Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai and deliver the event’s keynote address. The summit runs from July 17 to 20 and convenes global stakeholders to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its governance.
Opening ceremony and keynote
Xi’s appearance at the opening underscores the political weight Beijing places on AI. His speech is expected to set the tone for the conference, outlining China’s strategic approach to AI development and regulation under the theme “Intelligent Partners, Co-create the Future.”
Agenda and international participation
The World AI Conference will bring together government officials, industry leaders, academics, researchers and heads of international organizations. Sessions will span technological innovation, ethical frameworks, cross-border cooperation and capacity-building for emerging economies.
Themes Xi is expected to address
Observers anticipate Xi will articulate China’s policies, visions and concrete propositions on AI development and governance. Topics likely to be emphasized include balancing innovation with safety, promoting AI for public good, and proposals for multilateral governance mechanisms.
China’s role in global AI governance
In recent years China has promoted several international initiatives — including the Global AI Governance Initiative — aimed at shaping global norms. Beijing frames these efforts as providing international public goods, advancing AI for all, and supporting capacity-building in the Global South.
Opportunities, risks and the push for consensus
Rapid breakthroughs in AI are creating fresh opportunities across industry and research, while also raising complex social, security and ethical challenges. The conference is positioned as a platform to build mutual trust, harmonize standards and deepen cooperation to manage those risks.
A milestone moment for AI policy
Organizers hope the Shanghai meeting will mark a milestone in the history of AI development by forging consensus and practical cooperation. With high-level participation and a broad agenda, the conference aims to promote the safe, orderly and inclusive advancement of artificial intelligence worldwide.
