SHANGHAI, July 17 (Xinhua) – World leaders on Friday called for an open and inclusive global partnership in artificial intelligence (AI) development and stronger international cooperation to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) technology is used to benefit humanity.
China’s leadership in promoting global AI governance and cooperation is essential to achieving that objective, national leaders and UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised WAIC as a major platform for shaping the world’s AI agenda and as a demonstration of China’s outstanding achievements in this field.
Kazakhstan applauds China’s leadership in establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Agency (WAICO) for global AI cooperation, the President of Kazakhstan said, adding that he believes this new international organization has immense potential and will significantly shape the future landscape of global AI governance.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that multiple global initiatives advocated by China have strengthened multilateral cooperation on AI and strengthened AI capacity building, especially in developing countries and the Global South.
He said WAIC has become an important platform for expanding participation in global AI governance and translating a common commitment to international cooperation into practical dialogue and partnership.
Cambodia stands ready to work with China and all partners to build an AI future that is innovative, inclusive, secure and respects national sovereignty, Hung said.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed his gratitude to China for hosting WAIC to foster international cooperation on AI governance, including the establishment of WAICO.
He said emerging countries must become active contributors to the future of AI, rather than just consumers of technologies developed elsewhere.
He called on all parties to bridge differences, expand areas of cooperation, and advance rule-making to allow innovation to flourish in a responsible manner. “This is how AI can unite us towards a safer, more prosperous future that leaves no one behind.”
In his speech, Mr. Guterres said, “AI could be humanity’s greatest opportunity in the 21st century, but it could also be one of its greatest risks,” and pointed out that “a bright future depends on partnerships.”
He said the Global AI Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023 is a strong message of China’s commitment and leadership.
Secretary-General Guterres said the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Global Digital Compact in September 2024, with China’s full support. “Let us pass the test as partners for a brighter future and make AI a source of dignity, opportunity and sustainable development for all,” Guterres said. ■
