Werner Zorn, widely considered "the Father of the Internet in Germany", has been honored with the 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC) Distinguished Contribution Award.

As a pioneer who has witnessed and participated in the transformative journey of the internet in China, Zorn has stood at the forefront of technological evolution, observing the growth of an industry that has become a cornerstone of modern life. He said he was fortunate to experience "a boom of modern Chinese e-commerce, which is almost breathtaking, for its speed of development, and a wide range of reach in areas like retail and full-stack logistics."

He also praised the WIC for serving as a platform that promotes the continued development of internet technology and its benefits for daily life. He expressed confidence that the WIC will continue to play an essential role in fulfilling its mission — that is: using the internet to make life better for everyone.