Twenty-nine countries on Thursday signed a landmark agreement in Shanghai establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), an independent intergovernmental international organization aimed at strengthening global cooperation and governance in artificial intelligence.
The agreement designates Shanghai as the permanent headquarters of the new organization, which is expected to serve as a key platform for international collaboration on AI development, regulation and innovation.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, signed the agreement on behalf of the Chinese government during the official signing ceremony.
The founding members include Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia and 24 other countries, reflecting growing international support for coordinated efforts to harness the opportunities and address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was among representatives from countries and international organizations who attended the ceremony, underscoring the global significance of the initiative.
According to the agreement, WAICO will uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter while promoting extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits among member states. The organization will adopt a people-centered approach to AI development, ensuring that technological progress serves the interests of humanity.
The organization’s primary mission is to advance international cooperation on artificial intelligence and strengthen global AI governance. It seeks to promote the development and application of AI in ways that are beneficial, safe, fair and inclusive, while fostering innovation that contributes to sustainable development and shared prosperity.
The establishment of WAICO comes at a time when governments around the world are seeking stronger international frameworks to manage the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, address ethical and security concerns, and ensure equitable access to emerging AI technologies.
