UN chief Antonio Guterres to visit India for Global AI Impact Summit

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has confirmed that he will visit India later this month to participate in the Global AI Impact Summit, to be hosted by New Delhi.

The summit marks the first time a major global artificial intelligence conclave focused on impact and governance is being held in the Global South.

Guterres announced his participation while responding to a question at a UN press briefing, underscoring the growing importance of artificial intelligence in global governance and international relations. “And I will be there,” he said, affirming his presence at the India-hosted event.

Describing artificial intelligence as “an absolutely crucial issue in international relations and one of the biggest challenges of our times,” the UN chief stressed the need for countries to come together to shape its future. He emphasised that such discussions must involve not only governments but also civil society and other stakeholders.

Praising India’s leadership, Guterres said the country had taken a significant step by convening the summit. “I praise India for having assumed the leadership in relation to this summit,” he noted, highlighting the relevance of hosting the event in a developing country context despite India’s existing technological capabilities.

Guterres said his message at the summit would be closely aligned with the outcomes of the UN’s Global Digital Compact. He plans to brief participating heads of state and other entities on the role of the proposed international scientific panel on AI, expectations from global dialogues on the subject, and ways to mobilise international support for capacity-building in developing countries.

He added that strengthening AI capacity in developing nations would be the central objective of the summit and of India’s role in shaping inclusive and responsible AI governance.