CAREC Institute’s Dr. Yixin Yao Participates in UNITAR’s International Digital Economy Governance Programme

Dr. Yixin Yao, Senior Research Specialist at the CAREC Institute, was invited as an academic mentor and expert speaker for the International Digital Economy Governance and Leadership Capacity Building Programme, held in Beijing from 3 to 5 February. Co-launched by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40), and administered by UNITAR’s Global SDG and Leadership Development Centre, the Programme seeks to strengthen digital-economy governance capacities in developing regions through a combination of online guided tuition and on-site field learning. Over 30 participants attended, including senior government officials, city representatives, and business sector representatives from Africa, Europe, and Asia, with representation from CAREC member countries.

At the field workshop on 3 February, Dr. Yao delivered a presentation on “AI Regulation System and Case Study in China”. She outlined China’s AI regulatory framework and cases, compared EU and Japanese AI regulations, and highlighted the CAREC Institute’s flagship initiatives: the CAREC Leadership Training Workshop on AI for Social and Economic Transformation in the CAREC Region and the achievements of the Tianshan Forum for Central Asia Economic Cooperation in 2025.

The next day, Dr. Yao acted as an academic mentor for the Programme’s evaluation session. She provided expert feedback on final reports from CAREC member country participants and facilitated discussions on potential follow-up cooperation, further strengthening the Institute’s connections with regional professionals.

Over the years, the CAREC Institute has rolled out a series of research initiatives and capacity-building workshops focused on the digital economy and AI. Building on this foundation, the Institute will further strengthen collaboration with regional and international partners to deepen its work in the digital economy and AI governance and promote the sustainable development of the digital economy across the CAREC region.