World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO)

World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO)

#GS-3 #Science & Technology #Artificial Intelligence #Current Events #International #Artificial Intelligence Governance #Global South

Why in News

  • **China** launched the **World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO)** in **Shanghai** to create a global AI governance platform for developing nations.

About WAICO

  • **WAICO** functions as a **China** led international platform that promotes cooperation, skill building, and common rules for AI among developing nations.
  • The headquarters of this organization are located in **Shanghai, China**.
  • It aims to boost inclusive AI development, build technical skills in developing countries, and create an AI framework led by the **Global South**.

Key Features

  • The platform launched with **30** participating nations mainly from **Asia**, **Africa**, and **Latin America** to build stronger tech ties.
  • **China** plans to offer **5,000** AI training slots and open joint AI centers with groups like **ASEAN**, **African Union**, **BRICS**, **SCO**, **League of Arab States**, and **CELAC**.
  • The initiative promotes open-source AI models, shared technology, and joint research among member countries.
  • It introduces an alternative governance framework that highlights digital sovereignty, multilateral decision-making, and opposition to technology curbs.
  • It encourages countries to adopt Chinese AI tools as alternatives to Western systems like **ChatGPT** and **Claude**.

Significance

  • This step expands the influence of **China** in global AI governance while deepening tech partnerships across the **Global South**.
  • It provides an alternative digital ecosystem built on open-source tools and national control over digital systems.