The UN chief stressed that AI should not become a privilege limited to developed countries or technological superpowers. Instead, he said, it must serve as “a universal instrument for the benefit of humankind.”
The AI Impact Summit 2026 will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and technology CEOs to deliberate on equitable access, ethical deployment, and responsible governance of artificial intelligence.
By hosting the summit, India aims to position itself as a bridge between advanced economies and developing nations seeking greater participation in the AI revolution.
India’s Rising Global Role
Praising India’s expanding influence, Guterres highlighted the country’s growing stature in global economic and diplomatic circles. He noted that India is playing a more prominent role not only in the world economy but also in shaping international discourse.
He expressed hope that India could help build a genuinely multipolar world order, avoiding both unilateral dominance and binary superpower rivalry. According to him, India’s leadership among emerging economies makes it the right platform for deep, inclusive discussions on AI governance.
The summit will witness participation from several world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, along with technology leaders such as Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.
Focus on People, Planet and Progress
The core themes of the summit People, Planet and Progress reflect a holistic approach to technological development. Senior UN officials, including the Human Rights Commissioner and the UN Technology Envoy, are also expected to take part in key discussions.
The agenda includes conversations on AI ethics, regulatory frameworks, climate-linked technological solutions, and employment transformation. While concerns over job displacement persist globally, many industry leaders argue that AI is more likely to reshape work than eliminate it entirely.
India’s expanding digital infrastructure and startup ecosystem have further strengthened its case as a technology leader. According to government data available on MeitY’s official website, India continues to scale investments in AI research, skilling, and digital public infrastructure.
Call for Reform in Global Governance
Beyond technology, Guterres reiterated his long-standing call for reforms in global governance institutions, particularly the UN Security Council. He pointed out that current global structures do not adequately reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
He warned against a world dominated by a single hegemonic power or split between two competing superpowers. In his view, emerging economies like India must have a stronger voice in shaping global policies, including technological governance.
The AI Impact Summit 2026, therefore, is not merely a technology conference but also a diplomatic platform that could influence the future architecture of global cooperation.
A Cultural Connection
In a personal reflection, Guterres shared his admiration for India’s rich history and cultural influence across civilizations. He mentioned his interest in studying India’s historical interactions with regions ranging from East Asia to the Mediterranean.
As India hosts this landmark AI summit, the country stands at the intersection of tradition and technological transformation a blend that the UN chief believes can contribute meaningfully to shaping a balanced and inclusive digital future.