WIC launches joint initiative for building a community with a shared future in cyberspace

The World Internet Conference (WIC) officially launched a Joint Initiative for Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace during the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit on Nov 3.

A WIC representative outlined the initiative's background, priority areas, eligibility requirements and project review process, and announced the opening of applications for its 2027 project cycle.

This year marks the beginning of the second decade for the vision of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace. At this important juncture, the WIC launched the initiative to turn shared principles into practical action, build consensus through projects and extend the benefits of their outcomes worldwide.

The initiative seeks to bring together expertise from around the world, expand avenues for cooperation and help build a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyberspace.

Three categories

The initiative supports projects in the following three categories:

Frontier research: Supporting original research with an international perspective and theoretical depth, with the aim of producing high-quality research reports.

Conferences and events: Supporting international conferences, thematic seminars and roundtable discussions centered on the vision of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

Publications and communication: Supporting publications that promote the vision and have a global perspective and influence, including research monographs, academic journals and papers.

Five priority areas

Guided by the five-point proposal for building a community with a shared future in cyberspace, the initiative focuses on five areas: internet infrastructure development, exchanges and mutual learning in digital culture, innovative development of the digital economy, cybersecurity, and global governance of cyberspace.

Together, these areas cover a broad range of issues, from infrastructure development to governance mechanisms.

Who can apply

Applications are open to institutions with independent legal-person status, including higher-education institutions, research institutes, enterprises and social organizations. Individuals with relevant expertise who meet the eligibility requirements may also apply.

Project review criteria

Projects will be assessed against four criteria: alignment with the vision of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace, international relevance, inclusiveness and forward-looking value.

The review will consider both what each project proposes to do and the impact it is expected to deliver, with priority given to projects that reflect the vision's principles, demonstrate an international perspective, deliver broad public benefits and offer forward-looking value.

Applications now open

Applications for the 2027 project cycle of the joint initiative are now open. Eligible organizations and individuals worldwide are invited to submit applications through the WIC's project application and review platform at awards.wicinternet.org.

The WIC welcomes participation from around the world and looks forward to bringing together global expertise and resources to advance the building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace.