NEW DELHI: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of making artificial intelligence accessible to everyone, calling for the creation of a global AI fund to build foundational capacities in developing countries, including skills, data, affordable computing capabilities, and inclusive ecosystems.

In his speech at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, currently being held in New Delhi, Guterres said that the future of artificial intelligence cannot be decided by a few countries or left to the whims of a handful of billionaires. He stressed that AI must be beneficial, safe, accessible, and owned by all.

He also recalled two decisive steps taken by the United Nations General Assembly last year in the field of artificial intelligence: the establishment of a new independent international scientific panel on AI and the launch of a global dialogue on AI governance.

The UN Secretary-General stressed the need for artificial intelligence to be safe for everyone, adding that people must be protected from exploitation, manipulation, and abuse. He further emphasized that no child should serve as a testing ground for unregulated AI.

The Asummit is scheduled to continue until tomorrow, with broad participation from world leaders and executives of major global technology companies.

The summit is discussing three main themes, which are people, planet, and progress and has showcased practical solutions aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into vital sectors such as healthcare and sustainable agriculture.