Organization of Islamic Cooperation Engages in World AI Conference

Shanghai: The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) took part in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Artificial Intelligence Governance, held in Shanghai from July 17 to 20, 2026. According to Union of OIC News Agencies, Mr. Abdonor Sekindi, Director General of the Department of Science and Technology, represented the OIC General Secretariat at the event. He joined a host of policymakers, heads of international organizations, and leaders from academic and industrial sectors to deliberate on the future of artificial intelligence governance. The conference's opening ceremony was graced by heads of state and government, including President Xi Jinping of China, along with leaders from Kazakhstan and Cambodia, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and other notable guests. During the event, Mr. Sekindi had productive discussions with several delegation leaders and senior Chinese officials. The discussions revolved around how the OIC could contribute to creating an equitable, secure, inclusive, and human-centered global framework for artificial intelligence governance, aligning with the values and priorities of OIC member states. Additionally, Mr. Sekindi engaged in consultations with representatives from the Arab League, the African Union, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. These interactions aimed at exchanging experiences and best practices to inform the development of the OIC Vision for Artificial Intelligence, a project currently underway at the OIC General Secretariat. In his contributions, Mr. Sekindi emphasized the OIC's commitment to the ethical development of artificial intelligence, its humane management to bridge the digital divide, and the promotion of cooperation among member states in science, technology, and innovation. The OIC's participation in the conference underscores its commitment to actively engaging in international dialogues on artificial intelligence, ensuring the perspectives of the Islamic world are consider ed in emerging global standards and policies.