The 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the High-level Conference on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence concluded on Monday in Shanghai, achieving a significant milestone with the adoption of the Action Plan for Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, led by China and supported by extensive international participation.
The Action Plan outlines 13 strategic priorities aimed at ensuring that AI is safe, inclusive, innovative, and beneficial for humanity. These priorities include enhancing infrastructure, promoting global cooperation, empowering key sectors, upholding ethical standards, and tackling challenges such as data privacy, energy efficiency, and algorithmic bias.
“We are calling on all parties to take effective actions to jointly promote global AI development and governance,” the plan states, urging adherence to principles of sovereignty, openness, fairness, and cooperation.
A key feature of the proposal is the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization to coordinate global efforts, foster innovation, and bridge the digital divide, particularly in the Global South.
The conference brought together over 800 AI firms from more than 70 countries and regions, showcasing 3,000 innovations and over 100 world or China debuts. From foundational AI tools to practical industrial applications, the event highlighted a comprehensive AI ecosystem.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun underscored China’s commitment to collective governance.
“Artificial intelligence is a global public good. China is committed to working with all countries to deepen international cooperation and promote the open and inclusive development of AI for good and for all,” he said during a regular press briefing.
Guo added that the Action Plan reflects “China’s wisdom and contribution to enhancing global AI governance.”
Key takeaways from the Plan include the promotion of AI innovation across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and climate; the acceleration of digital infrastructure development, particularly in developing regions; the establishment of inclusive governance frameworks with multi-party participation; the enhancement of global data sharing while safeguarding privacy and cultural diversity; and the development of transparent standards to ensure the secure and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
The conference also highlighted the role of AI in environmental protection, calling for cooperation in using AI to support green transformation, biodiversity conservation, and climate action.
The Action Plan further urged governments, international organizations, enterprises, academia, civil society, and citizens to collaborate on responsible AI development, aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
