China Unveils World Organization for Science Literacy in Beijing

The World Organization for Science Literacy formally debuted in Beijing at the 2026 World Conference on Science Literacy. Supported by the China Association for Science and Technology and registered in Beijing in June, the new international body includes 32 founding institutional members across five continents. Centered on the theme of science literacy for an intelligent society, Chinese officials and delegates framed the platform as a mechanism to coordinate tech governance, strengthen public science education, and manage rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

As artificial intelligence reshapes daily life and public discourse, scientific literacy and ethical governance have become critical international priorities. The establishment of the World Organization for Science Literacy marks an institutional step by Beijing to host and steer multilateral science communication networks, positioning itself as a convener for global technological norms and public engagement.

The World Organization for Science Literacy formally debuted in Beijing during the opening of the 2026 World Conference on Science Literacy, according to state media reports. The multilateral body, initiated with backing from the China Association for Science and Technology, was registered in Beijing in June 2026 following years of preparatory exchanges and partner networks built through earlier conferences. The organization comprises 32 founding institutional members representing 21 countries across Asia, Europe, South America, Africa, and Oceania. Chinese official reports variously described the founding coalition as encompassing 21 countries or China acting alongside 20 partner nations. Co-hosted by the new organization and the China Science and Technology Museum, the Beijing conference brought together over 500 delegates from 32 countries, representing academia, education, industry, and international bodies under the theme 'Science Literacy for an Intelligent Society: Opportunities, Challenges, and Transformations.' Senior Chinese officials delivered opening remarks, including Li Shulei, head of the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party, and Wang Guangqian, vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of the China Association for Science and Technology. Speeches highlighted China's recent updates to its Science and Technology Popularization Law, nationwide campaigns to improve public scientific literacy, and Beijing's readiness to share capacity-building resources globally under the framework of the Global Civilization Initiative. Conference discussions focused heavily on the challenges posed by rapid breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and the transition toward an intelligent society. According to conference statements, the new organization aims to promote cross-border collaboration, deepen collaborative innovation, and strengthen tech governance frameworks to ensure technology develops for the public good. Participants emphasized modernizing science dissemination channels and harmonizing international governance rules to foster public trust as artificial intelligence increasingly permeates education, industry, and daily life.