Global AI Governance Charter Adopted at 2026 Shanghai Conference

The high‑level AI governance meeting in Shanghai culminated on Friday with the adoption of a charter that codifies fifteen fundamental principles for the worldwide management of artificial intelligence.

The charter outlines a roadmap that includes: (1) safeguarding AI safety through rigorous testing; (2) guaranteeing fairness and non‑discrimination; (3) placing human dignity at the centre of AI design; (4) encouraging industry‑academic collaboration; (5) promoting the “AI+” integration model across health, finance, agriculture and more; (6) expanding open‑source contributions while protecting intellectual property; (7) strengthening data privacy and security; (8) reducing the ecological footprint of AI operations; (9) fostering energy‑efficient AI development; (10) addressing employment impacts with proactive labour policies; (11) establishing robust risk‑control and oversight mechanisms; (12) preventing the use of AI for terrorism or other illicit activities; (13) reinforcing multilateral cooperation under the United Nations; (14) supporting capacity‑building in developing nations; and (15) ensuring that international trade rules respect cultural diversity and uphold common standards.

Delegates praised the charter as a decisive step toward making AI a driver of equitable growth, sustainable development and shared prosperity across the globe.