The integrated advancement of education, science and technology, and talent cultivation will also be a key characteristic of the 2026 forum, according to Lin.

Additionally, this year's forum will emphasize high-level scientific and technological openness and cooperation, she added.

"The promotion of extensive artificial intelligence (AI) applications will also be highlighted at this year's ZGC Forum," said Jin Wei, vice mayor of Beijing, at the press conference.

Jin added that participants at the forum will experience firsthand how the AI evolution is empowering diverse industries. For instance, AI "interpreters" will be on duty during the forum, expanding language services from the previous two languages of Chinese and English to eight languages, including French, Russian and Spanish.

"Thereby, they can sustain seamless communication among participants from around the world," he said.

Jin disclosed that a robot cafe will cater to forum participants. "Last year, robots at the forum could only prepare coffee individually. This year, they will collaborate to provide meal sets. Additionally, a robot band will deliver captivating performances at this year's forum."

The 2026 forum is jointly organized by several Chinese government agencies, including the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Founded in 2007, this forum in Beijing has evolved into a global, comprehensive, open and high-level international event for enhancing global innovation in science and technology.