The AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, a global framework endorsed by 89 countries and international organizations aimed at strengthening cooperation on artificial intelligence and promoting what organizers described as “AI for All.”
Held February 18–19, the summit positioned AI as a tool for economic growth, social empowerment, and international collaboration while emphasizing equitable access and trusted governance. The declaration draws on the principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya,” or welfare and happiness for all, calling for AI systems that are accessible, resilient, and aligned with public interest.
The agreement outlines seven core pillars intended to guide international cooperation: democratizing AI resources, economic growth and social good, secure and trusted AI, AI for science, access for social empowerment, human capital development, and resilient and efficient AI systems. Summit organizers said the framework respects national sovereignty while encouraging voluntary, multistakeholder collaboration.
Several global initiatives were announced alongside the declaration. These include a Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI to promote affordable access to foundational AI resources, a Global AI Impact Commons to scale successful AI applications across countries, and a Trusted AI Commons to share tools, benchmarks, and best practices for secure development.
Additional deliverables include an International Network of AI for Science Institutions aimed at expanding global research collaboration, an AI for Social Empowerment Platform focused on equitable adoption, and new workforce development playbooks designed to support AI literacy and reskilling. Participants also highlighted energy efficiency and infrastructure resilience as priorities as AI systems become more resource-intensive.
The declaration emphasizes the role of open-source and accessible AI ecosystems, as well as the importance of international cooperation in shaping governance frameworks that balance innovation with security and trust.
Organizers said the summit is expected to strengthen long-term partnerships and encourage countries to translate shared principles into practical initiatives. With participation spanning advanced economies and emerging markets alike, the New Delhi Declaration marks a broad global effort to establish common ground on AI development while advancing inclusive growth and technological collaboration.
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