The World Data Organization (WDO) was formally established on Monday in Beijing as the first international body focused on global data development and governance. It serves as a non-governmental, non-profit platform for dialogue, rule-making, and collaboration, with a mission to bridge the data divide, unlock data’s value, and power the digital economy.
Data is central to tackling challenges like poverty, public health, climate change, and AI, yet disparities remain. UNCTAD reports digitally deliverable services accounted for over 60% of exports in advanced economies in 2024, versus 44% in developing and 15% in least-developed countries. Investment and infrastructure are similarly uneven.
The WDO aims to narrow these gaps, enable data-driven solutions, and expand the benefits of digitalization. China has advanced rapidly, with over 4.8 million 5G base stations by 2025 and total computing power ranking second globally. It seeks to help countries, especially in the Global South, improve data governance while ensuring security, privacy, and enterprise interests.
By 2030, the WDO is expected to become a globally influential hub for data development and governance.
Credit : CGTN
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