Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance

Against the backdrop of the digital economy reshaping the global urban development pattern, the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40) emerged as the times require. It was jointly initiated and established by the Beijing Municipality and approximately 40 cities around the world.

Upholding the core philosophy of "Digital Empowers Cities, Cooperation Creates the Future" and adhering to the principles of openness, inclusiveness, innovation, and sharing, DEC40 takes cutting-edge technologies such as digital intelligent manufacturing, the robotics industry, and artificial intelligence as its key development directions. It is committed to narrowing the global digital divide through technological innovation, transfer, co-creation, sharing, and symbiosis, so as to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 9/11/17).

DEC40 was officially announced at the opening ceremony of the Global Digital Economy Conference on July 2, 2025. With its registration place in Geneva, Switzerland, it has set up offices in Geneva, Singapore, and Beijing. It gathers forces from governments, international organizations, multinational enterprises, and academic institutions, and has received support from international organizations including the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the International Trade Centre, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Our Vision

The Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40) upholds the core philosophy of "Digital Empowers Cities, Cooperation Creates the Future" and is committed to narrowing the global digital divide through technological innovation, transfer, co-creation, sharing, and symbiosis, to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Our Mission

Promote coordinated development of digital economy

Cultivate professional talents in digital economy

Strengthen international exchanges in digital field

Drive digital transformation of cities

Build Standard System for Digital Economy

1. Guided by the UN Global Digital Compact, focus on bridging the digital divide and building a safe and inclusive environment.

2. Break down barriers to urban digital development, promote the global sharing of technical achievements in intelligent manufacturing, robotics and artificial intelligence, with priority support for developing countries.

3. Promote the coordinated industrial layout among developing countries to achieve joint technological innovation.

4. Enhance the overall competitiveness of the global digital economy.

1. Pool global educational resources to cultivate talents in sectors including intelligent manufacturing, AI application, and robotics.

2. Increase resource allocation in favor of developing countries.

3. Ensure the talent supply for digital technology development, and consolidate the foundation for technological innovation and application.

4. Respond to the Global Digital Compact and enhance global digital literacy and skills.

1. Build a cross-border platform for technology and practice sharing, and promote collaboration in such fields as AI ethical governance and robot applications.

2. Follow the principles of "respect for human rights, cultural diversity and gender equality" from the UN Summit of the Future, and establish transparent, inclusive, effective and accountable institutions.

3. Empower the building of a community with a shared future for mankind with digital technologies and deepen international cooperation.

4. Promote digital technologies to bring benefits to all mankind.

1. Promote the inclusive application of AI and robotics technologies, assist member cities in optimizing governance, upgrading public services, and building smart future cities.

2. Respond to the UN Future Summit initiatives, adhere to the people-centered concept and sustainable development.

3. Provide customized transformation plans and technical transfer support for developing countries.

4. Create an open, secure digital space that respects human rights, and achieve symbiotic development of technologies.

1. Formulate universal standards in fields such as digital infrastructure, data governance, and smart manufacturing.

2. Participate deeply in the formulation of international rules and promote the standardization of global digital governance.

3. Promote the interoperability of digital systems and the compatibility of governance policies, in line with the goal of equitable digital governance.

Our Leadership

Meet the distinguished leaders who guide the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance in its mission to promote digital empowerment and cooperation for a shared future.

Zhao Houlin

Honorary Chairman, Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance

Former Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union

Francis Gurry

Chair, Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance

Former Director-General, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Co-Chair, Advisory Board of the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (UNITAR SDGs Center)

Our Goals

Short-term

Short-term (2 years)

Expand membership to 20 cities
Launch 5 digital economy cooperation projects focusing on digital infrastructure and smart cities
Initially form a technology sharing network to respond to the UN's "Connect All" goal

Medium-term

Medium-term (3-5 years)

Establish standards systems and evaluation indicators in fields such as digital infrastructure, data governance, and AI ethics
Scale 3-5 high-impact pilot initiatives as global benchmarks
Promote the implementation of technology transfer and symbiosis models, and enhance the digital capabilities of developing countries

Long-term

Long-term (over 5 years)

Become a core platform for global digital technology innovation and industrial application
Lead the output of standards in fields such as smart manufacturing and AI applications
Advance the realization of an inclusive and secure digital future