UN Not Meant To Regulate AI, Antonio Guterres Says Ahead Of Attending India Summit

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 11:06 IST

UN Chief Guterres pointed to a proposal for a voluntary global fund of up to $3 billion to help developing countries build AI capacity.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that it is not the UN’s role to regulate artificial intelligence, asserting instead the need for global dialogue and cooperation as he prepares to travel to New Delhi for a major AI summit.

In an interview with PTI ahead of his visit, Guterres said the UN is planning an annual global dialogue on AI that will bring together countries, governments, the private sector and civil society. He described the initiative as a platform “where everybody can come and everybody can discuss, and where we can learn with each other and eventually come to some possible consensus on the best way to maximise the opportunities of AI and minimise its risks."

Guterres will visit India to attend the India AI Impact Summit, the first such gathering hosted in the Global South, and said the UN’s efforts are “perfectly in line" with India’s approach to AI leadership.

UN Sets Up Global Scientific Panel On AI

The UN chief said that the creation of an Independent Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence is a key step under the Global Digital Compact adopted in 2024. The United Nations General Assembly recently appointed 40 global experts to the panel, including Balaraman Ravindran of Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The panel will serve for three years and provide independent scientific assessments of AI’s progress, risks and policy implications.

Guterres said the panel will act as a “fantastic source" of objective information, helping governments make informed decisions and ensuring the public understands AI developments.

Guterres also pointed to a proposal for a voluntary global fund of up to $3 billion to help developing countries build AI capacity.

“There was an agreement in the General Assembly in order to support developing countries to build capacity to be able to benefit from AI," he said.

The Global Digital Compact envisions an open, safe and inclusive digital future, with AI governance guided by scientific evidence and international cooperation.

Meetings With Indian Leaders, Global Participation

During his visit, Guterres will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with global leaders, technology executives and AI experts. He will also participate in discussions on renewable energy and energy transition, with the UN highlighting India’s growing leadership in clean energy expansion.

Senior international figures attending the summit include Kristalina Georgieva of the Monetary Fund, Gilbert Houngbo of the Labour Organization and Doreen Bogdan-Martin of the Telecommunication Union.

More than 30 UN-organised events are scheduled alongside the summit, focusing on AI’s role in agriculture, healthcare, governance and sustainable development.

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