Moving from AI race to AI governance

Putting aspirations into action

Artificial intelligence is a global public good. It must benefit everyone, not just a privileged few. As AI reshapes society, countries must invest in the talent, capabilities and infrastructure needed to participate in the AI era.

Because AI is a global challenge, its governance must also be global. The priority today is not more principles but governance that can be implemented, verified and enforced. Existing AI frameworks remain fragmented, with many relying on voluntary corporate commitments rather than binding rules.

The challenge is not a lack of principles or institutions, but turning them into practical, accountable governance. In this regard, two recent Chinese initiatives stand out: the Global AI Governance Rules Map, and AI Governance Compass developed by the China University of Political Science and Law. The Rules Map offers a real-time, visual overview of AI governance rules worldwide. By breaking down information silos and providing continuously updated information, it improves the visibility, accessibility and comparability of global AI governance. Together with the AI Governance Compass — which systematically presents China's AI policies, regulations and practices — it forms a shared governance infrastructure. These platforms do not impose uniform rules; they enable interoperability. Policymakers can see how other jurisdictions regulate AI, understand why they differ, and identify areas of convergence. In doing so, they turn AI governance from a black box into a transparent, evolving system.

The new AI Governance for Humanity Lab in Valencia, established under the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, recently released a white paper. It argues that global governance should establish a floor, not a ceiling. A floor sets essential safeguards while allowing countries to adopt stronger protections. A ceiling, by contrast, risks lowering global ambition to the weakest common standard.

Five priorities are particularly urgent. First, establish a globally shared glossary and taxonomy. We cannot govern what we cannot define. Second, make global standard-setting more inclusive by expanding financial support, multilingual resources and regional participation, so developing countries have a stronger voice.

Third, agree on shared guardrails and global red lines to prevent AI from enabling severe human rights abuses or catastrophic risks. Fourth, create a global, machine-readable system for reporting serious AI incidents to strengthen international coordination.

Fifth, align AI governance with climate goals through environmental reporting that keeps AI's growing computational demands consistent with global emissions targets.

China has built a dynamic AI ecosystem spanning research, industry and talent development. Its commitment to openness, multilateral dialogue and international cooperation has contributed valuable experience to global AI governance.

China has also played a constructive role in supporting UNESCO, the United Nations and broader international cooperation.

The future of AI will be built together. Only through cooperation across borders and disciplines can this transformative technology serve all humanity rather than a privileged few.

Ultimately, AI should be judged not by the power of its models, but by the value it creates for people.