BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The World Data Organization (WDO) held its first general meeting in Beijing on Monday, marking its official establishment.

During the meeting, members reviewed and adopted the WDO's charter, and elected its first council members and board of supervisors.

The newly elected council held its inaugural meeting, electing the organization's leadership and approving key systems and regulations.

According to the WDO preparatory committee, the organization's establishment aims to promote global data development and governance practices, facilitate the exchange and utilization of data in a compliant, secure and trustworthy manner, and serve the development of the global digital economy.

Yang Jie, secretary-general of the organization, said its mission is to bridge the data divide, unlock the value of data, and boost the digital economy. By promoting capacity building, regulatory exchange, technological collaboration and industrial cooperation, the organization seeks to help more countries and communities better access, utilize and protect data resources.

According to Yang, the organization is also expected to boost the efficiency of data circulation, development and utilization, aiming to transform data from a mere "resource" into "value." Meanwhile, by fostering synergy in data technology, regulations and industrial ecosystems, it can also support the sustained and sound growth of the digital economy.

Muhammadou M.O. Kah, chair of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, and vice chair of the UN Data Governance Working Group, said that the establishment of the organization will enable countries to participate in global data governance decision-making.

Yang added that the WDO is ready to collaborate closely with international organizations to advance global data cooperation.

As a professional, non-governmental and non-profit international body voluntarily established by relevant entities and individuals in the global data sector, the WDO aims to provide a platform for global data collaboration that is practice-oriented, industry-focused and designed for multi-stakeholder dialogue and cooperation.