On July 16, 2026, an agreement was signed in Shanghai to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Nearly three dozen countries became the founders of the new international organization. On behalf of the Republic of Belarus, the agreement was signed by Mr. Kirill Zalessky, Minister of Communications and Informatization of the Republic of Belarus. A new international organization was created at the initiative of the People’s Republic of China and is designed to unite the efforts of countries in the field of development of artificial intelligence technologies. The organization will operate as an independent intergovernmental body with headquarters in Shanghai. Its key goals include promoting innovation, bridging the digital divide between countries, jointly managing risks, and ensuring safe, ethical, and trustworthy AI. WAICO's core functions include creating a platform for coordinating AI supply and demand, strengthening international cooperation in competency building, and developing unified approaches to technical standards and governance precepts. The organization will also promote the development of an open-source AI ecosystem and support global governance processes within the UN. Belarus has gained international recognition as a regional leader in AI thanks to its significant scientific potential and the successful development of innovative AI-based software products by High-Tech Park residents. For our country, joining the co-founders of the new international organization opens up broad opportunities to participate in shaping the international agenda and implementing joint international projects in this strategically important area, noted Kirill Zalessky. The World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance are taking place in Shanghai from July 17 to 20. The main theme of the conference is the following: "Intelligent Partners – Co-Creating the Future." Изображение PDF