AI Action Summit : a call for clear rules and inclusive governance
Faced with the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence, the AI Action Summit, held in Paris on February 10-11 by France and India, brought together world leaders, experts, and businesses to discuss its regulation. António Guterres, Emmanuel Macron, Narendra Modi, and industry figures such as Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman advocated for ethical and inclusive AI. A declaration signed by 61 countries emphasizes the need for transparent and fair global governance, with a focus on bridging the digital divide, particularly in Africa.
By Bylkiss Mentari, in Paris
« Let’s move forward together toward AI shaped by and for all of humanity. » This was the unifying message António Guterres sought to convey on the final day of the AI Action Summit, held in Paris on February 10-11 at the initiative of France and India.
Alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the event gathered several dozen world leaders and hundreds of researchers, industry giants such as Meta, OpenAI, and Google, as well as artists like musician Pharrell Williams at the Grand Palais.
AI must be a tool for the common good, not a threat
The need for international governance and ethical principles dominated discussions, with a consensus on the urgency of appropriate regulation.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, stressed that « AI must be a tool for the common good, not a threat, » calling for strengthened collaboration between states and businesses to ensure responsible use of this technology. He highlighted the importance of an inclusive governance framework to prevent abuses and ensure an equitable distribution of AI’s benefits.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, reminded that « advanced AI technologies can transform our societies, but they require clear safeguards. » Meanwhile, Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, emphasized the need for « regulations that ensure innovation while protecting fundamental rights. »
Discussions also focused on the threat AI poses to employment, particularly in emerging economies. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, acknowledged that « AI-powered automation could profoundly reshape the job market, making it crucial to adapt educational systems. »
A Declaration for « open, » « inclusive, » and « ethical » artificial intelligence signed by 61 countries
The global summit concluded with the publication of a declaration for « open, » « inclusive, » and « ethical » artificial intelligence, signed by 61 countries. Among them were the two organizing nations, as well as China—but not the United States.
The Declaration stresses the need for global AI governance based on transparency, fairness, and data protection. It calls for increased cooperation between the public and private sectors to develop appropriate regulatory frameworks and ensure an equitable distribution of AI’s benefits. The signatories commit to promoting the use of AI for sustainable development and reducing inequalities.
A call for an international effort to bridge the digital divide and enable African talent to fully benefit from AI advancements
Africa played a key role in the event, with the participation of several African country representatives, including from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Senegal. These delegations included technology experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials, who came to exchange views on the sector’s opportunities and challenges. Their presence aimed to strengthen international cooperation and attract investments for the development of digital infrastructure on the continent. Several agreements were signed, particularly in training and access to new technologies, reinforcing African nations’ commitment to this global digital transformation.
In Africa, where AI is seen as a potential development driver, access to digital infrastructure and training remains crucial. Strive Masiyiwa, founder of Econet, advocated for « an international effort to bridge the digital divide and enable African talent to fully benefit from AI advancements. »
The debate on AI governance is only beginning. It will continue at the Inclusive Fintech Forum in Kigali and other major events, including the G7 summit and the Global AI Governance Forum.
