China unveils 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries at WAIC 2026

China unveils 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries at WAIC 2026

China has announced 5,000 artificial intelligence (AI) training opportunities for developing countries over the next five years, unveiling an ambitious package of initiatives aimed at strengthening global AI governance, narrowing the digital divide and promoting inclusive technological development across the Global South.

The announcement was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, where government leaders, technology executives, researchers and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and international cooperation.

Xi said the new training programme would help government officials, researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs and technology professionals from developing countries acquire critical AI knowledge and technical skills needed to accelerate digital transformation and economic growth.

According to him, the initiative reflects China’s commitment to ensuring that developing nations benefit from the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence instead of being left behind by technological progress.

He stressed that AI should become a tool for shared prosperity rather than a source of greater inequality between advanced economies and developing countries.

“AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation,” Xi said, while calling for stronger global collaboration in AI innovation and governance.

Beyond the training programme, Xi announced that China would establish international AI application cooperation centres with major regional organisations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS.

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He said the centres would promote technology transfer, joint research, innovation, knowledge sharing and practical AI applications tailored to the development priorities of participating countries. According to Xi, the initiative is designed to strengthen AI capacity across developing regions while ensuring broader and more equitable access to emerging technologies.

Xi also confirmed the official establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai. The organisation, first proposed by China last year, is expected to serve as a multilateral platform for AI research, governance, standard-setting and capacity building.

According to the Chinese president, WAICO was created in response to calls from developing countries for a more inclusive international AI governance framework that gives emerging economies a stronger voice in shaping global AI policies and standards.

During his address, Xi outlined four guiding principles for global AI governance. He urged countries to promote open innovation, strengthen AI safety and security, encourage inclusiveness and cultural diversity, and improve multilateral governance under the framework of the United Nations.

While acknowledging AI’s enormous potential to transform healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation and public administration, Xi warned that the technology also presents ethical, security and governance risks that require coordinated international action.

He called for stronger legal frameworks, regulatory systems, technological monitoring, early warning mechanisms and emergency response capabilities to ensure artificial intelligence remains safe, transparent and under meaningful human control.

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At the same time, Xi cautioned against expanding national security restrictions in ways that could unnecessarily hinder international cooperation, scientific collaboration and technological innovation.

Highlighting China’s domestic achievements, Xi said artificial intelligence has become one of the country’s major drivers of economic transformation. He disclosed that China’s core AI and smart economy industries are now valued at more than one trillion yuan, with AI technologies increasingly being deployed across manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, education, agriculture and public services.

He added that China has continued to strengthen its AI regulatory framework through improved ethical guidelines, governance mechanisms and industry standards aimed at promoting the safe and responsible development of artificial intelligence.

Xi also highlighted China’s expanding international engagement in AI development. He said Beijing had promoted the adoption of a United Nations General Assembly resolution on AI capacity building, launched the AI Capacity Building Action Plan for Good and for All, and introduced the AI Plus International Cooperation Initiative to deepen global partnerships in artificial intelligence.

In another major announcement, Xi revealed that China would provide 30 countries with access to its MAZU AI-powered meteorological early warning system to improve disaster preparedness, weather forecasting and emergency response capabilities.

He said the initiative would help vulnerable countries strengthen resilience against climate-related disasters while demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be deployed to protect lives and support sustainable development.

Xi urged governments, technology companies, research institutions and international organisations to work together to ensure artificial intelligence contributes to sustainable development rather than widening global inequalities.

He stressed that human wisdom, ethical principles and international consensus must continue to guide the development and deployment of AI technologies.

“As AI advances at a staggering speed, we must ensure its development is for the positive, for good and for humanity,” Xi said.

The announcements come at a time when countries around the world are competing to develop advanced AI technologies while debating issues relating to regulation, ethics, cybersecurity, intellectual property and national security.

Analysts believe China’s latest initiatives reinforce its ambition to position itself as a leading global player in artificial intelligence while strengthening partnerships with countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and other developing regions through technology transfer, skills development and digital infrastructure cooperation.

China unveils 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries at WAIC 2026