From Alliance to Solution|UNIDO AIM Global Alliance Phase II

On September 17, 2025, the UNIDO Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence in Industry and Manufacturing (AIM Global) Conference, jointly organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence in Industry and Manufacturing), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, and the Xiamen Municipal People’s Government, was successfully held in Xiamen, Fujian, during the BRICS PartNIR Forum 2025.

The conference was inaugurated with opening remarks by Mr. Zou Ciyong, Deputy to the Director-General of UNIDO; Mr. Xin Guobin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China; Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (via video link); and Mr. Torbjörn Fredriksson, Head of the E-Commerce & Digital Economy Division at UNCTAD. As a founding member of the AIM Global Alliance, Ms. Zhao Xiaolei, Head of UNIDO ITPO Shanghai, was invited to attend the event.

Under the theme of "Artificial Intelligence for an Inclusive Digital Economy and Smart Manufacturing," the event facilitated in-depth discussions on key topics such as the Phase 2.0 platform development of AIM Global, the promotion of cutting-edge industrial AI solutions, and transnational technological cooperation and capacity building. It attracted approximately 500 participants, including government representatives, corporate executives, and experts from over 20 countries and regions, such as Brazil, Cuba, the Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Vietnam.

Deputy to the Director-General of UNIDO

Mr. Xin Guobin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China

Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union

Mr. Torbjörn Fredriksson, Head of the E-Commerce & Digital Economy Division at UNCTAD.

Mr. Jason Slater, Chief AI, Innovation, Digital Officer at UNIDO, comprehensively introduced the strategic platform development for Phase 2.0 of AIM Global. He announced the establishment of a High-Level Advisory Committee, the creation of thematic pillars and regional chapters, and officially launched the Global Digital Compact Initiative to effectively transition the alliance from conceptual consensus to project implementation. Mr. Slater emphasized that "artificial intelligence should be a driving force, not a dividing force, for industrial development," and invited more committed stakeholders to join the alliance’s community platform and the Global AI Alliance Excellence Center Innovation Network Initiative.

Mr. Jason Slater, Chief AI, Innovation, Digital Officer at UNIDO

During the conference, a welcoming ceremony was held for new members of AIM Global, including SAP China, CAICT, UCloud, and Conch Cement, marking their official inclusion in the alliance.

AIM Global New Members

The conference effectively consolidated international consensus, advancing the institutional development of AIM Global into a new phase. It laid the groundwork for the 21st UNIDO General Conference scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2025, while also injecting new momentum into deepening global AI governance and cooperation and promoting industrial digital transformation. In line with the conference outcomes, UNIDO ITPO Shanghai will continue to support the Phase 2.0 goals of AIM Global, actively engaging private sector, academic, and industrial partners to enhance participation from Chinese and international stakeholders. It will also support the transition of AIM Global Phase 2.0 "From Alliance to Solutions," facilitating the implementation of lighthouse projects for SMEs and green manufacturing both in China and abroad. Additionally, it will focus on youth engagement and gender equality in industrial AI deployment, laying the foundation for a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.