29 Nations Sign Treaty Establishing Global AI Cooperation Organisation in Shanghai

By Iyojo Ameh

Twenty-nine countries have signed a landmark agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), marking a significant step towards strengthening international collaboration on artificial intelligence governance, innovation and responsible development.

The agreement, signed on Thursday in Shanghai, designates the Chinese financial hub as the permanent headquarters of the new intergovernmental organisation, which aims to provide a global platform for cooperation on AI policy, regulation, research and technological advancement.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, signed the treaty on behalf of the Chinese government during the official ceremony attended by representatives of participating countries and international organisations.

The founding members include Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia and 24 other countries, reflecting growing international support for a coordinated approach to harnessing the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence while addressing its associated risks.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was among the dignitaries present at the signing ceremony, highlighting the increasing importance of global cooperation in shaping the future of AI.

According to the agreement, WAICO will operate in line with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, promoting extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits among member states. The organisation also pledges to adopt a people-centred approach that ensures AI technologies are developed and deployed for the benefit of humanity.

The new body is expected to facilitate international dialogue on AI governance, encourage responsible innovation, strengthen technical cooperation among member countries and promote the safe, fair and inclusive application of artificial intelligence across sectors.

Beyond governance, WAICO will support efforts to ensure that AI contributes to sustainable development, economic growth and shared prosperity while addressing emerging concerns over ethics, security, privacy and equitable access to advanced technologies.

The establishment of WAICO comes amid increasing global calls for stronger international mechanisms to regulate the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. Governments and technology stakeholders worldwide have continued to advocate collaborative frameworks capable of balancing innovation with safeguards against potential misuse.

Analysts say the creation of the organisation signals a growing recognition that the challenges and opportunities presented by AI require coordinated international action rather than isolated national policies.

With its headquarters in Shanghai, WAICO is expected to serve as a key platform for dialogue, policy coordination and practical cooperation as countries work towards building an inclusive and globally accepted framework for artificial intelligence governance.