Beijing, April 1: In the age of intelligence, data is considered “the new oil” and a key factor in production. However, immediate solutions to challenges such as cross-border flow and secure governance are essential. The World Data Organization (WDO), the world’s first professional international organization focused on data development and governance, has recently been established in China’s capital, Beijing. Its location reflects both China’s data-related strength and its commitment to governance.
The organization brings together over 200 members from more than 40 countries, filling the existing gap in international data governance coordination mechanisms. President Xi Jinping emphasized in his congratulatory letter that China will adhere to the principles of extensive consultation, shared cooperation, and mutual benefits, supporting the organization’s role in promoting the secure flow and efficient development of data. According to Professor Qiao Jieqi from Peking University, this platform can address the challenges of data policies in various countries, promote the breaking of monopolies, bridge the digital divide, and enhance the development capabilities of countries in the Global South.
The decision to establish the headquarters in Beijing is inspired by China’s strong data foundation and management experience. According to the International Data Group (IDG), by 2025, China’s total data volume will account for 27.8% of the global total, placing it in the top position. Its digital economy will be the second largest globally, with over 1.125 billion internet users, and its digital infrastructure and application landscape will be leading. China has long promoted the commercialization of data elements, established laws such as the Cybersecurity Law and Data Security Law, and gained practical experience in balancing development and protection, which has received international recognition.
China continues to contribute solutions to global data management. In 2020, China proposed a global data security initiative. In 2023, at the United Nations World Data Forum, China advocated for “data management” to support sustainable development. In its inaugural meeting, China’s three suggestions (open cooperation to promote dissemination, inclusive sharing to promote development, and collaborative governance to protect security) coordinated development and security, which was widely appreciated. Check Perry, chairman of the 48 Group in the UK, praised China for making digital benefits more inclusive.
The era of big data presents both opportunities and challenges, making the establishment of the World Data Organization timely. As the headquarters, China will work with all parties to build a fair, open, secure, and inclusive global data management system, enabling the benefits of data to be utilized for the world and achieving the goal of “winning the future together by embracing data.”