A United Nations-promoted global network aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence capacity building and narrowing the global AI divide was established in Geneva on July 5.

The Global Network of Centers for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building brought together leading AI institutions from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean to enhance international cooperation in AI development.

Its establishment marks an important milestone in advancing international cooperation on AI capacity building and promoting inclusive AI development across the Global South, said Shen Jian, deputy representative of the permanent mission of the People's Republic of China to the UN Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland.

After nearly two years of preparation, representatives from 19 countries and organizations across four continents signed the cooperation framework at the launch ceremony.

Jin Li, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and president of Fudan University, who also serves as director of the Center for Global AI Innovative Governance, was present at the ceremony. The Fudan-based center served as a founding member and helped coordinate the network's establishment.

Over the past year, the center has organized specialized training modules on AI ethics, security governance, and international cooperation mechanisms for officials and researchers from Global South countries.

The network will develop AI training programs, promote open computing infrastructure, and facilitate knowledge sharing to help Global South nations build fundamental AI capabilities.