SHANGHAI, July 17 (Xinhua) -- World leaders on Friday called for an open and inclusive global partnership and stronger international collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development to ensure that the technology is used for good and to benefit humanity.

China's leadership in promoting global AI governance and cooperation is essential to achieving that objective, national leaders and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised the WAIC as a leading platform shaping the global AI agenda and as showcasing China's remarkable achievements in the field.

Kazakhstan commends China's leadership in establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) for global AI cooperation, said the Kazakh president, adding that he believes the new international organization holds immense potential and will profoundly shape the future landscape of global AI governance.

The multiple global initiatives put forward by China have strengthened multilateral cooperation on AI and enhanced AI capacity building, for developing countries and the Global South in particular, said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The WAIC has become a crucial platform for broadening participation in global AI governance and translating the shared commitment to international cooperation into practical dialogue and partnerships, he said.

Cambodia stands ready to work with China and all partners to build an AI future that is innovative, inclusive, secure and respectful of national sovereignty, said Hun.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul thanked China for holding the WAIC to promote international cooperation on AI governance, including the establishment of the WAICO.

Emerging economies must become active contributors to the AI future, not merely consumers of technology developed elsewhere, he said.

He called on all parties to bridge differences, expand areas of cooperation, and push for creating rules that allow innovation to flourish in a responsible way. "This is how we ensure that AI helps unite us around a future that is safer, more prosperous, and leaves no one behind."

"AI can be humanity's greatest opportunity in the 21st century and it could also become one of the greatest risks," said Guterres in his remarks, noting that "a bright future depends on partnership."

The Global AI Governance Initiative put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023 is a strong message of China's commitment and leadership, he said.

The UN General Assembly adopted the Global Digital Compact in September 2024 with the full support of China, said Guterres. "Let us pass the test as partners for a brighter future and make AI a source for dignity, opportunity, and sustainable development for all," said Guterres.