The 2024 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance opened in Shanghai on Thursday, contributing China's wisdom and solutions on global AI governance.
Having been held annually six times, the WAIC focused on the theme "Governing AI for Good and for All" this year.
It brought together government officials and representatives of international organizations, industries, universities and research institutes, among others.
At the opening ceremony of the conference, a heavyweight document, the Shanghai Declaration on Global AI Governance, was officially released, calling for joint efforts to promote healthy development, maintain security and improve the governance system of AI.
A publication titled "AI from China benefits the world" was also released at the conference, showcasing the typical practices of China in the AI sector and presenting China's blueprint for the healthy, safe and orderly development of AI.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) officially launched its Global Alliance on AI for Industry and Manufacturing Center of Excellence, with the aim to enhance international cooperation, bridge digital divide and promote the sustainable development of international AI standards and best practices.
As an important platform for displaying cutting-edge AI technologies from both China and other countries, the WAIC this year has set new records in exhibition scale, and the number of participating enterprises and new product launches since its debut in 2018.
With an exhibition area of 52,000 square meters, the event displayed latest applications of AI in such key areas as large language models, algorithm, robots and autonomous driving.
More than 500 enterprises, over half of which are from outside Shanghai, including global giants like Tesla and Microsoft, have participated in the event, with over 1,500 innovative products being showcased.
2024 WAIC conveys China's message on global AI governance
Infrastructure is at the heart of economic ties between China and its neighbor to the west, Tajikistan, as the in-depth and close cooperation between the two countries plays an important part in improving the livelihoods of Tajik people.
The Tajik capital of Dushanbe is no stranger to monuments. The city boasts the world's second tallest flag pole and the statue of Ismoil Somoni, the 10th-century ruler whom the country's currency is named after.
The latest addition to the list of impressive buildings in Dushanbe is the Independence and Freedom Monument.
Opened in 2022, it was built by Xinjiang Construction and Engineering Corporation, a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation.
Gulomov Marufjon, a local Tajik who has been working for China State Construction for half a decade, told China Global Television Network (CGTN) that a total of five projects has been delivered by his company in Tajikistan since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed, the famous Independence and Freedom Monument included.
"In terms of infrastructure, the cooperation between the two countries has seen new developments every year since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed. Our company has built and delivered five important projects -- the National Library, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, two highways, and this Independence and Freedom Monument," said Gulomov, assistant to general manager of the Tajik branch of Xinjiang Construction and Engineering Corporation.
The tower's height of 91 meters symbolizes the year of the country's independence, namely 1991. While commemorating the Central Asian country charting its own path, it is one that is increasingly integrated with its neighbor to the east, China.
"More than 530 Chinese companies are operating in Tajikistan, encompassing industries such as construction, agriculture, industry, transportation, and maintenance. These companies have created numerous job opportunities for people and contributed to the development of the economy and bilateral relations," said Gulomov.
This monument to Tajik's modern history is also seen as a symbol of the country’s growing relationship with China.
Ties in building infrastructure praised for improving Tajik livelihoods
