The conference on artificial intelligence and high-level global AI governance will take place on July 17, 2026, at the Shanghai Exhibition Center in China. This meeting, along with the World AI Conference 2026 (WAIC), is dedicated to balancing innovation development with ensuring safety amid rapid AI progress.
China's Contribution to Global AI Governance
During the event, several international specialists emphasized that China's early steps in AI regulation, as well as the country's active participation in initiatives to form international standards and build capacity, provide valuable experience for the global community in developing responsible and comprehensive AI. Furthermore, a roadmap for international ethical AI governance was presented, aimed at stimulating more coordinated and practical international cooperation in this field.
Expert Assessments and Regulatory Frameworks
Mark Nisberg, Executive Director of the Human-Compatible AI Center at the University of California, Berkeley, stated China's significant contribution to global AI governance. He noted that several regulatory systems were introduced in China for the first time, adding that international researchers regularly exchange views with developers of Chinese norms, viewing this practice as a valuable benchmark.
Standardization and Capacity Building
Experts also highlighted China's role in establishing international AI standards. Sebastian Hallensleben, Chairman of JTC 21 CEN-CENELEC, where European standards supporting EU regulation are developed, noted that AI standardization is inherently an international process, despite regional differences. He stressed that China is one of the key participants in this process, leading several working groups and serving as an editor for numerous standards projects.
Another aspect covered at the conference was AI capacity building. As part of WAIC, China announced plans to provide 5000 opportunities for AI training and workshops to developing countries over the next five years.
Ethics Principles and Country Support
Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, pointed out that the international community already possesses principles of ethical AI, including the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Nevertheless, he particularly highlighted the need for countries to have sufficient capacity to understand these principles and integrate them into their legal systems. In this context, he noted that China's capacity-building efforts will provide significant support.
