Dozens of countries, including the US, China and Belgium, have signed a joint declaration on the need to develop "safe, secure and sustainable" artificial intelligence. The document was adopted at the conclusion of a summit in New Delhi, India.
The declaration was signed by representatives of 86 states, including Belgium, as well as two international organizations. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening trust in AI in order to maximize its social and economic benefits.
At the same time, the declaration contains no legally binding obligations. Instead, it lists voluntary initiatives, in particular the development of global cooperation in artificial intelligence research.
The text also notes that AI's potential will be fully realized only if its benefits become accessible to all.
Renowned computer science researcher Stuart Russell welcomed the document. In a comment to AFP, he said: "These commitments may not be entirely substantial, but the very fact that commitments are being adopted at all is what matters most."
The five-day summit was attended by, among others, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. OpenAI chief Sam Altman also took part in the discussions, calling for urgent regulation of the rapidly developing technology.
Among the key topics discussed were the social benefits of AI translation into different languages, the risks of job losses and the impact of data centers on energy consumption and the environment.
The US, however, rejected the idea of global AI governance. White House science and technology adviser Michael Kratsios stated Washington's firm position on the matter during Friday's discussions.
Notably, at the previous AI summit in Paris in 2025, the US refused to sign a similar declaration.
