Global ties urged for intelligent, interconnected digital economy

Governments and enterprises worldwide should deepen cooperation in building an intelligent and interconnected digital economy, as the world is entering a historic transition driven by the internet of things, artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies, said participants attending a recent meeting in Beijing.

Amandeep Singh Gill, the United Nations' under-secretary-general and secretary-general's special envoy for digital and emerging technologies, said digital technology is reshaping the world economy, adding that the digital future people seek is an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe and secure one.

Gill called for coordinated global action, saying digital cooperation is inherently multi-stakeholder and should fully leverage the unique contributions of governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community and academia.

He stressed that the digital economy will become an important engine that accelerates economic growth and improves social wellbeing, urging countries to strengthen joint innovation.

Gill made the remarks at the opening of the World Internet of Things Convention 2025 last week in Beijing. The gathering, themed "Intelligently Interconnected New Economy, Smart Society in the New Era", drew government officials, ambassadors, executives and experts from more than 80 countries.

He Xuming, chairman of the World Internet of Things Convention Executive Committee, said the rapid upgrade driven by next-generation IoT and AI is "reshaping a brand-new world".

He projected that the global digital economy, driven by IoT-enabled intelligent technology, is growing rapidly at 8 percent annually and could exceed $40 trillion this year. Global IoT connections are expected to rise more than 10 percent to exceed 30 billion, while China leads infrastructure deployment and innovation in the digital economy globally with nearly 4.8 million 5G base stations and device connections expected to surpass 3.5 billion.

Notably, China's digital economy, he said, is projected to reach an annual output value of 80 trillion yuan ($11.3 trillion), supported by more than 1.2 million enterprises engaged in the intelligently interconnected digital economy.

Looking ahead, he urged nations worldwide to jointly build "a global broadband IoT based on 5G, 6G, satellite and quantum communication technologies", enabling global intelligent interconnection of all things and supporting the world's digital economy markets.

Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, he said the world can overcome obstacles through cooperation. "As long as we can raise our understanding, form strategic consensus, establish confidence in sustainable development and strengthen international cooperation, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and create this great smart world.

"We hope that countries will adhere to globalized innovation and development, unite and cooperate, jointly build the global markets of the intelligent-connectivity digital economy and share the development dividends," he added.

The convention released the "Declaration of the Global Intelligently Interconnected Advanced Digital Economy and Social Development", which states that the traditional digital economy will shift toward an intelligently interconnected digital economy, with IoT intelligent technologies serving as the operating system for the global digital economy society.

The declaration proposes that countries should jointly build an intelligently interconnected digital economy society and calls for building a fair, just, scientific and orderly smart world.

Sung Hwan Cho, president of the International Organization for Standardization, said global reliance on digital technology is rising fast.

"According to the World Bank, the digital economy accounts for about 15 percent of global GDP, and one important driving force is the IoT," he said.

He said data-driven technologies are transforming industries and social systems and emphasized the importance of global rules.

"International standards based on consensus for AI, quantum technology and bio-digital convergence help ensure that these emerging technologies develop in a safe, responsible and inclusive manner," he said. Such standards, he added, will promote innovation and enhance user trust.

Looking ahead, he said IoT and digital technologies will continue to reshape economies and societies.

"With international standards as the foundation, we can ensure this transformation is safe, inclusive and sustainable. Through cooperation and innovation, we can unlock the enormous potential of a connected world and jointly create a better future," he added.