Speaking at the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, held under the theme “Global Solidarity in the AI Era,” President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to active international cooperation in harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for sustainable development, shared prosperity, and lasting peace.

Highlighting China’s remarkable achievements in artificial intelligence, President Tokayev noted that more than half of the world’s AI researchers are currently based in China, while Chinese innovators lead globally in the number of AI-related patents. Supported by a dynamic innovation ecosystem, the country continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in cutting-edge technologies.

The President endorsed the conference’s guiding concept, “AI for Good, AI for All,” emphasizing that these principles should serve as the cornerstone of international cooperation. In his view, technological progress must benefit all humanity, while trust, partnership, and collective action among nations remain essential for its effective development. In this context, President Tokayev particularly highlighted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of building “a community with a shared future for mankind,” describing it as especially relevant in the era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.

President Tokayev also commended President Xi Jinping’s leadership in China’s modernization, noting the country’s extraordinary achievements over recent decades, during which it has emerged as a global technological powerhouse with one of the world’s most advanced economies.

Stressing that artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key drivers of the global economy, the President cited United Nations estimates indicating that investment in AI infrastructure is growing by an average of 47 percent annually, while the global AI market is projected to reach nearly USD 5 trillion by 2033. Against this backdrop, he underscored the need for a comprehensive AI governance framework encompassing infrastructure development, semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, education, ethics, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

At the same time, President Tokayev pointed out that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is taking place amid growing geopolitical tensions and a deficit of trust among nations. He emphasized that emerging technologies should not be used to intensify confrontation but rather to prevent conflicts, strengthen preventive diplomacy, expand humanitarian cooperation, and support peacebuilding efforts.

The President expressed confidence that artificial intelligence can become a powerful instrument for more equitable and inclusive development. He stressed that no country should remain merely a consumer of advanced technologies; every nation must have the opportunity to develop its own human capital, digital infrastructure, and scientific capacity.

“Our common task is to ensure that artificial intelligence serves the interests of the economy and society. At the same time, AI must remain under responsible and prudent human oversight. This is precisely why Kazakhstan believes that the decision to establish the World Organization for AI Cooperation is of historic significance,” President Tokayev emphasized.

The Head of State also devoted particular attention to Kazakhstan’s digital transformation. He noted that the country possesses abundant energy resources, significant reserves of critical minerals, modern transport corridors, and a rapidly expanding digital infrastructure, creating favorable conditions for international technological cooperation.

According to President Tokayev, digitalization remains one of the Government’s strategic priorities. This year has been designated the Year of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, while the Digital Kazakhstan – 2029 Strategy has been adopted alongside the Law on Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Code. A comprehensive Smart City platform is already being implemented in the capital and will subsequently be expanded to other major cities across the country. Kazakhstan is also giving special attention to the development of Alatau as Central Asia’s first fully integrated digital city. A special legal regime has been introduced there to attract international investors and leading technology companies, particularly from China.

President Tokayev further announced that Almaty will host the United Nations ESCAP Asia-Pacific Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development. In addition, Kazakhstan proposed convening the inaugural meeting of the World Organization for AI Cooperation in Astana and establishing the Organization’s regional office for Central Asia in Kazakhstan.

The President also unveiled several new initiatives, including the establishment of a Kazakhstan–China Digital Bridge to facilitate digital trade within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. He further called for accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence across industry, mining, energy, agriculture, healthcare, and water resource management.

President Tokayev emphasized the importance of developing harmonized international approaches to AI governance, introducing common standards for testing and certifying AI systems, and strengthening global efforts to counter cyber threats, deepfakes, and digital fraud. Kazakhstan also proposed declaring the coming year the Year of Joint Kazakhstan–China Artificial Intelligence Initiatives.

In his concluding remarks, President Tokayev stressed that the future development of artificial intelligence must be guided by the principles of peace, security, and sustainable development. He proposed establishing a permanent international expert platform on AI governance, ethics, and standards, as well as creating an international network of schools, research centers, and academic partnerships under the auspices of the World Organization for AI Cooperation.

According to the President, investments in education and the development of human capital will ultimately determine the future of artificial intelligence.

By Arlan EMIR

Zanmedia.kz