Shanghai | August 1, 2025 — The United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) took part in the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), held in Shanghai from July 26 to 28 under the theme “Global Solidarity in the AI Era.” As part of the United Nations system, UNU contributed to several forums exploring international cooperation, ethical governance, and the role of emerging technologies in sustainable development.
On July 27, UNU co-organized the forum “Global Development and Governance of Artificial Intelligence: A Path Towards Win-Win Cooperation and Joint Governance” in collaboration with the Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University. Discussions centered on inclusive approaches to cross-border AI governance and equal access to technological benefits. During the session, UNU Rector and UN Under-Secretary-General Professor Tshilidzi Marwala delivered a keynote remotely to announce the launch of the AI for SDGs – Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2025, aimed at encouraging youth-led solutions that address climate change and green transition goals.
The initiative also features a Macau Prize, recognizing the city’s role in bridging global youth communities and innovation networks. Applications are now open at unu.edu/macau/youthaicompetition.
During the forum’s roundtable, five distinguished figures came together for a panel dialogue: Dr. Huang Jingbo (Director of UNU Macau), Datuk Nicole Wong Siaw Ting (special officer to Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister), Zhou Zhifeng (Ant Group’s senior vice-president and general counsel), Cyrus Hodes (co-founder of Stability AI) and John Higgins CBE (chair of the International AI Governance Association) Speaking from a United Nations vantage point, Dr. Huang Jingbo emphasized that inclusivity is the cornerstone of AI governance — AI development must not leave anyone behind. She voiced concern that the most vulnerable groups are feeling the brunt of job disruptions and environmental costs brought about by AI. If their genuine needs are overlooked, she warned, even a finely crafted AI governance framework would ring hollow.
On July 28, UNU Macau Director Dr. Jingbo Huang and Advisory Board Member Mr. Chan Wan Hei joined the Forum on Governance and Ecosystem Development for Large Language Models (LLMs), hosted by the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and the China Internet Network Information Center. Mr. Chan emphasized the importance of thoughtful regulation frameworks and collaborative policymaking to support sustainable technological development.
Separately, UNU Senior Researcher Dr. Georgina Curto participated in the FinAI Forum: AI-Finance Leadership Dialogue, organized by East China Normal University. At the New Economists Roundtable, she discussed AI’s impact on global financial systems and underscored the need for adaptive governance capable of responding to rapid market and technological shifts.
UNU’s involvement at WAIC 2025 reflects ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue on AI governance, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion. The Institute continues to support initiatives that connect policymakers, researchers, and youth innovators across regions.
This also marks the beginning of commemorative activities for the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 50th anniversary of the United Nations University. A series of events will be held in Macao from October 23 to 25, including the 2025 AI Conference, AI Education Day, and the final round of the Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition. More information: macau.unu.edu
