In December the Chinese Cyberspace Administration and the People’s Government of the Zhejiang Province, China hosted the 2nd annual World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, China. I was fortunate enough to represent GW as a member of the Chinese and American student delegation to this conference. In the span of one week I traveled to Shanghai, Wuzhen, and Hangzhou.
The President of China, Xi Jinping, Prime Minister of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, were among the international leaders in attendance. The conference also featured industry leaders including Ali Baba Group founder, Jack Ma, and Lenovo founder, Liu Chuanzhi.
In addition to attending the conference, the student delegation took part in many cultural exchange activities and learned about Internet-based entrepreneurship and innovation in China. I was able to discuss major themes of Internet governance and security with fellow delegates from GW, Ivy League universities, and China. I also had the pleasure of visiting historic sites like the West Lake and the Lingyin Temple.
Overall, these activities broadened my perspective on global cyber security challenges and the importance of protecting online freedoms around the world. I need to express my sincerest thanks to GW and the All-China Youth Federation for making this trip possible for me. It was an invaluable complement to the research on cyber security policy that I do through my placement at the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security.
