BAI at the 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference
Blockchain Alliance International, led by Ambassador Alexandru Cujba, participated in the 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference (GDEC), held in Beijing from 2-5 July 2025. Now in its fifth edition, GDEC has grown into one of the world’s leading platforms for international dialogue on digital transformation, convening senior government officials, UN agencies, city leaders, industry innovators, and academic institutions under the theme “Building Digitally Friendly Cities.” Hosted by the Beijing Municipal People’s Government with the support of multiple national authorities and UNDP, the Conference underscored the central role of digital technologies in driving inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered urban development.
The BAI delegation attended the Opening Session, which set the tone for high-level global cooperation on the digital economy. The Conference opened with welcome remarks by Mr. Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing, who highlighted Beijing’s vision for building an open, innovative, and globally connected digital economy, and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to international cooperation in digital governance and smart city development. Among the distinguished international speakers were Ms. Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative in China, who emphasized digitalization as a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable development, and Ms. Durdona Rakhimova, Deputy Mayor of Tashkent City, Uzbekistan, who shared perspectives on city-level digital transformation and international cooperation. They were joined by senior Chinese officials and global representatives, reflecting the strong alignment between local innovation and global digital governance priorities.
A key highlight of the Conference was the inauguration of the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance, a new multilateral cooperation mechanism aimed at strengthening city-to-city collaboration, policy exchange, and joint innovation in the digital economy. Ambassador Cujba joined international guests and city leaders in this milestone moment, reaffirming BAI’s commitment to advancing cross-border partnerships that place technology at the service of sustainable development, inclusive growth, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Throughout the Conference, the BAI team also toured the GDEC Exhibition, which showcased cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence, data governance, smart cities, digital health, and emerging technologies. The exhibition offered valuable insights into how innovation ecosystems are evolving and how public-private collaboration can accelerate the responsible deployment of digital solutions across sectors and regions.
In parallel, Ambassador Cujba played an active role in several thematic forums, including the International Esports Development Forum and the Digital Cultural Tourism Integration Development Forum, where he delivered keynote speeches on the role of blockchain, AI, and digital infrastructure in empowering new industries, enhancing inclusion, and fostering global cooperation. During the Conference, Ambassador Cujba also gave an interview to CCTV, highlighting BAI’s mission, its work at the intersection of technology and sustainable development, and the importance of multilateral engagement in shaping a trusted and inclusive digital future.
BAI’s participation in the 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference reaffirmed the organization’s role as a bridge between governments, the private sector, academia, and the United Nations system. By engaging in high-level dialogue, contributing thought leadership, and strengthening international partnerships, BAI continues to support the global effort to ensure that digital transformation remains people-centered, inclusive, and aligned with the shared goals of sustainable development.