Kazakhstan becomes founding member of global AI cooperation body
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Kazakhstan officially joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member during President Tokayev's state visit to China. The agreement was signed by 29 countries, including China, Qatar, Egypt, and Brazil, at the World AI Conference (WAIC-2026) in Shanghai.
Founding Signatories
Kazakhstan, China, Qatar, Egypt, Brazil, and 24 other countries signed the agreement to establish WAICO. The signing ceremony was attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and representatives of other international organizations. The new body's headquarters will be located in Shanghai.
Minister's Remarks
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of AI and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev signed the agreement alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Madiyev stated that Kazakhstan's participation is strategically important as AI becomes a basic infrastructure like the internet or electricity. He emphasized that countries now compete not only for technology but also for talent, computing power, data, and the ability to shape international AI rules.
Organizational Principles
WAICO's activities will be based on the UN Charter, with principles of broad consultation, joint contribution, and mutual benefit. The organization aims to address global digital inequality and establish fair rules for technology governance. The founding was announced during the opening ceremony of WAIC-2026 under the theme 'Partnership in AI for a Bright Future.'
What's Next
WAICO is expected to begin operations in Shanghai later this year, with its first general assembly to be scheduled. It remains unclear how the organization will enforce its governance rules or whether all 29 signatories will ratify the agreement domestically.
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Kazakhstan becomes founding member of global AI cooperation body
