On March 31, the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland—the European headquarters of the United Nations—will host the first overseas exchange event of the Global Digital Economy Conference 2026: the Forum on Digital Economy Cooperation and Innovation. Guided by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40), together with the organizing committee of the Global Digital Economy Conference, will lead a delegation of benchmark digital economy enterprises from Beijing on their first visit to Switzerland. The delegation will engage with international organizations including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), building a platform for digital-friendly international cooperation.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan calls for expanding international cooperation in the digital and intelligent sectors, building a global network of digital partnerships, and actively participating in and leading global digital economy governance. The series of exchange activities in Geneva represents a concrete step by Beijing to implement national strategic priorities. It is also a key initiative of the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance to promote inclusive and collaborative global digital development, and an important effort to bring “Beijing Solutions” to support digital transformation worldwide.

Connecting the World: A High-Level Global Dialogue on the Digital Economy

The Forum on Digital Economy Cooperation and Innovation will convene leaders from government, industry, and academia around the world for high-level dialogue, results announcements, and thematic discussions, exploring emerging trends and pathways for mutually beneficial development.

During the visit, the Beijing delegation will engage with several international organizations—including ITU, UNCTAD, ITC, and UNESCO—to conduct in-depth exchanges on frontier topics such as digital economy development, AI-generated content (AIGC), digital governance, and digital skills. The delegation will also visit leading multinational companies including Schneider Electric and Deloitte to discuss potential cooperation and further strengthen global networks for digital economy collaboration, while creating efficient matchmaking opportunities for Beijing’s digital enterprises expanding into the European market.

In addition, the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance will sign a strategic cooperation agreement with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), further strengthening collaboration in areas such as digital economy governance and capacity building.

Delivering Results: A Series of International Initiatives to Be Announced

The forum will also see the release of several major outcomes developed with international organizations, including theGlobal Digital Economy Lighthouse Case Collection, the second phase of the International Digital Economy Governance and Leadership Capacity Building Program, and the 2026 Global Digital Economy Innovation Competition — “AIGC For Future” Global Challenge.

Representatives from Chinese and Swiss enterprises and institutions will hold in-depth discussions under the theme “A New Paradigm for Global Digital Economy Cooperation — Mutual Trust, Rules, and Shared Growth,” exploring practical opportunities for collaboration.

The Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance is an international organization jointly initiated by Beijing and nearly 40 cities worldwide with the support of relevant UN agencies. Guided by the vision “Empowering Cities with Digitalization and Creating a Shared Future through Cooperation,” the alliance focuses on leveraging digital technologies to promote sustainable urban development and contribute to the achievement of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

During the forum, the alliance will host a series of activities including the unveiling ceremony of its Geneva Office, the exchange of Global Digital City Emblems, a welcoming ceremony for new members, and the launch of its global website alongside the announcement of its 2026 work plan.

With cities as its core members, the alliance brings together international organizations, multinational corporations, research institutions, and other stakeholders. Through city-cluster collaboration, joint development of industrial ecosystems, and innovation in digital governance, it aims to build a new platform for international cooperation in the era of digital civilization.

Showcasing Excellence: Letting the World See “Beijing Solutions”

A dedicated exhibition area titled “Beijing Solutions” will be set up at the forum to showcase exemplary digital practices from Beijing, highlighting scalable and replicable city-level solutions. The exhibition will feature achievements in smart city development, AI ethics governance, exploration of digital trade rules, and support for the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Leading Beijing-based digital economy companies—including Hollysys, Qi-Anxin, Guang’an Xuanguang, Zhongke Brain, and iSoftStone—will participate in the exhibition, engaging directly with international partners and demonstrating China's innovation vitality and practical experience in the digital economy, while contributing Beijing's experience to global digital development.