AI and Technological Advances Take Center Stage at 2024 WIC Wuzhen Summit
The Light of the Internet Expo, a key highlight of the 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, commenced on Tuesday. This year's event introduces an AI experience area, allowing visitors to engage in immersive interactions with cutting-edge AI applications. This emphasis on interactivity underscores AI's crucial significance in the agenda for this year's summit.
TroibNews 
The Light of the Internet Expo, a central feature of the 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, officially began on Tuesday in Wuzhen, a picturesque town in east China's Zhejiang Province.
New to this year's event is an artificial intelligence experience area that invites attendees to engage with advanced AI applications in an immersive environment. Visitors can hum a simple tune and watch as AI composes a melody in real-time, or marvel at the creation of stunning landscape paintings with AI assistance. This year's expo emphasizes hands-on experiences, underscoring the significant presence of AI in the summit's agenda.
The 2024 expo has attracted more than 660 international companies displaying their latest AI technologies and innovative applications. Xu Zhaoxi, the head of the expo's working group, noted that this year's event has set records for both the number of foreign exhibitors and total attendees. The schedule includes over 100 product launches and 10 major technology unveilings.
The Wuzhen Summit, taking place from November 19 to 22, has adopted the theme "Embracing a People-centered and AI-for-good Digital Future – Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace."
Organized by the WIC and supported by international bodies like the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the summit features a main forum as well as 24 sub-forums. These discussions will delve into the Global Development Initiative, the digital economy, open-source ecosystem enhancement, data governance, AI innovation and regulation, and the role of youth in shaping the digital future.
This year’s summit integrates AI themes into both its exhibitions and discussions. A dedicated AI section has been introduced in the sub-forums, emphasizing innovation, governance, and the responsible use of AI technologies.
Emerging technologies showcased at this year's summit include smart robot dogs, unmanned patrol cars designed to traverse various terrains while carrying loads of up to 280 kilograms, and 5G-enabled unmanned boats intended to navigate Wuzhen's intricate waterways. These innovations work collectively as an autonomous patrol fleet, bolstering security in partnership with local law enforcement.
Highlighting some of the new initiatives for 2024, the summit also introduces the WIC Distinguished Contribution Award to honor global achievements in internet technology. From a total of 270 submissions across 24 countries, 20 outstanding projects will be recognized, with winners presenting their advancements through live interactive exhibitions.
Additionally, a new special committee focused on artificial intelligence will be formed under the WIC this year, marking the first dedicated and permanent branch of the organization. This committee aims to foster a collaborative global platform for AI exchange and cooperation.
The summit will also launch a think tank collaboration program, comprising around 60 leading think tanks, to discuss the global implications of the internet. Furthermore, an international digital training institute will be rolled out to improve digital literacy worldwide.
China has been proactive in promoting international AI governance and collaboration. The country recently hosted the 2024 World AI Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, during which it released the Shanghai Declaration on Global AI Governance.
In partnership with global allies, China supported a UN General Assembly resolution aimed at enhancing international cooperation for AI capacity-building. By the end of 2025, the country plans to conduct 10 AI seminars targeted at developing nations, reflecting its dedication to ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all countries.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
New to this year's event is an artificial intelligence experience area that invites attendees to engage with advanced AI applications in an immersive environment. Visitors can hum a simple tune and watch as AI composes a melody in real-time, or marvel at the creation of stunning landscape paintings with AI assistance. This year's expo emphasizes hands-on experiences, underscoring the significant presence of AI in the summit's agenda.
The 2024 expo has attracted more than 660 international companies displaying their latest AI technologies and innovative applications. Xu Zhaoxi, the head of the expo's working group, noted that this year's event has set records for both the number of foreign exhibitors and total attendees. The schedule includes over 100 product launches and 10 major technology unveilings.
The Wuzhen Summit, taking place from November 19 to 22, has adopted the theme "Embracing a People-centered and AI-for-good Digital Future – Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace."
Organized by the WIC and supported by international bodies like the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the summit features a main forum as well as 24 sub-forums. These discussions will delve into the Global Development Initiative, the digital economy, open-source ecosystem enhancement, data governance, AI innovation and regulation, and the role of youth in shaping the digital future.
This year’s summit integrates AI themes into both its exhibitions and discussions. A dedicated AI section has been introduced in the sub-forums, emphasizing innovation, governance, and the responsible use of AI technologies.
Emerging technologies showcased at this year's summit include smart robot dogs, unmanned patrol cars designed to traverse various terrains while carrying loads of up to 280 kilograms, and 5G-enabled unmanned boats intended to navigate Wuzhen's intricate waterways. These innovations work collectively as an autonomous patrol fleet, bolstering security in partnership with local law enforcement.
Highlighting some of the new initiatives for 2024, the summit also introduces the WIC Distinguished Contribution Award to honor global achievements in internet technology. From a total of 270 submissions across 24 countries, 20 outstanding projects will be recognized, with winners presenting their advancements through live interactive exhibitions.
Additionally, a new special committee focused on artificial intelligence will be formed under the WIC this year, marking the first dedicated and permanent branch of the organization. This committee aims to foster a collaborative global platform for AI exchange and cooperation.
The summit will also launch a think tank collaboration program, comprising around 60 leading think tanks, to discuss the global implications of the internet. Furthermore, an international digital training institute will be rolled out to improve digital literacy worldwide.
China has been proactive in promoting international AI governance and collaboration. The country recently hosted the 2024 World AI Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, during which it released the Shanghai Declaration on Global AI Governance.
In partnership with global allies, China supported a UN General Assembly resolution aimed at enhancing international cooperation for AI capacity-building. By the end of 2025, the country plans to conduct 10 AI seminars targeted at developing nations, reflecting its dedication to ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all countries.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
