An agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) has been signed in Shanghai, China, with Uzbekistan joining the ranks of its founding members.
The agreement was signed ahead of the opening of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) by representatives from nearly 30 countries. Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov signed the document on behalf of Uzbekistan, while Minister Maksut Shadaev signed for Russia, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi signed for China.
According to the Ministry of Digital Technologies, WAICO aims to expand international cooperation in artificial intelligence development, establish advanced technology exchanges, and shape unified approaches for the safe and responsible use of AI.
The ministry emphasized that becoming a co-founder of the organization is a crucial step for Uzbekistan. It will allow the country to broaden its international AI partnerships, strengthen its presence in the global AI ecosystem, and attract cutting-edge expertise and technologies.
The newly formed organization will be headquartered in Shanghai, China. The main theme of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Conference on Global AI Governance, taking place from July 17 to 20, is "Intelligent Partners—Co-creating the Future."
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to present Beijing's policies and strategic initiatives on AI development and governance during the conference's opening ceremony.
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