Twenty-nine countries signed an agreement on Thursday to establish the World AI Cooperation Organization, a new intergovernmental body aimed at fostering international collaboration and global governance for artificial intelligence. The signing ceremony took place in Shanghai, China, involving nations including Russia, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Brazil, and Venezuela, alongside 10 African and 12 Asian countries.
Establishing Global AI Governance in Shanghai
The newly formed organization will base its headquarters in Shanghai, according to the Chinese state agency Xinhua. The agreement was finalized on the eve of the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference. This development marks the formalization of a proposal China first introduced at the same conference last year, though no other nations had officially joined the initiative until this week.
Did You Know? The World AI Cooperation Organization was initially proposed by China at last year’s World Artificial Intelligence Conference, but the project remained without formally announced member nations until the signing event on July 16, 2026.
The Role of International Cooperation
The intergovernmental body seeks to create a framework for global AI governance. As the organization launches, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to present an ambitious vision for Beijing’s role in shaping international AI standards and cooperation during the upcoming conference proceedings.
What Comes Next
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are involved in the World AI Cooperation Organization?
The 29 founding members include Russia, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Brazil, and Venezuela, as well as 10 African and 12 Asian countries.
Where will the organization be based?
The headquarters for the World AI Cooperation Organization will be located in Shanghai, China.
What is the primary goal of this new body?
According to China, the organization aims to promote international cooperation and global governance regarding artificial intelligence.
How might the formalization of this intergovernmental body change the way international AI policies are developed in the coming years?
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