1. Inaugural Assembly of World Data Organization Held in Beijing
On March 30, 2026, the inaugural assembly of the World Data Organization (WDO) was held in Beijing. The assembly was organized by the WDO Preparatory Committee and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, the Cyberspace Administration of China, and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, under the theme of jointly building a cooperation platform and sharing opportunities for digital development.
The assembly convened its first General Meeting in accordance with the agenda, during which the WDO Charter was reviewed and formally adopted, and the first Council, Board of Supervisors, and organizational leadership were elected.
The inaugural meeting established the organization’s core governing bodies—the Council, the Board of Supervisors, and the Secretariat—along with its institutional structure and operational rules. It clarified that the WDO is a global, professional, non-governmental, non-profit international organization. The founding membership comprises over 200 entities from more than 40 countries across six continents, including enterprises, universities, think tanks, and international organizations.
With the mission of bridging the data divide, unlocking the value of data, and empowering the digital economy, the assembly emphasized the WDO’s core functions in data governance, standards coordination, industrial cooperation, and capacity building.
This inaugural assembly marks the official launch of the world’s first specialized international organization dedicated to data governance, filling a gap in multilateral governance in this field. It provides a platform for international data cooperation, facilitates rule coordination and secure data flows, and contributes to the balanced development of the global digital economy.
Credits: Ministry of State Security of the People’s Republic of China
2. Chinese Social Organizations Participates in the 61st UN Human Rights Council Session in Geneva
From February 23 to March 31, 2026, the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was held in Geneva, Switzerland. Multiple Chinese social organizations, including the China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE) and the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU), actively participated in the session and delivered statements, presenting China’s human rights perspectives and achievements while firmly refuting what they described as politically motivated criticisms against China.
Attendees spoke on a range of human rights topics. They highlighted China’s efforts to safeguard children’s rights to education and cultural participation, noting that social organizations have provided aesthetic education for children in rural areas and supported cultural exchanges among children in developing countries.
They emphasized that environmental rights are an important component of human rights, called for improved environmental rule of law to protect the public’s environmental interests, and promoted inclusive low-carbon actions. They also shared practical experiences in safeguarding young people’s right to education, citing initiatives by Tsinghua University, such as financial aid, volunteer teaching programs, and online learning platforms, which has contributed to advancing educational equity and benefiting a large number of rural students.
In addition, Chinese representatives presented proposals and practical initiatives on protecting the rights of children in conflict-affected regions and promoting exchanges among different civilizations. Representatives from various domestic social organizations also delivered statements in person or via video, demonstrating the active participation of Chinese non-governmental actors in the field of international human rights.
Credits: People’s Daily
3. Promotional event for 4th China International Supply Chain Expo Successfully Held in Astana
On April 3, 2026, the Promotion for the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo and the China-Kazakhstan Supply Chain Cooperation Seminar was held in Astana, Kazakhstan. The event was organized by the Representative Office of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in Kazakhstan, with co-organizers including the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Almaty). It was attended by over 120 representatives from Kazakhstan’s political and business communities.
At the seminar, the CCPIT Representative Office in Kazakhstan introduced the 4th Chain Expo, presenting its past achievements, ongoing preparations, and exhibition zones, and invited the Kazakh side to actively participate.
Subsequently, Chinese institutions signed Letters of Intent for Exhibition Participation and Memorandums of Cooperation with multiple associations and financial institutions from Kazakhstan. Corporate and institutional representatives also engaged in discussions on strengthening cooperation in industrial and supply chains between China and Kazakhstan, with a focus on sectors such as energy and agriculture. As the world’s first national-level exhibition dedicated to supply chains, the Chain Expo serves as a key platform for promoting open cooperation and facilitating industrial matchmaking between China and international partners, fostering the integration of industry, technology, and trade. Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries and deepening cooperation in industrial and supply chains between China and Kazakhstan.
Credits: China Trade News
