Kazakhstan Becomes a Founding Member of an International AI Organisation

Kazakhstan has joined 28 other countries in establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). The agreement was signed in Shanghai on 16 July 2026, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.

The ceremony took place during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, WAIC 2026. The agreement was signed on Kazakhstan’s behalf by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev.

The event was also attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and representatives of other countries and international organisations.

What WAICO will do

WAICO will be an independent intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Shanghai. Its work will be guided by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

The organisation will focus on advancing international cooperation and developing common approaches to AI governance. Its stated priorities include the safe, fair and human-centred use of technology.

China initiated the establishment of WAICO. Alongside Kazakhstan and China, the agreement was signed by representatives of Qatar, Egypt, Brazil and other countries. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also confirmed the organisation’s status and its founding members.

Kazakhstan will help shape international AI rules

Participation in WAICO will allow Kazakhstan to take part in discussions on international standards and principles for AI development. Member states will be able to share expertise, launch joint technology projects and expand cooperation in research, data and computing infrastructure.

According to Zhaslan Madiyev, countries are competing not only for technology, but also for talent, computing capacity and data. This makes it important for Kazakhstan to contribute to shaping international rules for AI development.

Joining WAICO could expand Kazakhstan’s opportunities for technology exchange, investment attraction and the joint development of AI-powered solutions.