The World Artificial Intelligence Conference Opens in Shanghai

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), the High-Level Meeting on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and a major technology exhibition were held in Shanghai, China, on July 17-20, 2026. The guests of the events include President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation Maxim Oreshkin, and high-ranking delegates from more than 100 countries and international organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as representatives of the expert and business communities.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference Opens in Shanghai

Opening the Conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined the key modalities for the development of the AI field, including the principle of " people-centered approach, AI for good, and for the sake of progress." He emphasized that AI technologies should serve as an impetus for universal prosperity and security, and that it is necessary for states to work together to create a fair and rational system for managing this field. It was announced that in the next 5 years, China will provide 5,000 quotas for participation in exchange programs and establish cooperation centers with partners from ASEAN, the Arab League, the African Union, CELAC, BRICS, and the SCO.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference Opens in Shanghai

Speaking at the High-Level Meeting, Oleg Kopylov, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, informed about the Organization's cooperation in the field of AI. He emphasized the importance of the Council of Heads of State's Statement on deepening international cooperation in this area, adopted at last year's SCO Summit in Tianjin, and the readiness to promote the unification of efforts by states, international organizations, science, and business to create a secure, fair, and inclusive digital future was noted.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference Opens in Shanghai

On the eve of the Conference, the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization was signed. The document was signed by representatives of 29 countries, including 11 member states of the SCO Community: Belarus, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In accordance with the agreement, the Organization will be guided by the provisions of the UN Charter, rely on the mechanism of consultations and the principle of common benefit, and adhere to a human-centered approach.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference Opens in Shanghai

On the sidelines, the delegation of the Secretariat held contacts with high-ranking representatives of the SCO member states and heads of international organizations, and gave interviews to Chinese and foreign media.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference Opens in Shanghai

Artificial intelligence conferences have been held in Shanghai since 2018. Li Qiang, Premier of China's State Council proposed the establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organization in 2025.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference Opens in Shanghai