Mankind creates first global intergovernmental AI cooperation organization

SHANGHAI, July 17 — The creation of the world’s first intergovernmental international organization to cope with opportunities and challenges posed by thinking machines was announced at a major AI governance conference in Shanghai on Friday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) is a major move by China to answer the call of the Global South and unite the international community in advancing AI development and governance.

“It will be an important milestone in the history of AI development,” Xi said at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance.