World Data Organization Officially Established; A New Era Begins for Global Digital Trade and the Data Economy
An important step has been taken for data governance, one of the most critical elements of the global digital economy. The World Data Organization (WDO) was officially established with its first general assembly meeting held in Beijing. The organization, which includes more than 200 members and covers more than 40 countries, aims to strengthen data-focused global cooperation by bringing together companies, universities, think tanks, and financial institutions.
The World Data Organization has become the world’s first professional international body dedicated to advancing data development and governance practices worldwide. Yang Jie, former Chairman of China Mobile, has been appointed Secretary-General of the World Data Organization.
“The Current Wave of Artificial Intelligence Is Driven by Data”
Tan Tieniu, Chairman of the World Data Organization, said that the digital economy is growing rapidly at a time when the global economic recovery continues to remain sluggish and the returns of traditional growth drivers are declining.
Tieniu said the following: “The current wave of artificial intelligence is driven by data. How we can fully unlock the potential of data and accelerate digital economic growth is a common challenge facing humanity and requires a globally recognized platform.”
It Has More Than 200 Members from More Than 40 Countries
The WDO has already brought together more than 200 members from more than 40 countries. Its diverse membership structure includes companies, universities, think tanks, international organizations, and financial institutions covering 14 sectors such as manufacturing, finance, healthcare, e-commerce, transportation, energy, and agriculture.
One of the main goals of the World Data Organization is to reduce incompatibilities arising from differing data policies among countries and to create global standards. In this context, the organization plans to develop common frameworks in data sharing, cross-border flows, and regulatory processes.
The World Data Organization Also Focuses on E-Commerce
Especially in terms of e-commerce and digital services, data now stands at the center of trade. While digital services account for more than 60% of total service exports in advanced economies, this rate remains at the level of 15% in developing countries. This difference shows that global competition is being shaped through data.
The World Data Organization will not be limited to producing policy only; it will also develop concrete projects by implementing data applications in areas such as healthcare, education, energy, and e-commerce. At the same time, it aims to reduce the digital divide by supporting talent development, especially in developing countries.
The fact that data has become a strategic resource in the age of artificial intelligence increases the importance of such initiatives. According to experts, making data flows more secure and standardized may accelerate the scaling of cross-border e-commerce.
What Will the WDO Do?
The World Data Organization will focus on two main areas:
Breaking barriers: Addressing inconsistent data policies among countries, promoting industry consensus, standard recommendations, and best practices in order to support governments and research institutions; while also helping multinational companies reduce their compliance costs.
Building ecosystems: Implementing data applications in real sectors such as healthcare, education, e-commerce, and energy in order to promote project implementation and industrial innovation; while also strengthening talent development, especially in developing countries, in order to close the digital divide.
The New Rules of Digital Trade Are Being Written
The establishment of the WDO is considered a strong indication that global trade is evolving from physical products toward data and digital services. The organization, which is expected to become an influential platform in global data governance by 2030, is opening the doors to a new field of competition for both companies and countries. This development clearly reveals that a period has begun in which the rules in the digital economy are being rewritten.