Senior officials from the United Nations, led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, are set to convene at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. This event marks the first global summit of its kind to be hosted in the Global South and is scheduled from February 16 to 20. Organised by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the summit aims to facilitate discussions on the responsible advancement and application of artificial intelligence to promote sustainable development.
Focus on Collaboration and Sustainability
The summit is designed to bring together various stakeholders, including governments, international organisations, industry experts, academics, and members of civil society. It seeks to enhance cooperation and shared understanding on AI’s role in fostering innovations for societal benefit. Guterres emphasised the importance of establishing effective guidelines and fostering collaboration in a statement ahead of his visit to India.
Side Events Addressing Critical Issues
During the summit, the UN will conduct over 30 side events that will address crucial issues such as agriculture and food security, gender equality, health systems, digital public infrastructure, disaster risk reduction, and child safety. These initiatives are aimed at highlighting the various areas where AI can positively impact global challenges.
Notable Attendees from the United Nations
Alongside Antonio Guterres, several high-profile representatives will attend the summit. This includes Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Amandeep Singh Gill, Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies; Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; and Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation. Additionally, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, and Kamal Kishore, Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, will also be present.
Participation of Other UN Entities
Senior officials from various UN bodies, including the United Nations Development Programme, UN Women, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNFPA, Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation, will also take part in the summit. Their involvement underlines the multidisciplinary approach necessary for addressing the complexities of AI and its implications for society.
Establishment of the Independent International Scientific Panel
In a related development, the UN General Assembly has recently appointed 40 members to the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. This panel, which was recommended by the Secretary-General, is groundbreaking as it brings together experts from around the globe to evaluate how AI is reshaping societies and economies. The selection was made from over 2,600 candidates, who will serve in a personal capacity.
Annual Reporting on AI Developments
The newly formed panel is tasked with producing an annual report that will provide evidence-based assessments of existing research regarding the benefits and risks of AI. This includes the panel’s role in contributing to the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. Among the distinguished members is Balaraman Ravindran from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, who will lend his expertise to this important initiative.
