Robots are seen at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, East China, July 16, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]
The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance was held in Shanghai, China from July 17 to 20. President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China attended the opening ceremony of the Conference and delivered the keynote address. The event was attended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Hun Manet of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the Kingdom of Thailand, Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, and official representatives, business leaders, scholars and researchers from more than 100 countries and international organizations. At this important moment in history of rapid global AI advancement, the Conference was convened under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future" and discussed pathways to promote global AI development for good and for all.
The Conference noted that AI is completely reconfiguring economic and social development, and will have a profound impact on the progress of human civilization. Both the opportunities and challenges accompanying AI are growing. On the one hand, its deep integration in industries, daily lives and scientific research is boosting economic transformation, technological breakthroughs and efficiency. On the other hand, its continuous iterations are bringing to the fore questions about technology ethics, data security and regulatory frameworks.
