Shanghai: TECHz – News Desk
Twenty-nine countries signed an agreement in Shanghai on July 16, 2026, establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). WAICO will operate as an independent intergovernmental international organization with its headquarters located in Shanghai.
The agreement was signed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on behalf of the Chinese government, alongside representatives from founding member states including Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia, and Indonesia. The signing ceremony was also attended by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. According to the official agreement, the organization will uphold the principles of the UN Charter, promote extensive consultation and shared benefits, and adopt a people-centered approach to governance. Its primary objective is to advance international cooperation to ensure artificial intelligence remains beneficial, safe, and fair for all humanity.
During the 2026 World AI Conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping formally announced WAICO’s creation and called for joint efforts to build a just and equitable system for global AI governance. He emphasized that AI should be developed for the positive and good, remaining an important driver for shared prosperity and common security.
To support capacity building in developing nations, a pledge was made to provide 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs.
International AI application cooperation centers will be developed in partnership with the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS. As part of these shared benefits, 30 countries will also be enabled to use MAZU, an AI-powered meteorological warning system, to safeguard homes globally.
