John Hoffman: Driving global digital transformation and promoting evolution of critical communication technologies

— Individual Recipient of the 2024 World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award

John Hoffman

As CEO of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), John Hoffman has led efforts to drive global digital transformation and the adoption and upgrading of vital technologies.

Under his leadership, GSMA has worked with global partners to shape the future of telecommunication. The GSMA has contributed not only to the widespread deployment of mobile technologies but also to the development of industry standards, sector collaboration, and innovation. The association has driven the global rollout and advancement of 4G and 5G, while actively advocating for 6G, the Internet of Things, and collaboration to enhance connectivity and broader applications of connected technologies.

Hoffman emphasized the critical role of the internet in advancing human development and added that ensuring a secure and inclusive internet is a shared goal of both the GSMA and the World Internet Conference (WIC).

"I am honored to receive the WIC Distinguished Contribution Award, and to accept it on behalf of the GSMA," said Hoffman, acknowledging the GSMA's long-standing collaboration with the WIC, a partnership that has lasted 11 years, with Hoffman personally involved for the past decade.

Artificial intelligence, he said, is currently one of the most transformative forces in technology and is entering a new phase of maturity. The world is at the dawn of an ethical revolution in AI. He commended the 2024 WIC Wuzhen Summit held under the theme "Embracing a People-Centered and AI-for-Good Digital Future - Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace," for creating a timely and important opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence can be used ethically and how it can benefit all humanity in the future. Hoffman stressed the need to fully leverage the WIC as a platform to deepen cooperation, seize new opportunities, and jointly shape a future driven by the convergence of AI and 5G.

In November 2023, Hoffman was recognized as a Special Contributor as part of the Wuzhen Summit 10-Year Commemorative Honor. The award acknowledged his key role in helping to establish the WIC as an international organization and his outstanding contribution to strengthening its engagement in the global mobile ecosystem and Internet governance.

He believes the WIC Wuzhen Summit, since its inception in 2014, has become a major global platform in the Internet sector. It has significantly contributed to fostering dialogue and collaboration among governments, international organizations, multinational companies, and the tech community. The GSMA is committed to deepening its partnership with the WIC to further promote the thriving development of the industry.

The World Internet Conference launched its Distinguished Contribution Award in 2024 to recognize individuals and enterprises that have made outstanding contributions to the global internet sector. The first award ceremony was held at last year's Wuzhen Summit, where seven global leaders and 14 renowned companies were honored.