During the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026), held in Shanghai, China, from July 17 to 20, participating countries reached an agreement to establish a new international organization aimed at strengthening global cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. As part of the conference, the founding agreement for the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) was officially signed.
The initiative to create the organization was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Representatives from 29 countries signed the founding document, and it was announced that the organization’s headquarters will be located in Shanghai. As an intergovernmental international organization, WAICO will coordinate international cooperation to promote the safe, reliable, and responsible development of artificial intelligence.
The signing ceremony was attended by heads of state and government, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and representatives of several international organizations. The founding members include China, Russia, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Belarus, Malaysia, Indonesia, Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and several other countries.
WAICO’s primary mission is to strengthen international cooperation in artificial intelligence, ensure that emerging AI technologies serve the interests of humanity, and promote their safe, transparent, and equitable use. The organization will carry out its activities in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
Turkmenistan also participated in the conference through an official delegation. In his address, Hajymyrat Hudaygulyyev, Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan, highlighted the significant potential of artificial intelligence to advance healthcare, education, transportation, water resource management, and environmental protection. He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the era of digital transformation.
Sheker Atayeva
Lecturer, International University of Industrialists
and Entrepreneurs, Turkmenistan
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