Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam attends World AI Conference

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 has commenced in Shanghai, China, with grand fanfare. Representing Bangladesh at this four-day international exhibition and policy-making conference is Fakir Mahbub Anam, Minister for Post, Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Science & Technology. The theme for this year's conference is "Intelligent Partners, Co-Create the Future."

This year's event is designed to address global co-governance, industrial advancement, and urban partnerships in an era where artificial intelligence is evolving from a technological tool into a collaborative partner.

The conference is divided into three main areas: the Expo Area, the Zhangjiang Area, and the West Bund Area. Over 140 theme forums, more than 1,400 international guests, and over 1,100 global institutions are participating. The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization has released the list of the top 30 projects for the conference's highest honor, the "SAIL Award."

The conference officially began on the morning of July 17 in Shanghai, China, and will continue until July 20. On the opening day, a detailed roadmap was presented covering the future potential of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, AI governance, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping formally inaugurated the four-day global conference. Speakers at the opening ceremony included UN Secretary-General António Guterres, former President of Brazil and President of the New Development Bank (NDB) Dilma Rousseff, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet, and Prime Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul.

Their statements highlighted the increasing importance of international cooperation in the responsible development and governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The conference brought together heads of government, policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, innovators, and representatives from leading global technology companies to discuss the future of AI, emerging technologies, AI governance, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

According to sources, during the conference, Bangladesh's Minister of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology, and Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, is scheduled to participate in several high-level sessions, bilateral meetings, and discussions with global technology leaders and policymakers. He will showcase Bangladesh's progress in digital transformation, AI-driven innovation, smart governance, and human resource development. Concurrently, he will also discuss opportunities for strengthening international cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, research, investment, and capacity building.