World Data Organization launched in Beijing to bridge global data divide

The World Data Organization (WDO) was formally established in Beijing on Monday, marking a significant step toward global cooperation on data development and governance.

Around 500 people attended the inaugural assembly of the WDO, including representatives of the organization's members, Chinese and international scientists and technologists, government officials, and heads of international organizations.

As a professional, non-governmental and non-profit international body voluntarily established by relevant entities and individuals in the global data sector, the WDO aims to provide a platform for global data collaboration that is practice-oriented, industry-focused and designed for multi-stakeholder dialogue and cooperation.

"Data can drive innovation, strengthen policy making, and accelerate scientific progress, but only if access is equitable and capacity is built, where it is needed most," Muhammadou M.O. Kah, chair of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, and vice chair of the UN Data Governance Working Group said at the meeting.

China's digital infrastructure has seen rapid advancement. By mid-2025, the country had built over 4.8 million 5G base stations, with total computing power ranking second globally.

"We make cell phone chip sets. So we're very interested in data and China, especially with making sure that 5G and then looking forward to 6G networks are done really well," said Jonathan Gerald Thomason from Qualcomm Wireless Ltd.

"Having the opportunity to have secure and rule-based data system is very important. So I think establishing World Data Organization is a good one," said Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria.

With its headquarters in Beijing, the WDO, is the first professional international organization focused on advancing data development and governance practices.

It is expected that by 2030, the organization will become an internationally influential platform and a trusted hub in the data field.

World Data Organization launched in Beijing to bridge global data divide

Russia and Ukraine continued to trade strikes on Friday, damaging ammunition depots, energy facilities and other key targets.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in its latest report that its forces struck Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk region and destroyed an ammunition depot in the Zaporizhzhia region.

The Russian air defense systems also intercepted and shot down more than 50 Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod, Bryansk and Kaluga regions between 14:00 and 20:00 local time Friday.

On the same day, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said its troops conducted strikes on important targets inside the Russian territory and in Russian-controlled areas, including oil refineries, ammunition depots and radar systems.

Meanwhile, the Russian city of Ryazan, located about 200 km southeast of Moscow, has declared a state of emergency following a nighttime drone attack by the Ukrainian forces, the city administration's press service said Friday.

Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov said earlier that the attack by Ukrainian forces damaged two multi-story residential buildings, with drone debris falling on the premises of an industrial enterprise.

According to the latest data, four people have been killed, including a child, and 28 others injured in the drone attack.

Russia, Ukraine continue to trade strikes on ammunition depots, energy facilities