UN chief Guterres calls for open access to AI and warns against leaving its future to the “whims of a few billionaires”.
Published on February 19, 2026
The fourth day, and the most publicized, of a world summit on artificial intelligence The crisis in India is ongoing with world leaders such as United Nations chief Antonio Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron speaking out to discuss how to manage the rapid evolution of technology that is sparking both enthusiasm for investment and deep concern.
The major gathering in New Delhi is the fourth in a series of international meetings on AI which have been taking place since 2023 in France, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Job disruption, child safety and regulation top the agenda for this year’s edition.
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Guterres spoke on Thursday, warning of the risks of AI, saying its future cannot be left to the “whims of a few billionaires.” The UN chief has called on tech tycoons to back a $3 billion global fund to ensure open access to the rapidly evolving technology for all.
The French president also spoke of the need for deep involvement: “The message that I came to convey is that we are determined to continue to shape the rules of the game, and to do so with our allies like India,” Macron said.
“Europe does not focus blindly on regulation: Europe is a space for innovation and investment, but it is a safe space. »
Although this year is considered the largest edition yet, with thousands of participants, there is one notable absentee.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates facing questions over his ties to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epsteinwithdrew just hours before his speech to “ensure that the focus remained on the key priorities of the AI Summit,” the Gates Foundation said.
Another Gates Foundation official will replace Gates, who said this month that he regretted “every minute” he spent with Epstein. As the first global meeting on AI held in a developing country, the five-day summit, which ends on Friday, was also an opportunity for India to strengthen its position in the booming sector.
Last year, the country rose to third place in an annual global ranking of AI competitiveness calculated by Stanford researchers.
But despite large-scale infrastructure projects and big ambitions for innovation, experts say the country still has a long way to go before it can compete with the United States and China.
Speaking on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted recent launches of AI models by Indian companies, saying that “the AI model that succeeds in India can be deployed anywhere in the world.”
“India believes that AI technology will be beneficial only when it is shared and its core systems are open; only then can our millions of young minds make it better and safer,” Modi added.
“We must decide that AI is used for the global common good. »
Modi, speaking in English, added: “We are entering an era where humans and intelligence systems co-create, work together and co-evolve. »