As artificial intelligence accelerates its transformation of economies, societies and public institutions, the conversation is no longer about whether AI will shape our future, but about how we will shape AI. The India AI Impact Summit 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment, grounded in the principles of People, Planet and Progress. Its mission is clear: ensure that artificial intelligence advances humanity, drives inclusive growth, and protects the shared global commons that sustain us all.
At a time when technological breakthroughs often outpace regulation, the Summit places human wellbeing at the center of innovation. From healthcare systems strengthened by predictive analytics to climate models powered by machine learning, AI holds enormous potential to improve lives. Yet without responsible governance, transparency and equity, these same technologies risk deepening inequality, amplifying bias and undermining trust. The challenge before global leaders is to balance innovation with accountability.
In this critical context, the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) will convene a series of high-level side events on the margins of the Summit. These sessions are designed not as symbolic discussions, but as strategic interventions aimed at shaping the global AI agenda. By bringing together senior policymakers, scientists, industry leaders and civil society voices, ODET seeks to elevate evidence-based policymaking at a time when speculation and political rhetoric often dominate technology debates.
Central to these discussions is the role of scientific evidence in international AI governance. Effective governance cannot be built on assumptions or fragmented national interests. It must be rooted in rigorous research, transparent data and interdisciplinary collaboration. As AI systems grow more complex and autonomous, policymakers require access to independent scientific expertise to understand risks, measure societal impact and design adaptive regulatory frameworks. Evidence-based governance offers a pathway to harmonized global standards that encourage innovation while preventing harm.
Another urgent focus of the side events is strengthening safeguards for children’s safety and wellbeing in the digital age. AI-driven platforms increasingly shape how young people learn, communicate and access information. While these tools offer educational opportunities and expanded connectivity, they also expose children to new forms of risk, including data exploitation, algorithmic manipulation and harmful content amplification. Establishing stronger global safeguards is not optional; it is an ethical imperative. Protecting children in AI-enabled environments demands coordinated international action, clear accountability mechanisms and sustained investment in digital literacy.
The Summit will also explore how artificial intelligence can redefine global development beyond the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. While the SDGs remain a critical benchmark, AI presents opportunities to rethink development itself. Intelligent systems can optimize resource distribution, improve disaster response, enhance agricultural productivity and accelerate scientific discovery. However, equitable access to AI infrastructure, data and skills remains uneven across regions. Bridging this digital divide is essential if AI is to serve as a catalyst for shared prosperity rather than a driver of geopolitical imbalance.
India’s leadership in hosting this Summit signals the growing role of emerging economies in shaping global technology governance. As nations in the Global South expand their digital capacities, they bring new perspectives to debates historically dominated by a handful of technological powers. Inclusive governance must reflect diverse cultural, economic and social realities. AI designed for global benefit cannot be guided by narrow interests.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is more than a convening of experts; it is a statement of intent. By anchoring discussions in People, Planet and Progress, the Summit reframes artificial intelligence not merely as a tool of economic competition, but as a shared responsibility. Through evidence-based governance, stronger protections for vulnerable populations and a renewed vision for sustainable development, the international community has an opportunity to ensure that AI becomes a force for collective advancement.
The decisions made today will define the digital architecture of tomorrow. If guided by science, ethics and global cooperation, artificial intelligence can indeed advance humanity while safeguarding the world we share.
