US computer scientist Robert Kahn, co-inventor of the TCP/IP foundation protocol of the internet and widely regarded as the father of the internet, was honored at the 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit.

He received the WIC Distinguished Contribution Award for his groundbreaking contributions and lifelong efforts in shaping the modern internet.

In a video message to the award ceremony, Kahn expressed his deep gratitude to the WIC and shared reflections on the internet's evolution. He recounted his groundbreaking work and emphasized that collaboration across borders remains vital.

"The internet could not have succeeded to the extent that it has without the help and encouragement of so many others in industry, academia and government around the world," he said, indicating that cooperation is essential to the development of the global internet.