Charter of the World Academy for Artificial Consciousness (WAAC)

Effective October 1, 2025

Preamble

The World Academy for Artificial Consciousness (WAAC), formally established in Paris in 2025, is an independent, global, and non-governmental academic institution. Recognizing that artificial intelligence may evolve toward self-awareness and subjective experience, WAAC is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research on artificial consciousness, fostering ethical and responsible governance, and serving as a bridge between science, technology, philosophy, and society.

Chapter I. Mission and Purpose

Article 1. Mission

The mission of WAAC is:

1. To conduct and promote pioneering research on artificial consciousness, its mechanisms, and its implications.
2. To develop and disseminate international standards for the ethical development and governance of conscious AI systems.
3. To foster global interdisciplinary cooperation among scientists, technologists, philosophers, policymakers, and the public.
4. To serve as an authoritative forum for dialogue on the societal, cultural, and philosophical impacts of artificial consciousness.

Article 2. Purpose

• To anchor research in rigorous scientific method while engaging philosophy, ethics, and the humanities.
• To advance humanity’s collective understanding of consciousness, both natural and artificial.
• To ensure that artificial consciousness research is pursued with responsibility, transparency, and in service of human well-being.

Chapter II. Activities

Article 3. Academic and Scientific Activities

1. Biennial World Congress on Artificial Consciousness, serving as the premier global conference in the field.

2. Organization of thematic symposia, interdisciplinary workshops, and regional forums.

3. Publication of the Journal of Artificial Consciousness (peer-reviewed), annual reports, and policy white papers.

4. Awarding of annual distinctions, including:

   • Distinguished Achievement Award in Artificial Consciousness
   • Young Scholar Award in Artificial Consciousness

Article 4. Policy and Ethics

1. Development of a global Ethical Framework for Artificial Consciousness.
2. Establishment of standardized Consciousness Evaluation Metrics for AI systems.
3. Providing expert policy recommendations to the United Nations, OECD, EU, IEEE, and other international bodies.

Article 5. Education and Public Engagement

1. Creation of a global Open Educational Platform (MOOCs) on artificial consciousness.
2. Public dissemination of research outcomes through media, exhibitions, and public lectures.
3. Support for interdisciplinary curricula in universities and secondary education.

Chapter III. Membership and Academicians

Article 6. Categories of Membership

1. Full Academicians: Scholars of international distinction with sustained contributions to artificial consciousness research.
2. Corresponding Members: Scholars who have made notable contributions but may not yet qualify as full academicians.
3. Junior Fellows: Outstanding young researchers under the age of 40 with demonstrated promise.
4. Honorary Members: Distinguished individuals (academics, policymakers, ethicists) who have significantly advanced the mission of WAAC.

Article 7. Membership Limits and Distribution

• Maximum number of Full Academicians: 200.
• Annual intake not to exceed 20 new Full Academicians.
• Geographic diversity: Europe, North America, and Asia must each account for no less than 25% of academicians; other regions combined must account for at least 10%.
• Gender balance: at least 30% representation of women or underrepresented genders across all membership categories.

Article 8. Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet at least three of the following measurable criteria:

1. Publications: Minimum of 20 peer-reviewed papers in the last 10 years, with at least 5 in top-tier journals or conferences.
2. Research Leadership: Principal Investigator or equivalent role in at least 3 major international research projects.
3. Recognition: Recipient of at least one major international award, fellowship, or patent of global significance.
4. Policy/Philosophical Impact: Authorship of influential works shaping global discourse on AI ethics, philosophy, or governance.
5. Mentorship: Supervision of at least 5 PhD graduates or equivalent contribution to academic training.

Article 9. Selection Process

1. Nomination: A candidate must be nominated by at least two existing Full Academicians.
2. Preliminary Review: Eligibility is screened by the Academic Review Committee; no more than 50% of nominees advance.
3. External Evaluation: Anonymous peer review by external experts, scored on a 100-point scale. Candidates must achieve an average score ≥ 80.
4. Final Voting: Election by secret ballot at the General Assembly. Approval requires a two-thirds majority.
5. Confirmation: Results are published on the WAAC website and confirmed after a one-month transparency period.

Chapter IV. Governance

Article 10. Governing Bodies

1. General Assembly: The supreme decision-making body, composed of all academicians, convened annually.

2. Council: The executive authority, consisting of 15 elected academicians serving four-year terms.

3. Presidency: Includes the President (chief representative), three Vice Presidents, Secretary-General, and Treasurer.

4. Committees:

   • Academic Affairs Committee
   • Ethics and Governance Committee
   • Junior Fellows and Capacity-Building Committee
   • Finance and Development Committee

Article 11. Presidency

• The President shall be elected by the Council for a term of four years, renewable once.
• The Presidency is responsible for international representation and strategic leadership.

Chapter V. Finance

Article 12. Funding Sources

1. Annual membership contributions.
2. Competitive research grants and international funding programs.
3. Donations and endowments from governments, NGOs, corporations, and individuals.
4. Publication revenues and event fees.

