Pakistan has become a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), a newly established intergovernmental body aimed at promoting global cooperation, governance and the safe, equitable development of artificial intelligence (AI).

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the agreement establishing WAICO on behalf of Pakistan at a ceremony held in Shanghai, China, on Thursday.

The signing ceremony marked the formal launch of the organisation, with representatives from 29 countries signing the founding agreement.

Founding members include Pakistan, China, Russia, Brazil, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Venezuela and Laos, among other countries from Asia, Africa and the Global South.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment as a founding member of WAICO to advance international cooperation in artificial intelligence, particularly from the perspective of the Global South.

The ministry said Pakistan looked forward to working closely with fellow member states to help bridge the global AI divide, promote equitable access to AI technologies and ensure that the benefits of AI-driven development are shared more widely.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan would collaborate with other member states to strengthen global AI governance, narrow technological disparities and support the responsible and inclusive development of artificial intelligence.

WAICO, established under China’s leadership, is a new intergovernmental organisation focused on fostering international collaboration in AI governance, innovation and development, with a strong emphasis on the needs of developing countries and the Global South.