Global AI Governance Initiative: Advancing Technological Progress for the Benefit of Humanity

On April 13, 2026, the global academic community issued a landmark statement regarding the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—the  Initiative of the Association for Science and Technology on Global AI Governance . Hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and jointly released by 16 professional academic institutions—including the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence, the China Computer Federation, and the World Robotics Cooperation Organization—this initiative aims to forge a global consensus and promote the safe development and responsible application of AI technologies.

This initiative focuses on two core themes: "Benefiting Human Livelihoods" and "Security and Control." First, the initiative explicitly states that academic research and technological innovation in AI must always adhere to the principle of enhancing human well-being. Technological progress should serve the common interests of all humanity, rather than being confined to the interests of any single nation or region. This principle underscores the direct impact of AI on human livelihoods, particularly its potential to improve quality of life, optimize production efficiency, and foster social development.

Second, the initiative reiterates that security and control constitute the "bottom line" for AI research and governance. Given the rapid advancement of AI technologies, ensuring that these technologies remain within controllable bounds—and preventing their misuse or abuse—has emerged as a critical challenge facing scholars and policymakers worldwide. The initiative proposes that robust technical regulatory frameworks must be established to ensure that the application of AI does not result in adverse impacts on society, the environment, or individuals.

In the context of globalization, AI research and application transcend national borders; consequently, the initiative places special emphasis on the importance of global cooperation. It calls for all nations to enjoy equal rights of participation in AI governance, advocating that each country should formulate policy pathways tailored to its own national conditions and level of technological development. This initiative embodies the principles of respect for national sovereignty and independence, asserting that—particularly in this era of rapid AI expansion—all nations should have an equal voice in matters of technological governance and standard-setting.

Furthermore, the 16 initiating institutions highlighted the critical necessity of establishing cross-sectoral and diversified cooperative mechanisms. They advocate for fostering deep international collaboration, dismantling existing technological barriers, and pooling the collective wisdom of scientists worldwide to jointly facilitate mutual learning and exchange regarding AI governance systems. This approach not only enhances the efficiency of AI research and development but also effectively mitigates the risks associated with technological advancement, thereby ensuring that technology evolves in a direction that benefits all of humanity. With the widespread global application of artificial intelligence (AI), public concern regarding technological development and safety has intensified. This initiative specifically proposes engaging in science communication dialogues through various channels, calling upon all sectors of society to enhance their scientific literacy—particularly regarding the dissemination and popularization of AI-related knowledge. Through scientific communication, the aim is to deepen public understanding of AI, address societal concerns, and thereby foster broad societal participation in both AI technology itself and its governance.

The introduction of this measure is designed to cultivate an environment for technology governance characterized by universal participation, enabling more people to understand and engage in the safe utilization and future development of AI, thereby boosting societal trust in—and acceptance of—technological innovation.

Given the transnational nature of AI, the initiative calls upon scientific and technological associations worldwide to uphold professional ethics and to strengthen international cooperation with an open and inclusive mindset. Specifically, regarding the research, development, and application of AI technologies, the initiative advocates for "AI for the Benefit of Humanity," pledging the wisdom and collective strength of the academic community to this cause. The initiative proposes that the global scientific and technological community join hands to drive the advancement and application of AI technologies, promote their equitable sharing on a global scale, and contribute to both global scientific progress and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Through concrete and actionable cooperative measures, the initiative urges nations to strengthen collaboration across academic, industrial, and policy spheres within the AI ​​domain, thereby forging a globally coordinated effort. Only through collective endeavor and innovation can we ensure that AI delivers maximum benefit to all of humanity while mitigating its potential negative impacts.

The significance of the Initiative by Scientific and Technological Associations on Global AI Governance extends far beyond mere technological innovation; it lies, more fundamentally, in the global cooperative philosophy and vision for sustainable development that it espouses. While advancements in AI technology will undoubtedly yield numerous benefits for all of humanity, the question of how to harness this technology to benefit everyone—while simultaneously ensuring safety and security—remains a central challenge in global technology governance. The release of this initiative undoubtedly offers crucial insights and direction for global AI governance, serving as a benchmark for the global scientific and technological community as it strives to foster cooperation and mutual benefit in this new era of technological revolution.