A group of 16 Chinese scientific and technological associations has introduced a global artificial intelligence governance initiative geared toward building a people-centered approach and the creation of an open, fair, inclusive and effective global framework.

In a news release on Tuesday, the China Association for Science and Technology said the initiative was drafted to help build global academic consensus and promote coordinated AI governance. It focuses on ensuring AI serves the public good, improves well-being, and upholds safety while guarding against risks.

The associations include the Chinese Association of Automation, the Chinese Institute of Electronics, the China Computer Federation and the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence.

According to the group, while AI development and large-scale applications are creating major opportunities for economic and social progress, they also present new global governance challenges. China has consistently advocated balancing development and security, and coordinating innovation with regulation in global AI governance, the statement said.

Scientific and technological associations play an important role in building governance consensus, strengthening its foundations and supporting its implementation, according to the release.

The initiative calls for making the common well-being of humanity the fundamental principle guiding AI research, ensuring technological development serves the shared interests of all.

AI development should also uphold common human values, respect differences in countries' histories, cultures, social systems and development paths, and play a positive role in addressing global development challenges.

The initiative encourages practice-oriented research, the identification and promotion of replicable cases in which AI benefits the public, and the reasonable sharing of technological achievements and experience.

It proposes making safety a bottom-line requirement for AI research and governance to ensure the technology remains under human control.

The document highlights risks including algorithm abuse, the spread of false information, privacy leaks and model manipulation. It also points to potential systemic risks such as loss of control, self-replication and autonomous escape.

The initiative stresses the equal right of all countries to participate in AI research and governance, as well as their right to develop policies suited to their national conditions.

It opposes technological hegemony, academic barriers and unreasonable monopolies, and calls for greater consideration of developing countries and vulnerable groups in areas such as data access, talent training and rule-making.

It also calls for stronger academic exchanges and capacity building with developing countries to improve their AI research and governance capabilities and help narrow the global intelligence gap.

The initiative encourages scientists worldwide to work together to address common challenges, align governance efforts with practical needs, and strengthen coordination among academic institutions, government bodies and international organizations.

It also supports advancing the establishment of an international AI governance body under the United Nations framework.