New Delhi played host to a global artificial intelligence summit this week, with world leaders and tech executives converging to discuss the future of the rapidly evolving technology. The discussions centered on ensuring equitable access to AI and establishing regulatory frameworks to govern its use, as concerns mount over potential economic disruption and ethical implications.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning during the summit, stating that the future of AI “cannot be decided by a handful of countries or left to the whims of a few billionaires.” He proposed a $3 billion global fund to facilitate access to AI technologies for developing nations, emphasizing the need to build skills, data capacity, and affordable computing power. Guterres expressed concern that without such investment, many countries risk being “logged out” of the AI era, exacerbating existing global inequalities. He framed the proposed fund as a modest investment, representing less than one percent of the annual revenue of a single major technology company, and suggested it would ultimately benefit the businesses building AI through wider adoption.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed the call for inclusivity, stating that the country aims to be a central player in the global AI ecosystem, focusing on both domestic development and international deployment of the technology. Modi’s vision is for India to become a hub for AI innovation, attracting investment and fostering a skilled workforce. This ambition is supported by India’s large internet user base – exceeding one billion – and its established position as a major center for IT outsourcing.
French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed Europe’s commitment to shaping the rules governing AI, emphasizing a desire to balance innovation with responsible development. He stated that Europe aims to be a “safe space” for AI innovation and investment, working in collaboration with allies like India. The summit participants are expected to sign a declaration outlining a framework for AI governance later this week.
The summit also highlighted the potential for significant investment in India’s AI sector. Indian Minister of Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the country’s goal of attracting $200 billion in tech investments over the next two years, with a substantial portion earmarked for AI projects. This builds on $90 billion already committed by companies like Google and Microsoft for the construction of data centers, drawn by India’s abundant and relatively inexpensive labor pool.
The rapid advancement of AI is fueling anxieties about its impact on employment, particularly in sectors reliant on routine tasks. Stuart Russell, a computer scientist, pointed to the inherent logic of AI systems: “We are creating systems capable of imitating humans. And of course, the natural application of this type of system is to replace humans.” This concern is particularly acute in India, where millions are employed in business process outsourcing and support services.
The AI Impact Summit comes as global investment in the sector continues to surge. The event provided a platform for tech giants to announce new agreements, investments, and infrastructure projects in India, which is poised to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. India’s growing competitiveness in AI was underscored by its recent rise to third place in the Stanford University’s annual AI competitiveness ranking, surpassing both South Korea and Japan.
Notably absent from the summit’s high-profile speakers was Bill Gates, whose name has been linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. While Gates has maintained his innocence regarding any wrongdoing, his absence was acknowledged by reports covering the event.
The UN is also actively working to establish governance structures for AI development. The creation of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, announced at last year’s General Assembly and populated by 40 leading experts, aims to analyze the risks, opportunities, and societal impacts of AI. The panel is tasked with sharing evidence and closing knowledge gaps to inform policy decisions. The Global Dialogue on AI Governance, launched with an inaugural session in July, seeks to establish “guardrails that preserve human agency, human oversight and human accountability,” according to Guterres.
The summit’s focus on equitable access and responsible development reflects a growing global consensus that AI’s benefits must be shared broadly and its risks mitigated proactively. The proposed $3 billion fund, while a relatively small sum in the context of the technology industry’s overall revenue, represents a significant step towards ensuring that developing nations are not left behind in the AI revolution. The success of these initiatives will depend on sustained commitment from governments, industry, and civil society.
