UN Secretary-General António Guterres has praised India as a very successful emerging economy and the ideal host for the upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026. He emphasized that artificial intelligence must benefit all humanity, not just developed nations, and congratulated India for leading this global dialogue.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly endorsed India’s role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence, calling the country a very successful emerging economy with growing global influence. Speaking ahead of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled from February 16 to 20, Guterres highlighted India’s leadership in ensuring that AI development remains inclusive and equitable.
The summit, which will be the first-ever AI-focused global gathering hosted in the Global South, is expected to bring together world leaders, technology executives, and policymakers. Anchored in the principles of People, Planet, and Progress, the event aims to set a framework for AI that benefits all nations, particularly those in the Global South.
Key Highlights
-
India recognized as a very successful emerging economy with expanding global influence
-
UN chief calls India the right place to host the AI Impact Summit 2026
-
Summit scheduled from February 16 to 20, marking the first AI summit in the Global South
-
Focus on ensuring AI benefits all humanity, not just developed nations or superpowers
-
Guiding principles of the summit: People, Planet, and Progress
-
Global leaders, tech CEOs, and policymakers expected to participate in shaping AI’s future
Guterres stressed that it would be unacceptable for AI to become a tool monopolized by a few powerful nations. Instead, he urged for a collective approach where countries across the world, especially emerging economies, share in the benefits of technological progress. His remarks underscore India’s growing stature as both an economic powerhouse and a responsible global leader in technology governance.
Sources: Press Trust of India, The Times of India, Business Standard, India TV