The World Internet Conference (WIC) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to address the significant artificial intelligence divide across Asia-Pacific nations, with particular focus on developing economies and small island states. Secretary-General Ren Xianliang announced at a Beijing press conference that the 2026 Asia-Pacific Summit will convene at Hong Kong’s Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 13-14, marking a pivotal moment in regional digital cooperation.
The summit’s framework moves beyond theoretical discussions to implement practical solutions through six specialized sub-forums, including ‘AI for Better Life’ and ‘Digital and Intelligent Health.’ These forums will concentrate on developing secure digital systems and innovative healthcare models specifically designed for emerging economies’ unique challenges.
A cornerstone of the strategy involves the WIC Digital Academy, which will host capacity-building programs featuring advanced training in AI and cybersecurity for government officials and industry professionals from developing nations. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through field visits to technological hubs like the Hong Kong Development Zone, blending technical education with practical implementation strategies.
The conference will achieve a significant milestone by hosting its first ministerial-level meeting, creating a premier platform for high-level officials and international organizations to discuss AI’s role in driving sustainable economic growth. Rather than exporting predefined technical models, the initiative focuses on cultivating local talent and building sustainable infrastructure tailored to each nation’s economic context.
This approach reflects a fundamental shift toward genuine capacity building, particularly for countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. The strategy emphasizes reproducible digital transformation cases that can be adapted to various economic environments, ensuring technological solutions align with local needs and resources.
The initiative emerged from poignant dialogues at the 2025 conference, where representatives from Pacific island nations like Samoa expressed their profound desire to participate fully in the digital age. This emotional imperative now drives the WIC’s commitment to creating a ‘community with a shared future in cyberspace,’ where digital advancement benefits all global community members equally.