Bangladesh to join China-led AI alliance as observer

Bangladesh is set to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), a China-led body, as an observer, with the aim of strengthening international cooperation on innovation, ensuring inclusive development, and promoting the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision in a Facebook statement on Saturday (August 1).

According to the statement, WAICO aims to deepen international cooperation in innovation, reduce the global digital divide to ensure inclusive development, foster an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment for the development of artificial intelligence, and advance the policies and regulations necessary to ensure the safe and human-centric use of AI technology.

Headquartered in Shanghai, China's commercial capital, the intergovernmental organisation was launched on July 16. Beijing announced the alliance with an initial 29 countries at a high-level meeting of the World AI Conference.

The founding members include Russia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, Senegal, and other countries from the Global South.

Earlier at the World AI Conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for greater international cooperation in the development and use of artificial intelligence technology. Without naming the United States, he said no single country should have control over the technology.