Frequently Asked Questions

The Global Digital Economy Forum (GDEF) is an independent international organisation that convenes policymakers, scholars, and practitioners to advance evidence-based governance of the global digital economy. Established in 2021, the Forum operates through three thematic Working Groups: Regulation & Policy, Finance & Economy, and Technology & Transformation.

GDEF was established in June 2021 in response to the growing need for structured, multistakeholder dialogue on the governance challenges arising from digital transformation of the global economy.

Our mission is to improve the state of the global digital economy by fostering cross-border knowledge exchange, multistakeholder cooperation, and the development of governance frameworks grounded in rigorous analysis and inclusive dialogue.

No. GDEF is an independent organisation. We are not affiliated with any government, corporation, or political entity. Our independence is central to our credibility and our ability to convene diverse stakeholders in impartial dialogue.

Working Groups are GDEF's primary research and convening mechanism. Each group focuses on a specific domain of the digital economy and brings together experts to produce research, policy analysis, and governance frameworks. Our three Working Groups are:

• Regulation & Policy — Addressing cross-border regulatory harmonisation, data governance, and platform accountability
• Finance & Economy — Exploring digital financial services, CBDCs, and economic inclusion
• Technology & Transformation — Examining AI governance, emerging technologies, and digital infrastructure

Learn more about our Working Groups

GDEF produces working papers, policy briefs, and research reports. Our publications are developed through the Working Groups and draw on multistakeholder expertise. All publications are available on our Insights page.

While many GDEF Council Members are leading academics, our research is designed to bridge theory and practice. We combine rigorous analytical methods with practitioner and policymaker insights to produce outputs that are both intellectually robust and practically implementable.

There are several ways to engage with the Forum:

• Apply to join as a Council Member through our Join GDEF page
• Explore partnership opportunities for institutions and organisations
• Subscribe to our newsletter for research updates and event announcements
• Attend our events and convenings

Our Council Members are distinguished scholars, senior practitioners, and policymakers from more than 20 countries. They are organised into two councils — the Professional Council and the Academic Council — each contributing complementary expertise. Visit the Council Members page to view the full roster.

GDEF Council Membership is by invitation or application. For details about participation and any associated commitments, please contact us at [email protected].

GDEF organises a range of convenings, including annual summits, regional roundtables, thematic webinars, and expert workshops. These events bring together diverse stakeholders for structured dialogue on digital economy governance challenges. Visit the Events page for more information.

Event participation varies by format. Some events are open to the broader public, while others are invitation-only for Council Members and partners. For event inquiries, please contact [email protected].

For press inquiries, interview requests, and media accreditation, please contact our Communications team at [email protected]. Brand assets and logos are available on our Media Kit page.

Official brand assets are available on the Media Kit page. Please review our usage guidelines before using GDEF logos or visual assets. Use of the GDEF name or logo to imply endorsement requires prior written permission.

GDEF publications may be cited for non-commercial, educational, and research purposes with appropriate attribution. Please reference the Forum as "Global Digital Economy Forum" or "GDEF" and include the publication title, date, and URL. For questions about reproduction or redistribution, please refer to our Terms of Use.