Registration opens for global internet talent and digital leadership program in Wuzhen

WICDA 2026

The 2026 WIC Global Elite Training-Future Digital Leadership Development Workshop (Wuzhen), part of the annual flagship capacity-building initiative of the World Internet Conference Digital & AI Academy (WICDA), will be held during the 2026 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit.

The four-day program, built around the theme of the Wuzhen Summit, will draw on the Wuzhen Summit's high-level international platform to provide specialized training for government officials, business executives and professionals in related fields from around the world, particularly those from developing countries. Through lectures, discussions and field visits, the program aims to help participants keep pace with rapid advances in digitalization, connectivity and smart technologies, while strengthening their core digital and AI literacy, global perspective and leadership skills.

Since targeted recruitment began, the program has received registrations from government and business representatives in more than 20 countries and regions, including Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, Nigeria and Costa Rica. Registration is now open to applicants worldwide. Places are limited, and registration will close once all spots are filled.

The 2025 WIC Global Elite Training

Program highlights

The program is jointly organized by the WIC Digital & AI Academy, GSMA and the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC). By bringing together the international resources and industry networks of the three organizations, it will provide a platform for in-depth learning and exchange.

The faculty will include senior representatives of international organizations, scholars from leading universities in China and abroad, and experts from major companies. Through lectures and interactive discussions, they will examine emerging trends, share practical experience and help participants strengthen their capacity for governance, transformation and decision-making in the digital and AI era. The program will also explore how open-source collaboration can make digital and AI development more inclusive.

Speakers include:

Francis Gurry

vice-chair of the WIC and chairman of the Executive Council of the GSLDC 

John Hoffman

chair of GSMA Ltd

Zeng Yi

co-chair of the Artificial Intelligence Special Committee of the WIC and Wu Yuzhang chair professor of the Gaoling School of Artificial Intelligence at Renmin University of China

Additional speakers from leading companies will be announced in due course.

Zhejiang is one of China's most dynamic centers for open-source innovation, with leading companies and technology platforms in fields including artificial intelligence, intelligent manufacturing and cybersecurity. Wuzhen, the permanent venue of the World Internet Conference, also serves as an important window into global internet trends and advances in digital civilization.

The program will feature exclusive field trips to key digital industry parks and leading internet companies in Zhejiang, as well as the Light of Internet Expo and the Wuzhen World Internet Sci-Tech Museum. These immersive visits and exchanges will give participants a closer look at the practical application of open-source technologies and the developments in digital transformation and industrial upgrading.

Field Trip of the 2025 WIC Global Elite Training

Benefits for participants

Take part in the program's lectures, case studies and field visits.

Connect with government and business participants from multiple countries and build a long-term global network for cooperation.

Engage directly with experts in digitalization, connectivity and smart technologies, as well as senior executives from leading companies.

Attend Wuzhen Summit events, including the main forum and sub-forums, and visit the Light of Internet Expo and the Wuzhen World Internet Sci-Tech Museum.

Join a specially designed field study tour in Hangzhou to explore open-source applications and cutting-edge digital transformation practices.

Receive a certificate of completion jointly issued by the WIC, GSMA and GSLDC.

Join the WIC Digital & AI Academy alumni network and continue to participate in future exchanges and networking activities.

Details are subject to the final schedule.

Who can apply

Representatives of government departments worldwide, particularly those from developing countries.

Middle and senior managers from companies around the world.

Professionals working in digitalization, connectivity and smart technologies.

Others in related fields with a strong interest in the program's topics who wish to take part in international exchange.

Registration and inquiries

Scan the QR code to submit an expression of interest. The program team will contact you with further details. The registration system will close at 6 pm on Oct 20.

Ms. Song: +86-10-87931750 / +86-18612866976

Ms. Ge: +86-10-87931750 / +86-13621103386

Email: digitalacademy@wicinternet.org