Bangladesh has decided to join the Shanghai-based World Artificial Intelligence Co-operation Organization, or WICO, initially as an observer. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision in a Facebook post on August 1. WICO is an intergovernmental organization that formally began operations on July 16. China established the new international alliance to strengthen global cooperation in artificial intelligence technology.

The organization aims to deepen international cooperation on innovation, reduce the global digital divide and encourage inclusive development. It also seeks to ensure an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment for the development of AI technologies.

WICO will work on developing AI-related regulations with the objective of ensuring that AI technology is safe and beneficial for people. Twenty-nine countries joined as founding members when the organization was launched. They include several significant Global South countries, such as Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, Senegal, Russia and Pakistan.