Against the backdrop of the digital economy reshaping the global urban development pattern, the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40) emerged as the times require. It was jointly initiated and established by Beijing Municipality and approximately 40 cities around the world.

Upholding the core philosophy of "Digital Empowers Cities, Cooperation Creates the Future" and adhering to the principles of openness, inclusiveness, innovation, and sharing, DEC40 takes cutting-edge technologies such as digital intelligent manufacturing, robotics industry, and artificial intelligence as its key development directions. It is committed to narrowing the global digital divide through technological innovation, transfer, cocreation, sharing, and symbiosis, so as to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs 9/11/17).

DEC40 was officially announced at the opening ceremony of the Global Digital Economy Conference on July 2, 2025. With its registration place in Geneva, Switzerland, it has set up offices in Geneva, Singapore, and Beijing. It gathers forces from governments, international organizations, multinational enterprises, and academic institutions, and has received support from international organizations including the International Telecommunication Union, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, United Nations International Trade Centre, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.