New Delhi marked a historic milestone in global AI governance as the AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded at Bharat Mandapam with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact. This landmark document, backed by 88 countries and international organizations, signals a unified global push to harness artificial intelligence for economic growth and social welfare.
Inspired by the ancient Indian principle of ‘Sarva Jan Hitaya, Sarva Jan Sukhaya’—meaning welfare and happiness for all—the declaration emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits across all sections of humanity. It underscores the need for international collaboration, respect for national sovereignty, and the development of accessible, reliable frameworks to advance AI responsibly.
Structured around seven core pillars, the declaration lays the foundation for worldwide AI cooperation. These include democratizing AI resources, driving economic development and social good, ensuring safe and trustworthy AI, leveraging AI for scientific advancement, providing access for social empowerment, building human capital, and fostering resilient, efficient, and innovative AI systems.
The summit unveiled a series of voluntary, collaborative global initiatives. Highlights include the Charter for Democratic AI Proliferation, Global AI Impact Commons, Trustworthy AI Commons, an International Network of AI for Science Institutions, AI Platforms for Social Empowerment, an AI Workforce Development Playbook with Reskilling Principles, and Guiding Principles for Resilient and Efficient AI.
Participants highlighted AI’s transformative potential in accelerating economic change, the critical role of open-source and accessible AI ecosystems, the urgency of energy-efficient AI infrastructure, and AI’s expanding applications in science, governance, and public service delivery. The declaration commits nations to advancing shared global priorities in AI governance through non-binding, voluntary frameworks and sustained collaboration.
This summit is poised to forge long-term international partnerships, positioning AI as a primary engine of economic development. As world leaders rally behind the New Delhi Declaration, the global community steps closer to a future where AI serves humanity inclusively and sustainably.