Earlier this week, many leaders from across the globe met to discuss artificial intelligence (AI), its promises, and its problems at the AI Action Summit. There was some disagreement on how the world should proceed. Let’s discuss.

What was the AI Action Summit?

The AI Action Summit was held in Paris Monday and Tuesday this week. Several heads of state along with leaders in tech gathered to discuss the future of AI. While it was held in the French capitol, the summit was jointly hosted by both India and France.

Why was this needed?

These types of meetings are necessary because the increasing developments involving AI are affecting how the world works. With huge investments being made (e.g., United States’ Stargate announcement) and even sometimes lost (e.g., DeepSeek’s emergence), many countries are wanting to better understand and perhaps control how AI affects their citizens. While countries are in a race against each other to be first to make big developments with AI, ultimately the ways in which we use this technology and its effects will span the globe.

So they met. Now what? Did they accomplish something?

Well…sorta. Part of this meeting included a “Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet”. The declaration was created for heads of state to sign and commit to. It included things like

• keeping AI human-centric, ethical, safe, and trustworthy
• reducing the digital divide
• promoting future discussion on AI’s impact on the environment
• global cooperation on governing AI

Leaders from 63 nations signed on behalf of their respective countries. Notably, the United States and United Kingdom advocated for less regulation and refused to sign the declaration.

Additionally, the French president Emmanuel Macron announced a €109 billon investment in AI just before the start of the summit.

I guess time will tell about the true benefit of this summit.

Explore More

World leaders meet in Paris at AI summit

Everything you need to know about the AI Action Summit

Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet.