As the 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit approaches, the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a hot topic on its agenda once again. Since its establishment during the 2024 WIC Wuzhen Summit, the WIC Specialized Committee on Artificial Intelligence (SC on AI) has advanced practical cooperation in areas such as AI standards, safety and governance, and industrial development, striving to promote responsible AI development. 

The SC on AI is the first professional and permanent branch of the WIC, providing a vital platform for international dialogue and collaboration in the AI field.

Comprising over 190 members from international organizations, think tanks, research institutions, professional associations, and leading enterprises, the committee has initiated three key programs, namely the Standards Program, the AI Safety and Governance Program, and the Industry Program. Wang Jian, Chief Chair of WIC SC on AI, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Director of Zhejiang Lab, Founder of Alibaba Cloud, serves as the chief chairman of the inaugural SC on AI. He stated that the SC on AI aims to unite top minds from academia and industry to deepen global AI cooperation, achieve impactful results, foster broader consensus, and collaboratively build a smarter and brighter digital future.

The World Internet Conference Specialized Committee on Artificial Intelligence holds a seminar on "Current Status, Opportunities, and Challenges of International AI Standards" in Beijing on March 11, 2025. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

In 2025, the SC on AI organized a series of seminars and dialogues across its three major programs.

The Standards Program, with focus on the global AI standards landscape, hosted events such as the Seminar on the Current Status, Opportunities, and Challenges of International AI Standards, the Symposium on the Development Progress of Global AI Standards, and the Seminar on the Global Artificial Intelligence Standards Development Report. These activities created an inclusive and forward-looking platform for exchanging ideas on AI standards and governance. 

A seminar focusing on the “Artificial Intelligence Governance for Good and for All-Empowering Global Sustainable Development” is held in Beijing on March 20, 2025. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

The AI Safety and Governance Program addressed issues such as AI governance, sustainable development and global AI safety frameworks. Events like AI Safety and Governance Program Seminar and the Seminar on Artificial Intelligence Governance for Good and for All-Empowering Global Sustainable Development explored pathways toward a more equitable, safe and secure global AI governance system.

The Symposium on AI for Science is held in Beijing on Feb 19, 2025. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

The Industry Program held events including the Symposium on AI for Science and the AI for Health Symposium, which discussed how AI can support innovation in scientific research and healthcare.

The SC on AI has played an active role in enhancing international communication, publishing joint research reports, and promoting equitable access to AI development results.

The 2025 WIC Wuzhen Summit, scheduled for November 6-9, will unveil two significant reports on AI development. 

The Global Artificial Intelligence Standards Development Report, which addresses key challenges in global AI standards such as rapid technological evolution, complex industrial ecosystems, and uneven participation by developing countries, will propose recommendations for developing responsible AI standards.

The report on Advancing a Global Framework of AI Safety and Governance for the Well-being of Humanity, will call for the creation of a UN-centered framework for global AI safety and governance, on the basis of multilateralism and the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. 

Additionally, a forum on “AI for Science” will be held during the summit, gathering representatives from government departments, research institutions, non-profit organizations, and leading tech companies to exchange insights on the application of AI in scientific research.

Wuzhen scenery [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Over the years, the WIC has continuously deepened its exploration of AI through dialogues, research projects, and international cooperation. From the 2023 Nishan Dialogue on Digital Civilization and the release of The Research Report and Consensus on Building Responsible Generative Artificial Intelligence in 2023, to the establishment of the SC on AI in 2024, each milestone has marked a step forward in translating ideas into concrete global action.

As the world looks forward to the 2025 WIC Wuzhen Summit, the SC on AI continues to uphold its mission of building a platform for international cooperation, advancing the synergy of AI development and governance, and promoting the global sharing of AI achievements. 

In a field abundant with grand visions, what matters most is the patience and persistence to turn ideas into action. The SC on AI is doing exactly that—continuing to build consensus to promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable AI development worldwide.