The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance is set to be held in Shanghai, China, from July 17 to 20, with analysts saying the event will offer a major platform for international cooperation, technological innovation and global rule-making in the fast-evolving AI sector, according to Anadolu Agency.
Being held under the theme “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future”, the four-day conference is expected to bring together global technology leaders, policymakers, researchers and industry professionals to discuss cutting-edge developments and governance challenges in artificial intelligence.
China’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech, underscoring the importance Beijing places on AI as both a driver of economic growth and a key area of global governance.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of 2026 World Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance and deliver a keynote speech, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on July 13. pic.twitter.com/UELQYCPySl
— CCTV+ (@CCTV_Plus) July 13, 2026
The conference will feature more than 140 forums and attract over 1,400 participants from around the world, while an exhibition spanning over 100,000 square metres will showcase the latest AI innovations, said International Services Shanghai (ISS), the official portal of the Shanghai municipal government. More than 1,100 companies are expected to participate, presenting over 3,000 exhibits, including more than 300 products making their global debut.
Organisers say the event has grown into one of the world’s most influential AI gatherings, serving as a platform to display breakthroughs ranging from large language models and AI agents to industrial applications and open-source ecosystems, the Global Times news website reported.
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Beyond exhibitions and forums, this year’s edition will expand into public spaces across Shanghai, integrating AI experiences into urban settings and community life. The programme will also include innovation incubation, talent exchanges and competitions aimed at fostering startups and strengthening industry linkages.
ISS stated that high-profile speakers expected at the conference include leading scientists and award winners such as reinforcement learning pioneer Richard Sutton and deep learning expert Yoshua Bengio, who will discuss global governance frameworks and emerging technological trends.
A key focus of WAIC 2026 will be global AI governance, with representatives from dozens of countries and international organisations set to hold discussions on regulation, safety and equitable access to AI technologies. Chinese officials have emphasised the need for multilateral cooperation, risk management and inclusive development to ensure that AI benefits all countries, particularly those in the Global South.
Beijing has positioned itself as an advocate of international collaboration in AI, promoting initiatives such as the Global AI Governance Initiative and an action plan aimed at building consensus on standards and regulatory approaches. Officials say the conference will help “inject new momentum” into global AI development by encouraging joint innovation and shared governance.
With Shanghai emerging as a major AI hub — home to hundreds of leading AI enterprises and a rapidly expanding industry — the conference is also expected to highlight China’s growing influence in shaping the future of artificial intelligence and its governance worldwide.
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