Twenty-nine nations signed a pact on Thursday, the 16th, aimed at creating the World Organization for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence. This intergovernmental entity aims to foster international collaboration and define global standards for the artificial intelligence sector.
The agreement was signed in Shanghai, China, moments before the World Artificial Intelligence Conference. At this event, Beijing plans to present its perspective on the country's role in determining technological governance guidelines.
Among the countries that adhered to the agreement are Russia, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Brazil, and Venezuela, along with ten African nations and twelve Asian nations. The headquarters of this new organization will be located in Shanghai, as reported by the Chinese state agency Xinhua.
The idea of creating this entity was originally presented by China during the previous edition of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, but only now have official announcements of adherence been made by the founding members. This agreement unites governments willing to integrate a multilateral structure focused on international debate on AI, emerging at a time of rapid technological advancement and the need for mechanisms of cooperation between nations.
The formalization of the agreement took place the day before the expected participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping in the annual conference in Shanghai. According to the disclosed agenda, the Chinese leader is expected to present a more comprehensive proposal on Beijing's contribution to drafting international guidelines for artificial intelligence. With this document formalized, the World Organization for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence has its first formal members, bringing together representatives from various regions, such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
China intends to use the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with all parties towards creating a global AI governance system based on broad consensus, stated Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Friday.
These statements were made by Han Zheng during the opening of the XIV World Forum of Peace in Beijing, where he called for strengthening governance mechanisms in developing areas such as artificial intelligence.
He noted that China has put forward the Initiative for Global AI Governance, which advocates for a human-centric approach and the development of AI for the benefit of humanity.
Han Zheng emphasized that the world is undergoing an accelerated transformation, unprecedented in a century, accompanied by growing instability, turbulence, frequent geopolitical conflicts, as well as more evident risks and governance gaps.
He also mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping presented the Global Governance Initiative to promote the building of a fairer and more equitable global governance system, which will bring necessary stability and positive energy to the world.
Furthermore, Han added that China has always taken concrete steps to maintain the central role of the United Nations in international affairs, faithfully fulfilling its duties and missions as a permanent member of the Security Council. He expressed readiness to work with all countries to preserve the post-war world order and uphold international justice and equality.
As the host of the 33rd APEC Leaders' Summit, China will cooperate with all partners in building the Asia-Pacific community. He also stated his intention to continue expanding high-standard open access and work with all states to promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
The event in China's capital was attended by about 400 people, including former foreign political figures, diplomatic envoys to China, and scientists from China and abroad.
