Co-Chairs,

Currently, AI, as the core driving force of a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, is profoundly reshaping the development landscape of countries and the global governance architecture. It brings new opportunities for the comprehensive implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as new challenges to inclusive development and collaborative governance among countries.

Faced with these new opportunities and challenges, we should take universal benefit and inclusiveness as our starting point, upholding the principle that AI is a common asset of all humanity instead of a game only for the rich countries and the wealthy, and ensuring that AI truly becomes an international public good that benefits all humankind. We should uphold the role of the UN as the main channel to jointly build and share cooperation platforms, constructing an open, fair, and effective global AI governance system. We should focus on capacity building, continuously bridge the digital and AI divides, to shape an inclusive, open, sustainable, just, secure, and reliable digital intelligence future.

It deserves in-depth consideration and joint action from the international community about how to strengthen AI capacity building and achieve common progress in the AI Era. China has the following suggestions: 

First, uphold equitable development and bridge the digital and AI divides. We must abandon the mindset of technological hegemony and barriers, and endeavor to narrow the development gap among countries, regions, and groups, ensuring that no individual, group, or country becomes a bystander in the AI revolution. We should create an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for AI development, oppose unilateral sanctions, technological blockades and discriminatory policies, and enable the Global South to truly access and apply AI technology, continuously improving its inclusiveness and accessibility. Digital sovereignty means that countries have the right to independently choose AI products without being coerced into taking sides.

Second, we should promote innovative development while guarding the red line of security. We should uphold the spirit of openness and sharing, deepen cooperation in cutting-edge theories, fundamental science, and technological research and development, support the cross-border flow of knowledge, technology, and talent, promote the open-source sharing of AI technologies, the continuous emergence of innovative achievements, and the accelerated expansion of application scenarios, thereby enhancing the level of AI innovation and development globally. Meanwhile, we should ensure both development and security, jointly prevent and respond to risks such as technology misuse, and maintain the steady and long-term development of AI with solid security safeguard.

Third, we should strengthen integrated development and improve global governance. We should accelerate the construction of digital infrastructure and improve the layout of globally interoperable AI and digital infrastructure. Countries should proactively strengthen policy and regulatory coordination, adhere to the principles of non-interference in internal affairs, no preconditions, non-discrimination and transparency, unequivocally oppose act of unilateralism such as drawing ideological lines and building exclusive “small circles”, and develop global AI governance frameworks，norms and standards based on broad consensus.

As a responsible major country and an important member of the Global South, China has consistently been an advocate, promoter, and pioneer in AI capacity building. Chinese President Xi Jinping has successively proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, which have significant practical implications for guiding global AI governance.

China facilitated the adoption of the world’s first UN General Assembly resolution focusing on AI capacity building and jointly initiated the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity Building with Zambia, providing an important platform for exchanges and cooperation among countries. China proposed the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All and successfully held three workshops on AI capacity building, taking concrete actions to help countries accelerate intelligent transformation and share benefits of AI. China also proposed an “AI+ International Cooperation Initiative” advocating for strengthened practical cooperation to promote application of AI across all industries, demonstrating its sense of responsibility as a major country.

From July 17th to 20th, China will host the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai. This is the latest manifestation of China’s response to the calls of the Global South and the advancement of “Chinese solution” and “Chinese action” on AI for good and for all. We look forward to active participation of all parties, deepening exchanges and cooperation in AI capacity building, bridging the AI divides, sharing the benefits, and creating a better future together.

Thank you!