Future Digital Leadership Development Program launched in Shanghai

A landmark memorandum of cooperation on the Future Digital Leadership Development Program was signed in Shanghai on June 25 by the World Internet Conference (WIC), the GSMA and the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC). 

The three parties jointly launched the program, which will pool their expertise in global strategic leadership — including “National digital+AI governance and policy+ global digital governance+ Telecommunication tech and regulations”. 

Leveraging their global networks and professional strength, the trio plan to jointly establish a training curriculum system.

This will enhance digital governance, industry coordination and international cooperation capabilities of policymakers and industry practitioners worldwide — with a particular focus on developing countries. Together, the partners are committed to advancing the global digital and intelligent development.

Liang Hao, executive deputy secretary-general of the WIC, executive dean of WICDA (left), John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA Co., Ltd (center), and Faborizo Hochschild Drummond, Advisory Committee of the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (right) attend the ceremony and sign the memorandum. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

For WIC side, the initiative is implemented by WIC Digital & AI Academy (WICDA). The WICDA— the WIC's platform for international capacity building and exchanges — advances global digital and intelligent capacity building, particularly in developing countries.

It aims to cultivate digital talent, bridge the digital and intelligence divide, and ensure shared access to the dividends of inclusive development.

With nearly 40 years of experience in the global mobile communications sector, the GSMA has run global capacity-building programs since 2013. Its initiatives have strengthened comprehensive information and communications technology capabilities in more than 180 countries, with a focus on developing countries.

Jointly established by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Global Youth Leadership Development Council (GYLDC), the GSLDC focuses on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and youth leadership development, providing professional support for implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Over the course of next year, the Future Digital Leadership Development Program will organize three capacity-building activities. 

The first session will be held during MWC26 Shanghai, featuring expert lectures and field studies, with an aim to foster talent worldwide.