The World Internet Conference (WIC) hosted its Spring Festival Reception in Beijing on Jan 15. Wang Song, vice-minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China, delivered a keynote address, while Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the WIC, presided over the event.
In his address, Wang highlighted the achievements of the WIC over the past year, noting its success in charting a clear course for development and making significant progress across multiple fronts.
President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations via video to the opening ceremony of the 2024 WIC Wuzhen Summit, providing fundamental guidance for the WIC. In his message, President Xi stressed the importance of innovation as the primary driver, security as the foundational safeguard, and inclusiveness as the core value. He called for accelerating the development of an innovative, safe and inclusive cyberspace, and working together to build a brighter digital future. This vision provides a roadmap for enhancing international cooperation in the internet sector and building a community with a shared future in cyberspace, Wang noted.
Looking ahead to 2025, Wang said the WIC will continue to ride the wave of the digital, internet-based, and intelligent development. It will host regional summits, thematic forums and flagship events, such as the WIC Distinguished Contribution Award and the WIC Awards for Pioneering Science and Technology, according to Wang. The WIC will also strengthen its partnerships with global think tanks, introduce more public goods, and strengthen its international training programs, he added.
By actively engaging in international internet cooperation mechanisms, the WIC will bring together global forces for internet development and governance, ensuring that the internet better serves the people of all nations, Wang concluded.
Attendees at the reception agreed that the WIC has created a diverse array of platforms for international exchanges and cooperation, recognizing it as a pivotal force driving global internet development. They expressed optimism about working with the WIC in the upcoming year to deepen collaboration and propel the vision of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace to new heights.
Approximately 300 guests attended the event, including diplomatic envoys, representatives from international organizations in China, and those from Chinese government departments, media outlets, and WIC members.
