As a famous poet goes, “Then spring departed in wind and rain; With flying snow, it’s back again.”

As we transition from the challenges of 2023 into the hopeful horizon of 2024, it is my privilege, on behalf of the World Internet of Things Convention (WIOTC), to extend our warmest New Year greetings to each of you! May the world embrace open collaboration and progress in unity, and may everyone have a happy and smart life!

Reflecting on 2023, we take pride in successfully hosting the WIOTC 2023 and the World IoT Top 500 Summit. Our initiative, “Build the Intelligently Interconnected Global Market of Digital Economy,” was launched, championing open cooperation over division and steering towards a smart planet. We introduced the model of advanced IoT digital economy, gaining traction and participation globally. Through maintaining the conference’s high-end, cutting-edge, and leading tonality, we have enhanced its authoritative and international standing. Our journey over the past eight years has captivated nearly a billion people worldwide, a testament to the innovation and dedication of our members. This remarkable achievement also fills all participants with immense pride. I extend my deepest appreciation to the Executive Committee, Organizing Committee, Secretariat, and all our member institutions for their efforts and contributions! Special thanks are due to the Chinese government, state leaders, the UN Secretary-General, ambassadors, diplomats, heads of international organizations, academicians, experts, and enterprises for their support and participation!

As 2023 draws to a close and we step into 2024, we are poised to co-author a new chapter in human history and jointly create a smart world where all things are interconnected, heralding a new era in the digital economy. According to António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, “Only by working together can we ensure that frontier technologies like the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence serve humanity – bridging divides, uplifting lives, and leaving no one behind. Together, let us harness innovation to shape a better tomorrow.” Inspired by this vision, we will organize international activities such as the WIOTC 2024 and the World IoT Top 500 Summit, aiding governments in upgrading their digital economies. We plan to release the World Internet of Things White Paper on the Digital Economy, which will chart a strategic course for the worldwide development of the digital economy. Our ambition is to forge a global paradigm for an interconnected digital economy and spearhead the building of an intelligently interconnected global market of digital economy. We warmly invite governments, international organizations, and enterprises from around the globe to participate in WIOTC 2024. Together, we will advance the IoT, contribute to a new era in socio-economic development, and embrace a new era of an intelligent, interconnected revolution.

In closing, I wish everyone a joyous New Year. May the Year of the Dragon bring fortune and success to all of you!

Sincerely,

HE Xuming
Chairman of the World Internet of Things Convention Executive Committee