CIDCA vice-chairman delivers speech at sub-forum of 3rd High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development

The third High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development was held in Beijing on April 21-22, with one of its side events highlighting the fact that digital technology is injecting strong momentum into global development.

That observation was made on April 22 at a sub-forum under the theme "Empowering High-Quality Development in the Global South through Digital Technology". The event was staged by the Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission, the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park and the Haidian District People's Government of Beijing Municipality.

Zhao Fengtao, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, attended and delivered a keynote speech at the sub-forum.

Zhao noted that with the advancement of a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, digital technology is injecting strong momentum into global development.

Digital economy and the connectivity in the digital era are crucial cooperation areas of the Global Development Initiative. According to Zhao, China has actively participated in digital governance and reinforced digital infrastructure to boost development capacity.

Zhao expressed China's readiness to work with the international community to improve the framework of digital governance and enhance the representation and voice of the Global South, thereby building a more equitable digital governance system for the world.

Zhao called for building the "Digital South" brand through better technological empowerment and inclusive sharing.

He also stressed the need to build infrastructure for digital connectivity, in a bid to unlock the development potential of the Global South.

Timor-Leste's Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay and Vice-Mayor of Beijing Tang Wenhong delivered speeches at the sub-forum. Nearly 300 participants, including representatives from governments, international organizations, and enterprises in the digital and artificial intelligence sectors, as well as Chinese and foreign scholars, attended the event on site. The attendees had in-depth discussions around the theme of the sub-forum.