88 Nations Unite: New Delhi Declaration Charts Global AI Future

The AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, endorsed by 88 countries and international organizations. The declaration is guided by the principle of universal welfare and outlines a seven-pillar framework for global AI cooperation. It emphasizes democratizing AI resources, ensuring secure and trusted systems, and leveraging AI for economic growth and scientific advancement. The document calls for enhanced international collaboration to make AI benefits accessible to all humanity.

Key Points: New Delhi Declaration on AI Endorsed by 88 Countries

  • Global consensus on AI for social good
  • Seven-pillar framework for cooperation
  • Emphasis on equitable access and trust
  • Focus on open-source ecosystems and infrastructure
3 min read

88 countries, international organisations endorse New Delhi Declaration on AI

88 countries adopt the New Delhi Declaration, a global AI framework for equitable growth, trust, and cooperation based on shared principles.

"Robust digital infrastructure and meaningful and affordable connectivity are prerequisites for deploying AI and unlocking its full potential. - New Delhi Declaration"

New Delhi, Feb 21

The mega 'AI Impact Summit 2026' concluded here on Saturday with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, endorsed by 88 countries and international organisations - marking a significant milestone in global cooperation on artificial intelligence.

The Declaration reflects a broad-based global consensus on leveraging AI for economic growth and social good.

Guided by the principle of "Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya" (Welfare for all, Happiness for all), the Declaration underscores that the benefits of AI must be equitably shared across humanity.

It emphasises strengthening international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement; respecting national sovereignty; and advancing AI through accessible and trustworthy frameworks.

The Declaration is structured around seven key pillars, forming the foundation of global AI cooperation.

These are - Democratising AI Resources; Economic Growth and Social Good; Secure and Trusted AI; AI for Science; Access for Social Empowerment; Human Capital Development; and Resilient, Efficient and Innovative AI Systems.

The Declaration highlights the role of AI in driving economic transformation; importance of open-source and accessible AI ecosystems; need for energy-efficient AI infrastructure; expanding AI's role in science, governance, and public service delivery; and strengthening Global Cooperation.

"Robust digital infrastructure and meaningful and affordable connectivity are prerequisites for deploying AI and unlocking its full potential," it said.

Inspired by the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family), "we recognise the importance of enhancing the affordability of and access to AI resources that would be critical to enabling all countries to develop, adopt and deploy AI for the benefit of their citizens".

"To this effect, we take note of the Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI as a voluntary and non-binding framework to promote access to foundational AI resources, support locally relevant innovation, and strengthen resilient AI ecosystems while respecting national laws," it added.

It further said that advancing secure, trustworthy and robust AI is foundational to building trust and maximising societal and economic benefits.

"We recognise that removing structural barriers to and increasing availability of AI research infrastructure can promote the use of AI in scientific research and development across countries. International scientific collaborations can unlock the potential of AI in research and development by bringing unique expertise, perspectives, and resources," it added.

"We acknowledge that the AI Impact Summit will contribute to strengthening international cooperation and multi-stakeholder approach to advance shared priorities as well as voluntary and non-binding guidelines and principles, which can promote AI for ensuring a prosperous future for humanity," it noted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in tech policy, the seven pillars look comprehensive. The emphasis on "Democratising AI Resources" and "Access for Social Empowerment" is the right direction. Hope this moves beyond declarations to tangible frameworks for data and compute sharing.
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Priya S
All good words, but the real test is implementation. Will this actually help a farmer in Punjab or a weaver in Varanasi access AI tools? The "voluntary and non-binding" part worries me. Powerful nations and corporations need to be held accountable to share benefits.
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Rohit P
Energy-efficient AI infrastructure is a key point! Our power grids are already strained. Developing AI that doesn't require massive, unsustainable data centers is essential for a country like India. Glad it's on the agenda.
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Michael C
Impressive to see 88 countries agree. The principle of respecting national sovereignty while promoting cooperation is a delicate but necessary balance. The focus on "Human Capital Development" is spot on - we need to skill our youth for the AI era, not just import solutions.
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Kavya N
"AI for Science" could be a game-changer for our research institutions. Imagine collaborative global projects on climate modeling or drug discovery with shared AI tools. This summit gives me hope for a more equitable scientific future. Well done, New Delhi!

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