HANGZHOU - The 2021 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit gathers people from around the world to share wisdom on building a digital civilization via online and offline events.

The summit, which kicked off on Sunday in Wuzhen, east China's Zhejiang Province, features 20 sub-forums under the theme of "Towards a New Era of Digital Civilization -- Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace."

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addressed the summit via video.

Noting that advancement of the internet has made a profound impact on industrial development, economic structure, social life and international landscape, Liu said the internet is now catapulted onto a new stage, with comprehensive diffusion and cross-field integration, while digital technology continuously creates new models of business, providing opportunities to countries around the globe.

He said that science and technology as a force for good is an inherent requirement of the community with a shared future for mankind. He called for joint efforts to safeguard the safety and reliability of infrastructure, crack down on illegal activities on the internet, and earnestly protect fair competition and promote innovation.

China's macroeconomy remains generally stable, Liu said, adding that the country is experienced in and capable of controlling risks, and hence has a bright future.

China will stand firm to advance reform and opening up, and high-quality development. Efforts will be made to strengthen the development of new types of infrastructure, and boost the software industry, he said.

The country will support the sound development of the private sector, the innovation and startups of entrepreneurs, and the healthy development of the internet and digital economy, he said.

The sub-forums were set to contribute insights on data governance, the rule of law on the internet, social responsibilities of tech companies, global COVID-19 response and international communication among other topics of public interest through discussions on new internet technology trends including 5G, artificial intelligence, open-source ecology, internet of the next generation, data and algorithm.

Around 15 top-level achievements of internet technology are scheduled for release during the conference, said the organizer.

Other highlights include an international internet expo, a global competition on innovation and entrepreneurship, and the release of two reports, namely "World Internet Development Report 2021" and "China Internet Development Report 2021."

The conference is scheduled to close on Sept. 28.