An agreement signed by 29 nations in Shanghai marks the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), a new independent intergovernmental entity aimed at promoting global collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence. The organization’s headquarters will be based in Shanghai, underscoring its strategic importance in the region.

WAICO’s mission centers on enhancing global governance of AI, fostering international partnerships, and ensuring that AI development is conducted in a manner that is safe, equitable, and responsible. By aligning its operations with the principles of the United Nations Charter, the organization seeks to advance a people-centered approach to the development and application of AI technologies.

The founding members of WAICO comprise a diverse group of countries, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia, and China. This variety reflects a broad commitment to international cooperation in navigating the complexities of AI, ensuring that its benefits are widely accessible while addressing potential risks.

With its establishment, WAICO aims to strengthen collaboration among its member states, improve the global governance framework for AI, and promote the safe and beneficial use of artificial intelligence. The organization aspires to ensure that AI technologies are not only advanced but also accessible and beneficial to all of humanity, highlighting a shared commitment to ethical and sustainable AI development.