BAI Hong Kong Forum 2025
Blockchain Alliance International successfully convened the Asia-Pacific Digital Economy Initiative Forum on 23 June 2025 in Hong Kong SAR, bringing together senior representatives from governments, the United Nations system, the private sector, academia, media, and technology communities. The Forum marked the official launch of BAI’s Asia-Pacific Digital Economy Initiative, designed as a regional platform to advance dialogue, partnerships, and practical cooperation on the use of emerging technologies in support of sustainable development. The event took place in the context of the global frameworks adopted at the 2024 UN Summit of the Future, including the Global Digital Compact, which call for inclusive, ethical, and development-oriented digital transformation.
The Forum was officially opened by Ambassador Alexandru Cujba, Founder and Executive President of Blockchain Alliance International, who underscored BAI’s mission to bridge technology, policy, and development through multi-stakeholder cooperation. In his remarks, Ambassador Cujba emphasized the importance of translating global digital commitments into regional and national action, and highlighted Hong Kong’s strategic role as a hub for cross-border dialogue and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.
High-level diplomatic voices from the United Nations set the strategic and multilateral tone of the discussions. H.E. Viliami Va’inga Tone, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations, addressed the challenges and opportunities of digital cooperation for Small Island Developing States and the broader Global South. H.E. Adrian Neritani, former Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations, and Mr. Hotam Qurbonzoda, Deputy Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to the United Nations, shared perspectives on international cooperation, digital inclusion, and the role of emerging technologies in advancing sustainable development within diverse national contexts.
Building on this policy framework, the Forum transitioned to a strong public-private partnership dimension, highlighting how innovation ecosystems can support inclusive growth. Contributions from the private sector and academia demonstrated how emerging technologies are already being deployed in real-world settings. Among the speakers were Ms. Kristi Swartz, Partner at DLA Piper, who addressed regulatory and legal considerations for digital transformation; Dr. Max Li, Professor at Columbia University and Founder of OORT, who discussed decentralized AI and cloud infrastructure; and Ms. Jessica Young, CEO of MetaEra, who highlighted the role of media platforms in shaping Web3 ecosystems and digital literacy.
A dedicated segment focused on market applications and financial innovation, where industry leaders shared insights on blockchain, digital assets, and institutional adoption. Mr. Ben El-Baz, Head of Global Development at HashKey Group, and Ms. Esme Pau, Head of Institutional and Capital Markets at CertiK, explored trends in digital finance, risk management, and the growing convergence of AI and blockchain technologies. Their contributions highlighted how responsible innovation, supported by appropriate governance frameworks, can unlock new opportunities for inclusion, efficiency, and resilience.
A key milestone of the Forum was the official inauguration of BAI’s Regional Office in Hong Kong, reinforcing the city’s role as a strategic bridge for digital economy cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific Digital Economy Initiative is expected to serve as a long-term platform for dialogue, partnership-building, and follow-up action, supporting the implementation of the Global Digital Compact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals through practical, multi-stakeholder engagement.