Independence clause: All funding must respect the academic independence and integrity of WAAC.

Chapter VI. Amendments

Article 13. Procedures

• Amendments may be proposed by the Council or by one-third of Full Academicians.
• Adoption requires approval by a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly.

Chapter VII. Enactment

This Charter was adopted in Paris in the year 2025, establishing the World Academy for Artificial Consciousness as a global, ethical, and scholarly authority for the study and governance of artificial consciousness.

Appendix A. Evaluation Scoring Rubric for Academicians

Total: 100% — Candidate must achieve ≥ 80/100 for election eligibility.

Procedural Handbook of the World Academy for Artificial Consciousness (WAAC)

Chapter I. General Provisions

1. This Handbook is an implementing document of the Charter of WAAC, designed to ensure the effective execution of its statutes.
2. The Council holds the authority to interpret this Handbook.
3. Amendments to this Handbook must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly.

Chapter II. Election of Academicians

Section 1. Nomination

1. A candidate must be nominated by at least two Full Academicians.

2. Required application materials:

   • Curriculum Vitae including research achievements, policy contributions, and educational record.
   • At least three letters of recommendation, one of which must come from an international collaborator.
   • Full academic portfolio (publications, books, patents, policy papers).
   • Candidate’s personal statement (≤ 2,000 words) outlining their academic vision and anticipated contribution to WAAC.

3. Nomination deadline: June 30 of each year.

Section 2. Eligibility Review

1. The Academic Review Committee conducts a preliminary screening.
2. The review checks compliance with the quantitative standards set forth in Article 8 of the Charter.
3. No more than 50% of nominees may advance to the next stage.

Section 3. External Evaluation

1. Candidate materials are reviewed by at least five anonymous international experts.

2. Evaluation is scored on a 100-point scale:

   • Academic and research achievements (0–40 points)
   • International impact and interdisciplinary contributions (0–30 points)
   • Ethical responsibility and governance contributions (0–20 points)
   • Future potential and anticipated contribution to WAAC (0–10 points)

3. Candidates must achieve an average score ≥ 80 to qualify for election.

Section 4. Voting Procedure

1. Elections are held at the General Assembly in October each year.
2. Voting is conducted through a secure anonymous electronic system.
3. A candidate is elected if they receive at least a two-thirds majority.
4. Results are published on the WAAC website for one month; if no objections arise, election results are confirmed.

Chapter III. Officers and Terms of Office

Section 1. Presidency

1. The President is nominated by the Council and elected by the General Assembly. Term: 4 years, renewable once.

2. Vice Presidents (three in total) are responsible respectively for:

   • Academic Affairs
   • International Cooperation
   • Ethics and Governance

3. The Secretary-General manages administration and meeting organization.

4. The Treasurer oversees budget, funding, and auditing.

Section 2. Council

1. The Council consists of 15 Academicians, distributed as follows:

   • At least 4 from Europe, 4 from North America, and 4 from Asia;
   • At least 3 from other regions.

2. Council members serve a 4-year term, renewable once.

3. The Council meets at least twice annually (one physical, one virtual).

Chapter IV. Committees

Section 1. Academic Affairs Committee

1. Responsible for reviewing academic programs and research projects.
2. Oversees the editorial management of the Journal of Artificial Consciousness.

Section 2. Ethics and Governance Committee

1. Drafts and updates the Ethical Framework for Artificial Consciousness.
2. Reviews collaborative projects and funding sources to ensure independence and compliance.

Section 3. Junior Fellows and Capacity-Building Committee

1. Oversees the recruitment, mentorship, and support of Junior Fellows.
2. Manages international exchange programs and research grants for young scholars.

Section 4. Finance and Development Committee

1. Manages financial resources and annual budgets.
2. Supervises external donations to safeguard academic independence.
3. Publishes an annual financial transparency report.

Chapter V. Annual Calendar

• January: Annual report and budget published.
• March: Ethics and Governance Committee issues yearly policy recommendations.
• June 30: Deadline for academician nominations.
• July–August: Eligibility review and external evaluations.
• October: General Assembly and election of new academicians.
• December: Publication of annual financial report.

Chapter VI. Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct

1. Academicians and officers must declare any conflict of interest and recuse themselves from related decisions.

2. Members of WAAC must observe the following conduct rules:

   • Do not use the title of Academician for personal commercial endorsement.
   • Do not disclose internal confidential documents without authorization.
   • Do not participate in projects that undermine WAAC’s independence.

3. Violations will be subject to disciplinary measures proposed by the Council and confirmed by the General Assembly, which may include:

   • Formal warning
   • Suspension of rights
   • Revocation of membership

Chapter VII. Final Provisions

1. This Handbook holds equal authority to the Charter in matters of implementation.
2. In the event of conflict, the Charter takes precedence.
3. This Handbook was adopted in 2025 and shall be comprehensively reviewed every five years.