On 5 June 2025, the Global Digital Forum in Nizhny Novgorod witnessed a significant milestone in international digital cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Center for Global IT Cooperation and a coalition of international organizations representing the Global South, marking a bold step toward strengthening global partnerships in the field of digital technologies.
A Landmark Moment in Global Digital Dialogue
The agreement was officially signed by Vadim Glushchenko, Director of the Center for Global IT Cooperation, alongside representatives from Africa and Asia — specifically Nigeria, Uganda, Burundi, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
The MoU highlights a shared commitment to:
- Joint Projects: Collaborative initiatives in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and innovation ecosystems.
- Knowledge Exchange: Sharing of best practices in IT governance, digital literacy, and capacity building.
- International Dialogue: Expanding opportunities for discussion between governments, non-profits, youth organizations, and tech platforms.
By focusing on inclusion and knowledge-sharing, the partnership aims to narrow the digital divide and empower countries in the Global South with tools and expertise for sustainable digital development.
Who Are the Partners?
The memorandum brings together a diverse set of organizations, including:
- Non-profit foundations committed to digital empowerment and inclusion.
- Research and educational associations that can boost IT skills and digital literacy.
- Youth movements focusing on the next generation of digital leaders.
- Digital-platform representatives providing technological solutions to real-world challenges.
This variety ensures that cooperation isn’t limited to policymakers — it extends to grassroots communities, students, and innovators.
Why It Matters
The signing of this memorandum is more than a symbolic gesture. It paves the way for concrete collaboration that can:
- Encourage innovation ecosystems across the Global South.
- Support digital sovereignty by enabling local solutions.
- Foster cross-border partnerships that benefit both developing and developed economies.
- Strengthen the role of the Global South in shaping international digital policy.
At a time when digital transformation is reshaping industries, governance, and education, such initiatives ensure that no region is left behind.
Looking Ahead
The Global Digital Forum has always positioned itself as a hub for open dialogue and innovation, and this MoU further cements its role as a platform for inclusive international cooperation. By engaging partners from Africa and Asia, the Center for Global IT Cooperation reinforces the principle that the future of digital development lies in shared responsibility and collective progress.
As the projects unfold, the outcomes of this partnership will serve as a model for sustainable and equitable digital growth worldwide.
📌 Stay tuned for updates on the initiatives emerging from this partnership and explore more highlights from the Global Digital Forum under the hashtags #GDF2025 and #DiscoverITRussia.
