The article reports that representatives from 29 countries signed an agreement in Shanghai to formally establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC). The organization is designed as an intergovernmental platform to strengthen international cooperation on artificial intelligence, promote responsible AI development, and improve global coordination on AI governance. The agreement marks one of the most significant multilateral initiatives focused specifically on AI cooperation.
According to the announcement, WAICO will serve as a forum for member countries to collaborate on AI research, technology sharing, standards development, policy dialogue, talent cultivation, and governance frameworks. Its objectives include encouraging innovation while addressing issues such as AI safety, ethics, security, and equitable access to AI technologies. The organization also aims to help developing countries strengthen their AI capabilities through international partnerships, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives.
The initiative reflects China's broader effort to promote multilateral AI governance and expand international cooperation in emerging technologies. During WAIC 2026, Chinese officials emphasized that AI should remain an open and collaborative technology rather than becoming concentrated within a small number of countries or companies. The creation of WAICO is intended to provide an institutional framework for countries to jointly discuss AI policy, coordinate governance approaches, and support sustainable AI development across different regions.
The article concludes that WAICO has the potential to become an important platform in the evolving landscape of global AI governance. Alongside existing international initiatives, the organization seeks to encourage dialogue on responsible AI development while supporting innovation and cross-border collaboration. As AI becomes increasingly central to economic growth and national competitiveness, WAICO represents another step toward building international mechanisms for coordinating AI policy, standards, and governance among participating nations.
