Global South AI Leadership Summit 2026

In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, governance systems, and social fabrics, the Global South stands at a decisive crossroads. The Global South AI Leadership Summit emerges as a historic platform designed to elevate the collective voice, strategic priorities, and technological aspirations of nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Anchored in the theme “Advancing Multilateral Cooperation for Inclusive and Ethical Artificial Intelligence,” the Summit affirms a shared commitment to shaping an AI future that is equitable, responsible, and globally representative.

A New Chapter in Global AI Governance

For decades, the architecture of global technology governance has been dominated by a small number of actors. Yet the realities, demographics, and development trajectories of the Global South demand a broader, more inclusive framework—one that reflects the lived experiences, cultural values, and socioeconomic priorities of the majority of the world’s population.

The Summit positions the Global South not as a passive recipient of AI innovation, but as a co‑architect of global norms, a driver of ethical standards, and a strategic partner in multilateral cooperation. It recognizes that AI must serve humanity as a whole, not reinforce existing inequalities or geopolitical imbalances.

A Platform for Collective Leadership

On March 20, 2026, the Summit convenes tech leaders from global institutions, private sector leaders, researchers, and civil society actors to:

• Strengthen multilateral alliances that promote shared governance and responsible innovation

• Develop inclusive AI strategies that prioritize equity, transparency, and human dignity

• Advance ethical frameworks rooted in cultural diversity, social justice, and global solidarity

• Promote South–South cooperation in research, capacity building, and technological infrastructure

• Ensure that AI becomes a catalyst for sustainable development, not a driver of exclusion

Through high-level dialogues, ministerial roundtables, expert panels, and youth innovation forums, the Summit creates a space where diverse perspectives converge to shape a common agenda.

Inclusive and Ethical AI as a Global Public Good

The theme underscores a fundamental principle: AI must be governed as a global public good. This requires:

• Fair access to data, infrastructure, and computational resources

• Ethical safeguards that protect human rights and prevent algorithmic bias

• Inclusive innovation ecosystems that empower women, youth, and marginalized communities

• Transparent governance mechanisms that build trust and accountability

• Cross-border cooperation to mitigate risks and share benefits

By centering inclusion and ethics, the Summit challenges the world to rethink AI not as a tool of competition, but as a shared responsibility.

A Vision Rooted in Equity, Solidarity, and Shared Prosperity

The Global South AI Leadership Summit is more than an event—it is a movement. It embodies a vision of a world where technological progress is aligned with human values, where nations collaborate rather than compete, and where innovation serves the collective good.

As AI continues to transform the global landscape, the Global South is stepping forward with clarity, unity, and purpose. Through multilateral cooperation, ethical leadership, and inclusive governance, the Summit charts a path toward a future where every nation has the opportunity to shape, benefit from, and contribute to the global AI ecosystem.

What’s next?

AI Without Borders Network is needed now because the world is at an inflection point. The choices made today will determine whether AI becomes a force for concentration or a catalyst for shared prosperity. The Network provides the leadership, cooperation, and ethical grounding required to build a future where AI truly serves humanity. So much more is to come!

Jean Narcisse Djaha is the Founder & CEO of AI Without Borders Network, an organization dedicated to advancing multilateral cooperation for inclusive and ethical artificial intelligence.