Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Remarks to the India AI Impact Summit
Leaders Plenary Working Lunch
[As prepared for delivery]
Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen,
We all recognize artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform lives.
We have heard it. We have seen it. But the true measure of success will be whether it reaches everyone in every country and in every local community.
As the Delhi Declaration reminds us, AI's promise is best realized only when its benefits are shared by humanity.
Whether AI becomes a bridge to innovation and opportunity or another fault line dividing those with access from those without. The answer will depend on three essential foundations: The three Ss: Standards, Skills, and Solutions.
First, Standards.
The essential shared language for trustworthy, interoperable AI.
Without shared standards, we risk fragmentation, uncertainty, and unequal access.
Second, Skills.
Technology alone does not change the world. People do.
Without the skills to use and shape AI, its opportunities will remain out of reach for too many.
Third, Solutions.
AI must deliver real impact in people's lives. Strengthening education, healthcare, advancing science, and expanding opportunity.
In each of these areas, ITU is ready to serve as your trusted partner.
Excellencies,
We cannot let the digital divide become the AI divide.
This is our shared responsibility.
As Prime Minister Modi so rightly underscored this morning: “AI is a transformative power. If directionless, it becomes a disruption; if the right direction is found, it becomes a solution."
Through the seven chakras, India has articulated a compelling vision for a people-centric AI future.
In the months ahead, as global leaders, experts, and innovators continue to come together, including at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in July in Geneva, back-to-back with ITU's AI for Good Global Summit, let us act together.
Let us act together now to ensure that AI becomes a bridge to opportunity for all.
