WAICO redefines AI governance for the Global South

On July 16, 2026, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization was officially established as a new platform for international cooperation on artificial intelligence. WAICO is not just another AI institution; it is introduced as a development-oriented AI governance model in the ongoing debate over security and regulatory concerns.

Nevertheless, WAICO's triumph is based on its ability to address practical questions, such as data governance, technical standards, transparency mechanisms, and the sustained contribution of varied stakeholders. Institutional competence will be crucial for transforming political obligation into meaningful cooperation. Its emergence raises an important question: Can a new cooperative framework help ensure that developing countries play a greater role in shaping the future of AI?

Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from a technological innovation into a strategic capability influencing economic competitiveness, national security, and diplomatic relations. Competition among major powers has intensified around AI infrastructure, semiconductor supply chains, technological standards, and access to advanced computing resources. For many developing countries, these dynamics have created challenges in obtaining the resources, expertise, and infrastructure required to participate fully in the AI revolution.

WAICO represents an opportunity to broaden participation in AI governance by creating a platform where developing countries can contribute to international discussions and strengthen cooperation. The organization's founding members include countries from Asia, Africa, Eurasia, and Latin America, reflecting significant participation from the Global South. Several key supporters, including China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa, are also members of BRICS, demonstrating the growing interest among emerging economies in shaping the future direction of AI governance.

China's own AI development provides an important context for this discussion. As one of the world's leading AI markets, China has developed a rapidly expanding AI industry valued at more than 1.2 trillion yuan, creating significant technological capacity and experience that can contribute to international cooperation.

The participation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres at WAICO's launch reinforced the organization's stated commitment to international cooperation, the UN Charter principles, and a people-centered approach to technological development. The creation of WAICO reflects increasing global demand for a more inclusive and balanced approach to AI governance.

By promoting technology cooperation, capacity building, and wider participation in AI policymaking, WAICO has the potential to contribute to a more diverse and stable global AI ecosystem. China consistently advocates that AI development should serve humanity and contribute to shared prosperity and common security. This vision is reflected in China's Global AI Governance Initiative, proposed in 2023, which advocates for international collaboration in addressing AI-related opportunities and challenges.

For developing countries, the most important question is not simply who leads AI innovation, but how the benefits of AI can be made more accessible. Many Global South countries face challenges such as limited computing capacity, insufficient technical expertise, and gaps in digital infrastructure. WAICO could provide a mechanism to address these challenges through affordable AI infrastructure development, research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and professional training.

China has highlighted the importance of supporting developing countries in building AI capabilities and reducing the digital divide. Beijing has announced plans to provide 5,000 opportunities for AI training and seminars for developing countries over the next five years. Such initiatives could help countries develop local expertise, create AI applications suited to their own development needs, and strengthen technological independence.

Potential areas of cooperation include AI-powered weather forecasting systems, agricultural modernization, healthcare solutions, education technology, and disaster management. These practical applications demonstrate how AI can support sustainable development beyond technological competition.

China has also expanded AI cooperation through partnerships with regional and multilateral organizations, including the African Union, the League of Arab States, ASEAN, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS. These efforts indicate a broader attempt to create networks for international AI collaboration.

The emergence of WAICO reflects a broader transformation in global AI governance. As AI becomes increasingly important, countries are seeking governance frameworks that address both technological innovation and unequal access to resources. WAICO could contribute to a more multipolar AI environment by encouraging broader participation and reducing excessive dependence on a limited number of technology providers.

The future of AI governance is likely to involve different approaches. Different regions have set different priorities. For example, the US focused on technological leadership along with national security, the European Union emphasized regulatory safeguards, while China encouraged development-oriented cooperation and accessibility.

At the same time, many developing countries emphasize another dimension of AI governance: ensuring equitable access to technology and preventing widening gaps between developed and developing economies. WAICO's approach places greater emphasis on technological development, capacity building, and reducing inequality in AI access.

Rather than viewing these approaches as mutually exclusive, global AI governance may benefit from combining responsible innovation with broader development objectives. Effective international cooperation will require dialogue among different governance models, economic systems, and regional perspectives.

WAICO's long-term influence will depend on its ability to maintain openness, transparency, practical cooperation, and meaningful participation from its members. Like any international institution, its success will be measured by its capacity to deliver tangible benefits and contribute to responsible AI development.

The establishment of WAICO marks an important development in the evolution of global AI governance. Its significance lies not only in technological cooperation, but also in expanding opportunities for countries that seek a stronger voice in shaping the future of AI.

By emphasizing capacity building, technological cooperation, and inclusive participation, WAICO has the potential to support the Global South in navigating the opportunities and challenges of the AI era. The future of artificial intelligence should not be defined only by competition among leading technology powers, but also by cooperation that ensures innovation benefits a wider range of societies.

The successful implementation of WAICO has the potential to become a platform that promotes technological diversity, strengthens AI sovereignty, and contributes to a more inclusive global digital future.

The author is a researcher and writer focused on international relations, global governance, power politics, regional politics, and nuclear security.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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