Global experts to share insights on AI-driven digital trade in Xi’an

The Capacity Building on AI-Driven Digital Trade, one of the capacity-building initiatives under the 2026 World Internet Conference (WIC) Digital Silk Road Development Forum, will be held in Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

Bringing together senior experts from international organizations, government authorities and the digital trade sector, the program will convene government officials, business executives and industry professionals from developing countries around the world. Centered on three key dimensions — global governance, government regulation and industry practice — the program will explore major issues in AI-driven digital trade, including inclusiveness, regulatory compliance and practical application.

Designed as a multilateral platform with a global perspective, the program will facilitate dialogue, knowledge sharing and practical learning, helping participants strengthen their capabilities and competitiveness in AI-driven digital trade in the AI era.

Leading experts share insights into the future of digital trade

Experts

John Higgins 

Co-lead of Standards Program of World Internet Conference Specialized Committee on Artificial Intelligence, Chair of International Al Governance Association

John Higgins is co-lead of the Standards Program of the WIC Specialized Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chair of the International AI Governance Association, and former director general of DIGITALEUROPE. A veteran leader in the digital technology sector, he has headed several international industry organizations and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his contributions to the IT industry.

He will discuss:

What are the major constraints limiting the competitiveness of developing countries in AI-driven digital trade? 

How can developing countries strengthen their voice in international standard-setting for AI-related digital trade and avoid imbalances in rule-making? 

How can international organizations better balance the development interests of developed and developing economies in global digital trade governance? 

Nishtha Mehta

Senior Advisor, International, Centers of Excellence for AI and Digital Transformation, UNIDO

Nishtha Mehta serves as international senior advisor for the Centers of Excellence for AI and Digital Transformation at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). She facilitates the exchange of best practices, resource mobilization, and cooperation among member states, local stakeholders, governments, and technology ecosystem partners. She also supports the development of UNIDO’s Centers of Excellence and the Global Alliance on AI for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM Global). Over the years, Nishtha has built strong partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, international organizations, startup ecosystems, chambers of commerce, and industry networks.

She will discuss:

How is AI reshaping global industrial manufacturing landscape, and what role does UNIDO AIM Global play? 

How can digital solutions leverage UNIDO AIM Global to support scale-up cross-border collaboration and deliver tangible benefits? 

How can industry-academia collaboration and global standards help SMEs and developing economies integrate into digital value chains and build sustainable AI partnerships? 

Lin Zhiqiang

Division Director for Data and Technical Support Center of the Cyberspace Administration of China

Lin Zhiqiang has extensive experience in information technology development and online content security. His current research focuses on data security, cross-border data flows and personal information protection. He serves as deputy head of the Data Security Standards Working Group under the National Technical Committee 260 on Cybersecurity of Standardization Administration of China.

He will discuss:

What are the major models of cross-border data governance adopted by leading economies? 

What are the core principles behind China's cross-border data governance framework? 

What are the key issues surrounding cross-border data flows in digital trade? 

Song Juntao

Vice-Chair, WIC Specialized Committee on E-commerce; Former Secretary-General, Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP)

With extensive experience spanning government agencies, international organizations and global digital trade platforms, Song Juntao has long been at the forefront of advancing innovation in cross-border e-commerce and digital trade rules. He has extensive expertise in tariff policymaking, customs administration and border governance, and has participated in bilateral free trade agreement negotiations as well as rule-making under the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). During his tenure as secretary-general of the Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP), he played a key role in advancing the platform’s global development strategy and helped launch 11 cooperation projects in Malaysia, Rwanda, Thailand, Belgium and other countries, supporting SMEs in integrating into the global digital trade ecosystem.

He will discuss:

How is AI transforming cross-border e-commerce value chains? 

Why is AI governance becoming a key competitive advantage in cross-border e-commerce? 

What opportunities can AI create for developing countries and SMEs? 

Participants from around the world to join the program

The program has already attracted government and business representatives from nearly 20 countries and regions, including Cuba, Russia, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Brazil. 

Participants will also join the "Digital Port" field study, including tours of the China Railway Express Xi'an Assembly Center and the Xi'an Chanba Cross-Border E-Commerce Industrial Park, as well as activities held during the 2026 WIC Digital Silk Road Development Forum.

The WIC Digital & AI Academy (WICDA) serves as the WIC's platform for capacity-building cooperation and exchange. It focuses on digital and AI capacity building worldwide, particularly in developing countries. WICDA aims to cultivate digital and AI talent, bridge the digital and AI divide, and ensure that all countries benefit from inclusive development.