The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance was held on 18 July 2026 in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. Held under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future", the Conference focused on advancing the responsible, safe, inclusive and beneficial development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Conference recognised AI as a transformative technology capable of reshaping economic, social and scientific research landscapes, while creating new opportunities to accelerate economic transformation, enhance productivity and drive technological innovation. 

The Conference, chaired by His Excellency Yin Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, underscored the importance of balancing development and security, innovation and governance, as well as national interests and global well-being. Key principles highlighted included a people-centred approach, AI for Good, inclusivity, and collaborative governance. The Conference also called for strengthened international cooperation to address key challenges in AI development, including enhancing AI capacity-building, particularly for developing countries. 

During the Conference, Brunei Darussalam shared three key national initiatives that demonstrate the country's commitment to harnessing AI for sustainable development. First, the implementation of an AI-enabled healthcare platform, which supports early disease prediction and optimises healthcare service delivery, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on Good Health and Well-being. Second, the launch of the Brunei Darussalam AI Governance and Ethics Guidelines, which complements regional efforts to promote trusted, safe and responsible AI through collaboration with ASEAN and international partners. Third, the implementation of Digital Brunei 2030, which integrates AI across sectors including education, public sector governance and industrial development to strengthen the nation's digital economy while empowering its people and businesses.

Brunei Darussalam also shared its views on three priority areas for international cooperation. First, AI safety, which requires the development of global standards and cross-border cooperation mechanisms to safeguard AI systems against cybersecurity threats, misinformation and the misuse of AI technologies. Second, AI infrastructure, where Brunei Darussalam supports exploring more inclusive infrastructure models, including the establishment of regional AI hubs to enable smaller countries to benefit from advances in AI. Third, human capital development, emphasising the importance of strengthening digital competencies through upskilling, reskilling, AI literacy programmes and regional exchanges of expertise. 

Brunei Darussalam further highlighted that its national AI vision is aligned with the Conference's four key pillars: leveraging AI to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in healthcare, education and climate action; strengthening cybersecurity and addressing the risks associated with AI misuse; promoting inclusive AI to support the development of the creative economy and societal well-being; and advancing global AI governance through inclusive, responsive and forward-looking policy and regulatory frameworks that reflect the needs of all countries. Brunei Darussalam also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with international partners in promoting the safe, inclusive, ethical and human-centred development of AI to ensure that its benefits are shared by all. 

The Brunei Darussalam delegation to the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance was led by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohammed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohammed Yunos, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications. The delegation also comprised Yang Mulia Awang Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunications), Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, together with officials from the Ministry. 

On 17 July 2026, His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and delivered the keynote address. The opening ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; His Excellency Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia; His Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand; His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; as well as government representatives, industry leaders, academics and researchers from more than 100 countries and international organisations.

This year's WAIC reaffirmed the international community's commitment to the principle of "AI for Good and for All", with a shared vision of narrowing the AI development gap through strengthened cooperation in innovation, capacity-building and AI governance. The Conference also emphasised the importance of upholding the Charter of the United Nations, respecting national sovereignty and civilisational diversity, promoting multilateralism, and reinforcing the principles of consultation, contribution and shared benefits in building a safe, inclusive, responsible and sustainable global AI ecosystem. 

Jalan Menteri Besar 

Bandar Seri Begawan, BB3910 

Brunei Darussalam 

2nd Safar 1448H 

18th July 2026