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86 Nations Seek 'Secure AI' in Global Summit Declaration
21 Feb
Summary
- Eighty-six nations signed a declaration for secure AI.
- The summit highlighted voluntary initiatives, not concrete regulations.
- The US, initially hesitant, signed the main summit statement.
A significant global summit on artificial intelligence concluded in New Delhi with 86 nations, including the United States and China, issuing a declaration advocating for "secure, trustworthy and robust" AI. This statement, released on Saturday, February 21, 2026, marks a collective call for responsible AI development.
The AI Impact Summit, attended by tens of thousands of people and prominent tech leaders, spanned five days. It focused on both the immense potential of AI, such as advancements in drug discovery, and the significant challenges, like potential job losses and the environmental impact of data centers. The declaration itself leans on voluntary, non-binding initiatives rather than imposing strict regulatory frameworks on the fast-evolving technology.
The United States, a leader in AI innovation, initially expressed reservations about global governance, with its delegation head stating a rejection of such oversight. However, the US did sign a bilateral AI declaration with India promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, and subsequently joined the broader summit statement. The delay in the statement's release was attributed to efforts to maximize international signatories.
Discussions also addressed AI safety risks, including misinformation and the potential for new pathogens, with the declaration acknowledging the importance of deepening understanding and adopting appropriate policy frameworks that foster innovation. The summit also underscored the need for reskilling initiatives to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven economy and emphasized the development of energy-efficient AI systems to manage growing resource demands.
Looking ahead, the next global AI summit is scheduled for Geneva in 2027. Concurrently, a UN panel is being established to work towards "science-led governance" of AI, drawing a parallel to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. India utilized the summit to advance its own AI ambitions, expecting substantial investments in the sector.
