Shenzhen, July 31 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Innovative Cities Cooperation Organization (WICCO) jointly hosted the 2026 Asia-Pacific Digital Intelligence Economy Sustainable Development Innovation Week in Longhua District, Shenzhen, bringing together government officials, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, and experts from across the Asia-Pacific region to advance international cooperation on digital intelligence for sustainable development. 

Under the theme “Gathering New Momentum for Asia-Pacific Development, building a New Hub for International Cooperation,” the event took place against the backdrop of APEC in Shenzhen, underscoring the importance of deeper regional cooperation surrounding rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) and frontier technologies. 

On July 30th, the opening ceremony featured speeches and keynote presentations examining the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the digital economy in the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on AI and digital inclusion. 

In his opening remarks, Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in China, stated, “We need a major leap forward – a new economic model powered by digital technologies, which is capable of accelerating and exponentially scaling SDG impact,” 

“If we do not actively design these technologies to be inclusive, however, they will inevitably widen existing divisions, and marginalized communities will be left further behind by this rapid wave of technological advancement,” he added. 

Philip Schellekens, Chief Economist of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, presented key findings from a UNDP Asia-Pacific flagship regional report, examining the risks of AI related to inequality between countries, and how stakeholders can work together to address them and harness AI responsibly. 

“Technology should serve development, not the other way around,” Schellekens said. “Inclusion should be designed into systems from the beginning, and citizens should have a voice in how AI is governed.” 

DAI Dajiang, Deputy Director General of CICETE, stated in his remarks, “CICETE will continue to leverage its multilateral cooperation channels to provide strong support for the Shenzhen Longhua Sustainable Development Innovation Demonstration Project. Through our efforts, we aim to contribute to building a stable and long-term cooperation network for the digital intelligence economy across the Asia-Pacific region.”  

ZHANG Zhi, Member of the Standing Committee and Director of the General Office of CPC Shenzhen Longhua District Committee, emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunities presented by digitalization, connectivity and intelligent technologies. 

“Longhua will continue to open up application scenarios, industrial space and policy resources in the digital intelligence economy, and welcome enterprises, research institutions, chambers of commerce and industry associations from across the Asia-Pacific region to explore cooperation opportunities,” he said. 

Two high-level dialogues also brought together distinguished panellists — including representatives from Singapore, Korea, Indonesia, the United States, and China — to explore the replicability and scalability of digital economy models, enabling policy environments, and pathways for fostering inclusive and sustainable digital economic growth across the region. 

On July 31, the Innovation Week continued with the MSME Sustainable Development and Asia-Pacific Market Capacity Building Workshop which will look to connect enterprises with international organizations, government agencies, and industry partners.  

Through market briefings, project presentations, and facilitated one-on-one business matchmaking sessions, the workshop strengthened enterprises’ capacity for international development and promoted cross-border resource matching. 

This Innovation Week marks the flagship event of the HUA Hub, UNDP's first SDG Innovation Lab established in one of China's 11 National SDG Innovation Demonstration Zones. The HUA Hub was launched in August 2024 through a strategic partnership between UNDP, CICETE and the Shenzhen Longhua District Government.  

By expanding from local innovation and capacity-building to regional dialogue, the event represents a significant milestone in this collaboration, reinforcing the HUA Hub as a growing platform for international cooperation.