On July 5, 2026, local time, the Global Network of Centers for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building (AICDN), established under the support from the United Nations - was formally launched at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Bringing together leading artificial intelligence centers from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, the network aims to strengthen international cooperation in AI capacity building and help narrow the global AI divide. 

AICDN was co-developed by the Center for Global AI Innovative Governance (CGAIG) at Fudan University as China's representative institution, together with partner institutions from Senegal, India and other countries. 

Bridging the AI Capacity Gap

The network responds to the Global Digital Compact and the UN Secretary-General's call for innovative voluntary options on AI capacity building. After nearly two years of preparation, it now spans four continents, 19 countries and nearly 30 centers and organizations. At the launch ceremony, representatives of institutions from Brazil, Cambodia, China, Ethiopia, Germany, Guinea, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Viet Nam and the African Union signed the cooperation framework.

Jin Li, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, President of Fudan University and Director of CGAIG, signed the cooperation framework on behalf of the Chinese member institution, marking CGAIG's formal entry into the network. 

As one of the founding members, CGAIG led core preparatory work, including planning for the interim secretariat and drafting operational rules. It also contributed proposals on the network's, cooperation framework, offer Sheet, operating model and priority projects. Drawing on China's experience, Shanghai's practice and Fudan University's academic strengths, the Center has worked to embed AI capacity-building expertise and international public goods into the network's institutional design and advance an inclusive, mutually beneficial vision for global AI cooperation.

Promoting Inclusive AI Development for the Global South

With strong support from the Shanghai Municipal Government, the Center for Global AI Innovative Governance (CGAIG) was officially announced at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in July 2025 and established at Fudan University, with its secretariat housed at the Fudan Development Institute. The Center follows the core principle of being rooted in Chinese practice, bringing together global wisdom, focusing on capacity building and promoting collaborative governance.

Over the past year, CGAIG has organized thematic seminars, joint research, training exchanges and the release of research outputs, helping Fudan University deepen its engagement in global AI governance cooperation. It has also launched an International Visiting Scholars Program on AI Governance and supported international projects such as the BRICS AI Summer School and the ASEF Higher Education AI Innovation Lab.

Looking ahead, CGAIG will continue to focus on international AI governance rule coordination and capacity-building efforts. It will respond to major needs in Global South countries in areas such as science and technology ethics, digital security and smart society governance. With practical AI application scenarios as a core focus, the Center will provide a wide range of international public goods, contribute Chinese expertise and Shanghai experience to bridging the AI divide, support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and add sustained momentum to global AI innovative governance.

Original link：https://www.shanghaieye.cn/detail?postId=133081