AI Impact Summit 2026 Adopts New Delhi Declaration Backed by 88 Nations

The AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded in the national capital with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, a landmark document endorsed by 88 countries and international organisations. The declaration lays out a shared global vision for collaborative, trusted, resilient and efficient artificial intelligence, positioning AI as a transformative force for economic growth and social good.

Held on 18–19 February, the summit brought together policymakers, technologists, researchers, multilateral bodies and industry leaders at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies and societies. The adoption of the declaration marks one of the most comprehensive multilateral efforts to build consensus around AI governance, development and equitable access.

A Global Vision Rooted in Equity

Inspired by the ancient Indian principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” — welfare for all and happiness for all — the New Delhi Declaration underscores that AI’s promise can only be realised if its benefits are shared equitably across humanity. Participants emphasized that the choices made today will define the AI-enabled world inherited by future generations.

The declaration calls for strengthened international cooperation and a multistakeholder approach involving governments, industry, academia and civil society. At the same time, it respects national sovereignty, acknowledging that countries will adopt AI frameworks aligned with their domestic priorities and legal systems.

India, as host nation, strongly advanced the vision of “AI for All,” urging that artificial intelligence must not deepen global inequalities but instead bridge developmental divides through access, affordability and collaboration.

Seven Pillars of Action

The New Delhi Declaration is structured around seven core pillars — referred to as “Chakras” — that collectively form the foundation of global AI cooperation.

1. Democratizing AI Resources:
Recognizing that robust digital infrastructure and affordable connectivity are prerequisites for AI adoption, the declaration stresses enhancing access to foundational AI resources. Participants took note of the Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI, a voluntary and non-binding framework aimed at promoting equitable access, fostering locally relevant innovation and strengthening resilient AI ecosystems.

2. Economic Growth and Social Good:
The declaration highlights AI’s potential to drive economic transformation and social development. It encourages open-source AI applications and scalable use cases that can be adapted across regions. The Global AI Impact Commons was acknowledged as a collaborative platform designed to replicate successful AI applications worldwide.

3. Secure and Trusted AI:
Trust remains central to AI adoption. The declaration underscores the importance of secure, robust and trustworthy AI systems. Participants recognized the Trusted AI Commons — a voluntary collaborative repository of technical tools, benchmarks and best practices — as a resource to support the development of secure AI while enabling innovation.

4. AI for Science:
Removing structural barriers to AI research infrastructure and strengthening international scientific collaboration were identified as priorities. The summit noted the creation of an International Network of AI for Science Institutions, aimed at connecting research communities and pooling capabilities to accelerate AI-driven scientific discovery.

5. Access for Social Empowerment:
Artificial intelligence, participants observed, can empower communities by expanding access to knowledge, services and opportunities. A collaborative platform for AI-driven social empowerment was acknowledged to facilitate knowledge exchange and scalable solutions that promote equitable adoption.

6. Human Capital Development:
Preparing societies for an AI-driven future requires investments in skills, literacy and workforce transformation. The summit took note of guiding principles for reskilling in the age of AI and an AI Workforce Development Playbook to support nations in upgrading education systems, vocational training and public sector capacity.

7. Resilient, Innovative and Efficient AI Systems:
With AI’s growing demand for energy and infrastructure, the declaration highlights the need for energy-efficient and resource-conscious systems. Voluntary guiding principles on resilient and efficient AI development, along with a Playbook on Advancing Resilient AI Infrastructure, were recognized as reference frameworks.

Voluntary and Collaborative Mechanisms

A defining feature of the summit outcomes is their voluntary and non-binding nature. Rather than imposing regulatory obligations, the declaration emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing and shared principles.

The Global AI Impact Commons is expected to function as a practical platform enabling countries to adopt and scale proven AI applications. Similarly, the Trusted AI Commons will consolidate technical guidance, benchmarks and best practices accessible to all participants.

The International Network of AI for Science Institutions seeks to catalyze joint research initiatives, while the AI for Social Empowerment Platform aims to bridge divides in knowledge and service delivery.

Participants underscored that such collaborative mechanisms complement existing global and regional initiatives, reinforcing a broader ecosystem of AI governance without duplicating efforts.

Economic Transformation and Efficiency

The declaration recognizes AI as a driver of productivity, innovation and sustainable development. Leaders highlighted the need for open and accessible AI ecosystems that allow startups, researchers and governments to innovate.

Energy efficiency emerged as a recurring theme. As AI systems grow in scale and complexity, their energy demands also increase. Participants emphasized that future AI infrastructure must prioritize sustainability and resilience, ensuring that technological advancement does not come at the expense of environmental responsibility.

AI’s expanding role in science, governance and public service delivery was also highlighted. From predictive analytics in healthcare to data-driven policymaking, artificial intelligence is increasingly central to public administration.

Strengthening Global Cooperation

Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to advancing shared global priorities in AI governance. The declaration encourages ongoing dialogue, knowledge exchange and joint initiatives that translate vision into action.

By endorsing voluntary principles rather than binding regulations, the summit sought to foster inclusivity and consensus across diverse political and economic systems. The broad endorsement by 88 countries and international organisations reflects widespread agreement on the need for cooperative approaches to AI development.

Among the endorsing entities are major economies, emerging markets and multilateral institutions, underscoring the global character of the initiative. The participation of a wide geographic spectrum — spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas and Oceania — signals growing recognition that AI governance must be globally coordinated.

A Forward-Looking Commitment

In its concluding section, the New Delhi Declaration acknowledges that the AI Impact Summit 2026 represents a starting point rather than an endpoint. Participants expressed commitment to continued cooperation in translating the summit’s principles into concrete action.

The declaration reiterates that AI must serve humanity and contribute to a prosperous and inclusive future. By aligning technological innovation with equity, trust and resilience, the summit aimed to establish a blueprint for responsible AI development.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, societies and governance systems, the outcomes of the AI Impact Summit 2026 position New Delhi as a key venue in the evolving global dialogue on AI. With its emphasis on “AI for All,” the declaration signals an effort to ensure that the next wave of technological transformation is guided not only by innovation but by shared responsibility and collective progress.