The World Data Organization (WDO) has already onboarded 235 members from 42 countries and regions, secretary-general Yang Jie said recently in Beijing.
Established in Beijing this March, the new organization aims to promote global data development and governance practices, facilitate the exchange and utilization of data, and serve the development of the global digital economy.
Already, it has formed its departments responsible for policy research, technical standards, industrial cooperation, membership services and other related work. This has provided foundation needed to begin regularized administration, according to Yang.
"Over the past month or so, we have received hundreds of membership applications from multiple countries and regions around the world. Of course, in accordance with the stipulations of our charter, all applications must go through a standardized review process before their membership can be officially confirmed. At present, the total number of members of the World Data Organization has reached 235, covering 42 countries and regions. Among them, corporate members account for more than 76 percent. It has preliminarily shaped a membership system that is both international, professional, and representative," said the secretary-general.
Yang said the organization is also accelerating the development of its knowledge base system, as well as its training and certification system. The goal is to roll out a range of professional services, public goods, and international standards as soon as possible.
As the organization gains operational momentum, it has drawn commendation from UN data policy advocates.
"The WDO represents now a model of inclusive global cooperation to develop balanced, development-friendly global data and AI standards, this is very, very important," said Muhammadou M.O. Kah, vice chair of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) and vice chair of the UN CSTD Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Data Governance.
As a professional, non-governmental and non-profit international body voluntarily established by relevant entities and individuals in the global data sector, the WDO will provide a platform for global data collaboration that is practice-oriented, industry-focused and designed for multi-stakeholder dialogue and cooperation, according to its preparatory committee.
Newly-founded World Data Organization brings together 235 members: secretary-general
The 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting will be held from May 22-23 in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, with preliminary consultations and seminars kicking off on Monday.
Multiple consultations have commenced, including discussions on the joint statement to be issued at the meeting and ways to promote cooperation in digital trade.
Additionally, the "Big Market for All: Export to China" Suzhou special event and the Suzhou products promotion event opened Monday.
Experts emphasized that the minister's meeting will play a timely role in advancing regional economic integration and tackling emerging trade challenges through deeper cooperation in digital and green sectors.
"APEC is the highest-level and most influential economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region. On the 20th anniversary of the vision for a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), the 2026 Suzhou APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting will play a positive role in safeguarding the multilateral trading system, stabilizing Asia-Pacific cooperation, and leading global open development, countering the increasingly intensifying wave of trade protectionism," said Yuan Qian, deputy director of the trade and investment research division of the Institute of World Economics and Politics, which is under the administration of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
"At the same time, as a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation accelerates, this meeting takes cooperation in emerging areas such as digital and green as important content, better aligning with the trend of global technological innovation and development, countering global economic growth pressures, and opening up new spaces for regional cooperation and development," the expert added.
Terms such as digital economy, electronic bills of lading, and green supply chains appear frequently in the agenda of the APEC trade ministers' meeting.
"Although electronic bills of lading may seem small, their impact on international trade is very critical. They can improve customs clearance efficiency and reduce customs clearance costs. If promoted, it will not only affect these developed economies and large traders, but more importantly, it will significantly enhance the ability of some small and medium-sized economies and some developing countries to participate in international trade and improve their trade efficiency," said Zhou Mi, deputy director of the Institute of American and Oceania, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, which is under the administration of the Ministry of Commerce.
This year, a key topic of the meeting is the digital economy.
"In the past, people thought the digital economy was an option; now it has become a must. Because having advantages in digital economy development means having greater advantages in international trade. They (member economies) have seen some of China's practices and approaches in the digital economy field and hope to use such a platform to further improve their own technology and strengthen coordination with China," said Zhou.
Founded in 1989, the APEC is the highest-level, broadest and most influential economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region. About 700 representatives from 21 APEC economies and international organizations will gather in Jiangsu for the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting.
Preliminary consultations begin for APEC trade ministers' meeting
