Switzerland steps up to drive global AI conversation at Geneva Summit in June next

New Delhi, Jul 8 (PTI) Switzerland announced on Wednesday that it will host the next edition of the global AI summit in June 2027, focusing on bringing the global conversation on artificial intelligence to the heart of multilateralism while building on the momentum achieved at the previous edition of the mega-event in New Delhi. The Geneva AI Summit will aim to establish stable and effective processes for global discussions on AI governance with a broader goal of improving lives, expanding opportunities and finding new solutions to the challenges facing the globe, Swiss officials said. The summit, to be held at Palexpo in Geneva from June 21 to 22, will have two strategic priorities: AI as a driver of prosperity and progress for all, and fostering trustworthy, responsible and safe use of AI. India hosted the AI Impact summit in February that pitched for an inclusive framework to promote access to foundational AI resources for the Global South. Switzerland is determined to strengthen AI governance and build on the outcomes of the previous summits in Bletchley, Seoul, Paris and New Delhi, the officials said, adding that establishing stable and effective processes for global discussions on AI governance will be a key priority. The summit will bring together governments, international organisations, scientists, businesses and civil society to strengthen multilateral dialogue and promote the responsible and trustworthy development of AI for innovation and prosperity, they said. The date for the mega event was announced at the ongoing AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva on Wednesday. In February, Swiss President Guy Parmelin had announced in New Delhi that his country will host the next edition of the AI summit. "Geneva is the epicentre of multilateralism," said Parmelin, who added that Switzerland was looking forward to organising the summit and working with the United Arab Emirates, which will host the summit in 2028. Since 2023, a series of high-level summits on artificial intelligence have been held in various countries. The first global AI summit took place in the United Kingdom. This was followed by further meetings in South Korea and France. Switzerland hosting the next summit assumes significance as the country is considered a global powerhouse for scientific research and innovations. Federal Councillor Albert Rosti said the upcoming AI summit is expected to broadly focus on human-centred innovation. "Of course, innovation also brings responsibility. As AI becomes more powerful and more widely deployed, we must continue working together to ensure that its development remains trustworthy, inclusive and centred on human needs. "But responsible innovation and technological progress are not competing objectives; they reinforce one another," Rosti said. The Swiss official said artificial intelligence is ultimately about people. "It is about improving lives, expanding opportunities and finding new solutions to the challenges we all share," he said. PTI MPB RT