Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Mittal Join UN-Backed AI for Good Commission

Anirudh Jain - Kolkata Bureau Jul 03, 2026 1,800 Views

Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Lakshmi N. Mittal have joined the UN-backed "AI for Good Global Commission" as founding members. The 40-plus member body, led by the ITU, aims to bridge the digital divide and foster responsible AI development. The commission will hold its first meeting in Geneva on July 7, 2026.

Indian business leaders are among the founding members of a new global initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring responsible AI development.

GENEVA — Indian industry stalwarts Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal have been named founding members of the newly launched "AI for Good Global Commission," a high-level United Nations-backed initiative designed to steer the future of artificial intelligence. The commission, announced on Thursday, brings together over 40 global leaders, including heads of state, top technology executives, and chiefs of international organizations, to define pathways for equitable and secure AI adoption.

A Global Effort for Inclusive AI

Launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the commission aims to address the significant disparity in AI access across the globe. With approximately 2.2 billion people—nearly one-quarter of the world’s population—still lacking internet access, the initiative seeks to ensure that AI serves as a tool for global progress rather than a catalyst for deepening existing inequalities.

The commission is co-chaired by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Salesforce Chair and CEO Marc Benioff, with ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin serving as vice-chair. The founding members will focus on strengthening trust in AI systems, expanding digital infrastructure, and leveraging the technology to solve real-world challenges such as poverty, healthcare, and education.

Indian Representation on the World Stage

The inclusion of Indian business leaders highlights the country's growing influence in the global digital ecosystem. Alongside Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Bharti Enterprises founder Sunil Bharti Mittal, the founding membership includes ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Lakshmi N. Mittal and FedEx Dataworks President Vishal Talwar.

These leaders join a prestigious roster of international tech titans, including:

Jensen Huang: Founder and CEO, Nvidia
Andy Jassy: CEO, Amazon
Brad Smith: Vice Chair and President, Microsoft
Cristiano Amon: CEO, Qualcomm
Julie Sweet: CEO, Accenture
James Manyika: President for Research, Labs, Technology & Society, Google/Alphabet

Addressing Global AI Challenges

The commission is expected to play a critical role in the global AI ecosystem by acting as a bridge between technology developers, policymakers, and community representatives. By fostering collaboration across borders and sectors, the body aims to create a regulatory and ethical framework that encourages innovation while prioritizing safety and human welfare.

"No organization can single-handedly put AI at the service of all humanity," ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin stated regarding the launch. The commission’s mandate includes defining practical steps to strengthen the foundation of trust required for the shared success of AI-driven economies.

Inaugural Meeting Scheduled

The AI for Good Global Commission will hold its inaugural meeting during the upcoming "AI for Good Global Summit 2026," scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 7 to July 10, 2026. This summit is part of a broader "Digital Week" in Geneva, which includes the first UN-mandated Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the WSIS Forum 2026.

Key Facts at a Glance

Global Initiative: The "AI for Good Global Commission" is a UN-backed body launched by the ITU to guide AI governance and access.
Founding Members: The commission features over 40 members, including Indian leaders Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Lakshmi N. Mittal.
Core Mandate: The primary focus is to bridge the digital divide for the 2.2 billion people currently offline and ensure AI is used for global societal benefit.
Summit Dates: The inaugural meeting will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 7–10, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the AI for Good Global Commission?

It is a UN-backed initiative led by the ITU to foster collaboration between governments, businesses, and international organizations to promote responsible and inclusive AI development.

2. Why were Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal invited?

As leaders of major digital and telecommunications enterprises, their participation helps represent the perspectives of rapidly growing digital economies and emphasizes the need for connectivity in the AI era.

3. What are the commission's main priorities?

The commission prioritizes expanding digital access, strengthening public trust in AI, and solving global challenges while ensuring developing nations are not left behind.

4. Where can I find more information about the commission's work?

The commission will debut its agenda at the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, where members will begin defining pathways for global AI governance.