Pakistan Becomes Founding Member of World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO)

Pakistan has secured a historic place in the future of global artificial intelligence governance by becoming a founding member of the newly established World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Alongside 28 other nations, Pakistan will help shape international policies, standards, and cooperation on artificial intelligence through the Shanghai-based intergovernmental organization, marking a significant milestone in the country's journey toward digital innovation and global technological leadership.

The agreement establishing WAICO was signed Thursday by representatives of 29 countries, including Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Indonesia, and Laos, marking the launch of a new international platform dedicated to advancing responsible, inclusive, and cooperative development of artificial intelligence. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signed the agreement on China's behalf, while United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres attended the signing ceremony alongside representatives of member states and international organizations.

The creation of WAICO marks a significant evolution in global AI governance at a time when artificial intelligence is transforming economies, industries, education, healthcare, and public services. The organization is expected to foster international collaboration, promote ethical and people-centered AI, strengthen global governance mechanisms, and ensure that AI technologies remain safe, fair, and beneficial for all humanity, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

For Pakistan, membership in WAICO is more than a diplomatic gesture. It positions the country as an architect of an emerging international AI framework. It offers opportunities for collaboration across research, innovation, digital transformation, policy development, capacity building, and responsible technology adoption.

As nations race to harness artificial intelligence for economic growth and societal progress, Pakistan's inclusion as a founding member provides a strategic platform to strengthen its AI ecosystem, engage with global partners, and help shape international standards that will define the next generation of technological advancement.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Rector of the University of Southern Punjab (USP) in Multan, Pakistan, and Chief Executive Officer of the international journal HunarNama, warmly congratulated the Government of Pakistan and the country's scientific, academic, and technology communities on their status as a founding member of WAICO.

"Pakistan's inclusion as a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization is a proud milestone for our nation. It reflects growing international confidence in Pakistan's potential to make a meaningful contribution to the future of artificial intelligence and digital innovation."

He emphasized that the country's universities must seize this opportunity by accelerating AI education, interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship, and international partnerships.

"Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and governance. Pakistani universities have a responsibility to prepare future leaders, researchers, and innovators to develop ethical, inclusive, and human-centered AI solutions. Membership in WAICO opens new avenues for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technological advancement."

Prof. Mukhtar further noted that HunarNama would continue to promote awareness of emerging technologies, digital skills, and innovation-driven education to help prepare Pakistan's youth for the AI-powered global economy.