On February 20, during the Global AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the necessity for nations to harness Artificial Intelligence for the collective betterment of humanity. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among countries to prepare for challenges, protect communities, and invest in people, all while addressing the current difficulties in international cooperation stemming from strained trust and growing technological rivalries.

AI and the Need for Science-Led Governance

Guterres articulated the rapid pace of AI innovation, stating that it is evolving faster than the global capacity to comprehend its implications. He remarked, “We are barrelling into the unknown,” stressing that policies regarding AI must be grounded in solid evidence rather than speculation or misinformation. He called for a focus on sharing trustworthy data across nations and industries, advocating for “less noise, more knowledge” in discussions about AI.

Establishment of an Independent AI Panel

The Secretary-General detailed initiatives taken by the United Nations in the domain of AI, notably the establishment of the independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. Guterres explained that this panel aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding AI’s influence on economies and societies, enabling countries to operate with clarity regardless of their level of AI capability. He expressed satisfaction at the General Assembly’s endorsement of the 40 experts proposed for this initiative and emphasized the urgency of their work to produce a preliminary report ahead of a global dialogue on AI governance scheduled for July.

The Role of Science in Shaping AI Policies

Guterres underscored the importance of science-informed governance as a catalyst for effective solutions, allowing for safer and more equitable progress. He stated that scientific governance can help identify how AI can deliver beneficial outcomes swiftly, thereby addressing potential risks associated with technological advancements. He pointed out that in the absence of a unified approach, fragmentation occurs, leading to inconsistent policies and technical standards across different regions.

Ensuring Accountability and Human Oversight

The UN Chief reaffirmed that the ultimate goal should be achieving meaningful human oversight in AI implementation. He stressed the necessity for accountability, ensuring that responsibility cannot be simply delegated to algorithms. He stated, “People must understand how decisions are made, challenge them, and get answers,” indicating that clarity in decision-making is vital. According to Guterres, minimizing hype and fear while increasing factual information and evidence is essential for guiding AI responsibly.

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals through AI

In his closing remarks, Guterres articulated a vision where intelligent policy aligns with technological advancements, transforming AI from a potential source of uncertainty into a dependable resource in achieving sustainable development goals. He called for collaboration guided by scientific principles to ensure that AI continues to serve humanity effectively.

Significance of the Global AI Summit

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, bringing together policymakers, industry experts, academics, and representatives from civil society to discuss responsible governance of AI and the significance of inclusive technological progress.

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