following the main conference in Geneva in 2026, we will launch a series of regional forums with partners from the EU, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the African Union, creating a year-round policy dialogue and technical collaboration ecosystem.”
The First DWC will take place in April 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference will focus on key issues such as data governance, safe development of AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and inclusive digital development. It will convene stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to collaborate through dialogue platforms, international standards, digital talent development, and global partnerships to advance the sustainable development of digital technologies. The DWC will also promote the implementation of the AI STR Framework (Safe, Trustworthy, Responsible) and the DigiBridge (Global Digital Talent Development Program) developed by WDTA.
The inaugural DWC will be held alongside the 29th Session of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD). This effort aims to create a sustained global digital dialogue mechanism that promotes tech for good, ensures that the digital dividends benefit all, and helps bridge the digital divide in developing countries.
(Source: WDTA Headquarters Office)