SHANGHAI (GNP): World AI cooperation entered a new phase after representatives from 29 countries signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) during a ceremony held in Shanghai. The new intergovernmental organization aims to strengthen international cooperation in artificial intelligence, promote responsible AI governance, and support technological innovation among member states.
The founding members include China, Pakistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Indonesia, and several other countries from Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Officials said the organization will provide a platform for dialogue, policy coordination, research collaboration, and technical cooperation on artificial intelligence.
The agreement was signed during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, one of the world’s leading AI forums. Senior government officials, diplomats, technology experts, and international organizations attended the event, highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence in global economic development and international governance.
According to Chinese officials, WAICO will promote the safe, ethical, and inclusive development of artificial intelligence while encouraging knowledge sharing among developed and developing countries. The organization will also facilitate cooperation in AI research, digital infrastructure, talent development, industrial innovation, and international standards.
The initiative seeks to ensure that AI technologies benefit all countries by reducing technological disparities and encouraging wider participation in the digital economy. Member states are expected to exchange expertise, strengthen scientific cooperation, and support innovation in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, finance, and public administration.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening international AI cooperation and building a shared future for technological development. Officials noted that artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities but also requires stronger international coordination to address issues related to governance, ethics, security, privacy, and transparency.
The establishment of WAICO comes as governments around the world continue to develop regulatory frameworks for emerging AI technologies. Rapid advances in generative artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and machine learning have increased discussions on global standards, responsible innovation, and international collaboration.
Analysts believe the creation of the organization reflects growing recognition that artificial intelligence has become a strategic technology influencing economic competitiveness, scientific progress, and national development. Through coordinated policies and international partnerships, member countries hope to maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing associated risks.
The organization is expected to organize international forums, technical exchanges, research projects, training programs, and policy consultations among member states. It also aims to encourage public-private partnerships and cooperation between governments, universities, research institutions, and technology companies.
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Artificial intelligence has become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy, with applications expanding across nearly every industry. Governments worldwide are investing heavily in AI research to improve productivity, strengthen public services, enhance healthcare systems, and accelerate digital transformation.
The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), held annually in Shanghai, has become an important international platform for discussing AI innovation, governance, ethics, and investment. The conference regularly brings together world leaders, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology companies to shape the future of artificial intelligence.
The establishment of WAICO reflects increasing international efforts to create cooperative mechanisms for AI governance. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global economies and societies, experts believe multilateral cooperation will play a crucial role in ensuring that technological progress remains secure, inclusive, transparent, and beneficial for all nations.
