World AI Cooperation Organization Launched in Shanghai

On July 16, 2026, a landmark event unfolded in Shanghai with the signing of the agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). With 29 founding member countries, including China, Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan, the organization marks the world's first intergovernmental body dedicated to international cooperation on artificial intelligence . With its headquarters in Shanghai, WAICO aims to ensure that AI develops in a manner that is beneficial, safe, and fair for all of humanity, a principle that was strongly endorsed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres .

WAICO is being established as an independent, intergovernmental organization that operates within the framework of the UN Charter . Its creation is widely seen as a concrete step by China to answer the call of the Global South and unite the international community, providing a platform for broad consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefit. The founding agreement emphasizes a people-centered approach to AI development and application, with a core mission to bridge the "intelligent divide"—the vast gap in computing power and AI capabilities between wealthy nations and the rest of the world.

WAICO's inclusive nature is evident in its membership, which spans across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe . The signing ceremony was attended not only by member state representatives but also by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, highlighting the international community's growing recognition of the need for collaborative AI governance . As Guterres noted, "Technology that will shape the future of humanity must be shaped by all humanity. It cannot be governed by a handful of countries or a handful of companies" .

The economic value of artificial intelligence is already immense, and WAICO is positioned to accelerate this growth for its members. China, a global leader in the field, saw its core AI industries exceed 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately $175 billion USD) in 2025, with over 6,200 AI enterprises operating nationwide . For member nations, WAICO offers a framework for deep technical cooperation, the sharing of research data, and the co-development of practical AI applications designed to drive shared economic prosperity .

The potential for massive economic uplift is particularly significant for developing countries. Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto provided a striking example of this potential. He projected that by joining WAICO, Indonesia's digital economy could surge from its baseline projection of approximately $400 billion USD to over $2 trillion USD by 2030 . Even more conservative estimates from other sources suggest an increase from roughly $130 billion in 2026 to $366 billion in 2030, highlighting the transformative impact that WAICO-backed collaboration can have on national economies .

WAICO is positioning itself as a distinct alternative to Western-led technology coalitions. While other frameworks often focus on restrictive safety rules, licensing limits, and export controls, WAICO promotes a message of open, inclusive development . It promises to help every member nation, regardless of economic or political alignment, build its own sovereign digital capabilities. By providing subsidized access to AI models and regional computing pools, WAICO acts as a "masterclass in global technology diplomacy," presenting itself as a champion of the Global South and offering a non-coercive path to technological advancement .

WAICO is a strategic economic initiative. By fostering international collaboration, setting common standards, and ensuring more equitable access to AI technology, WAICO is poised to unlock trillions of dollars in economic potential for its members while reshaping the global governance of the world's most transformative technology .