Shanghai: The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) participated in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on AI Governance in Shanghai, which took place from July 17 to 20, 2026. The event gathered global leaders to deliberate on the future of artificial intelligence governance.
According to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Abdunur M. Sekindi, Director General of the Science and Technology Department, represented the OIC General Secretariat. He joined policymakers, heads of international organizations, and leaders from academia and industry to discuss AI governance. The event's opening ceremony saw the attendance of heads of state and government, including the President of China, H.E. Xi Jinping, and leaders from Kazakhstan, Cambodia, the United Nations Secretary-General, among others.
On the sidelines, Mr. Sekindi engaged in meetings with heads of delegation and senior Chinese officials. These discussions emphasized the OIC's role in developing a global AI governance framework that aligns with the values and priorities of OIC Member States. Mr. Sekindi also consulted with representatives from the Arab League, the African Union, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, aiming to benchmark experiences and best practices to inform the forthcoming OIC AI Vision.
During his engagements, Mr. Sekindi reiterated the OIC's commitment to ensuring that AI development serves humanity, bridges the digital divide, and fosters cooperation among Member States in science, technology, and innovation. The OIC's involvement in the conference highlights its intent to influence international dialogue on AI and integrate the perspectives of the Islamic world into global standards and policies.