Iran joins founding members of global AI organization

Iran has become one of the founding countries of the newly established World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO) after Iranian Ambassador to China Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli signed the organization’s founding document on behalf of the Iranian government.

Following the signing, Rahmani Fazli, during a meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Bin, underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in shaping the future of advanced technologies. He expressed Iran’s readiness to actively contribute to the scientific, research and practical development of artificial intelligence, as well as to the establishment of international mechanisms to ensure the equitable use of the technology.

Harnessing AI for Sustainable Development

The Iranian ambassador said his country’s participation in the international initiative and its status as a founding member reflect Iran’s approach of constructive engagement in emerging technologies. He emphasized the importance of harnessing AI capabilities to support sustainable development and accelerate social progress.

The World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO) was established on July 16, 2026, at China’s initiative on the sidelines of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) in Shanghai.

According to its founding document, WAICO is an independent intergovernmental organization headquartered in Shanghai. Its objectives include promoting international cooperation in artificial intelligence, strengthening global AI governance, and ensuring that the technology is developed in a sound, safe and equitable manner.

29 Countries Sign Founding Agreement

A total of 29 countries have signed the agreement establishing WAICO, an intergovernmental organization proposed by China to promote international cooperation and global governance in the field of artificial intelligence.

According to Reuters, citing China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, the founding members include Russia, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Brazil and Venezuela, along with 10 African and 12 Asian countries.

WAICO will be headquartered in Shanghai. The founding agreement was signed one day before the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, an annual AI forum held in the Chinese city.

The establishment of WAICO follows an initiative first proposed by China at last year’s WAIC. However, no country had officially announced its membership before the signing of the founding agreement.

The organization’s website states that the creation of WAICO does not, by itself, guarantee the emergence of an alternative global AI system. It argues that no genuine global system in the field has yet emerged, as the world is currently witnessing intense competition for AI leadership alongside a broader restructuring of the international order.

Against this backdrop, the organization argues that BRICS countries should make use of every effective framework capable of narrowing the technological gap and strengthening their ability to participate in shaping the future global AI landscape.