TLDR: The International Forum on Standardization of Artificial Intelligence, held during the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, brought together over 200 delegates from around the globe to discuss technical standards, ethical governance, and international collaboration for AI standardization. China reiterated its commitment to fostering global cooperation on AI ethics and legal frameworks.
Shanghai, China – The International Forum on Standardization of Artificial Intelligence, a pivotal event within the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), concluded on Saturday, July 27, 2025, in Shanghai. The forum served as a critical platform for over 200 delegates, including experts from international organizations, governments, universities, research institutions, and enterprises, to advance global consensus on AI standardization. The overarching theme of WAIC 2025 was ‘Global Solidarity in the AI Era,’ underscoring the urgent need for coordinated international efforts in AI development and governance.
Shan Zhongde, Vice-Minister of Industry and Information Technology, emphasized China’s unwavering commitment to leveraging AI for new industrialization while strengthening cooperation with international standard technical organizations. “We’ll continue to engage with the international community on AI ethics, legal standards, technology, and applications to promote global consensus,” Shan stated. He outlined three key priorities for advancing AI governance: building an inclusive global cooperation ecosystem, accelerating industrial AI applications, and enhancing security and mutual trust to achieve global governance consensus.
Xiao Han, Director of the Standards Innovation Management Department at the State Administration for Market Regulation, revealed China’s significant progress in AI standardization. The nation has already published several AI-related standards and plans to develop over 50 more by the end of next year, ensuring alignment with international standards where appropriate. Zhang Ying, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal Government and Director of the Shanghai Economic and Information Technology Commission, highlighted Shanghai’s systematic approach to developing its AI industry, positioning the city as a pioneer in AI development and governance through standardization.
Cho Sung-hwan, President of the International Organization for Standardization, underscored the vital role of international standards in ensuring the orderly development of AI, particularly in facilitating the participation of developing countries in standards development. He stressed the necessity for coordinated standards to build ethical, inclusive, and reliable AI systems for the public.
The forum also featured a roundtable discussion that delved into the coordination of global AI governance frameworks and the consensus on responsible AI standards, with participants emphasizing the critical need for unified standards in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Several key initiatives were launched during the forum, including AI-powered industry application governance, AI technology ethics and assessment, and global technical guidelines for industrial AI. Additionally, the event showcased 10 outstanding cases of AI enabling sustainable development, providing practical models for AI implementation across various sectors.
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The WAIC 2025, a three-day event running from July 26 to 28, attracted over 800 Chinese and international exhibitors showcasing more than 3,000 exhibits, a record high. The conference also convened global experts, industry leaders, and policymakers from 40 countries and international organizations to explore the future development of AI technology and global governance frameworks. Premier Li Qiang delivered the opening speech, emphasizing the deep integration of AI with the real economy and hailing Shanghai as an ‘AI highland city.’ UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a video address, called for inclusive and safe AI through robust international cooperation, further highlighting the global significance of the discussions held in Shanghai.
