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Global Leaders Convene in Paris Ahead of AI Summit
On February 10, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris to attend a welcome dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. The dinner served as a prelude to the upcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit, co-hosted by Modi and Macron.
The high-profile event was attended by several global leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, marking his debut on the international stage. Vance is expected to push for a more hands-off approach to AI innovation, a stance that contrasts with European efforts toward tighter regulation of the technology.
AI Summit Objectives
The AI Summit aims to address the evolving role of artificial intelligence in security, economics, and governance. Key topics on the agenda include establishing global AI standards, promoting innovation, and ensuring fair access to AI-driven technologies. The summit will also discuss the formation of a public-private partnership named “Current AI,” which seeks to develop large-scale initiatives for the broader benefit of society.
Macron’s Vision for AI in Europe
President Macron has been vocal about the need for Europe to become a stronger player in the AI sector. He has emphasized the importance of easing regulatory hurdles to encourage AI growth in key industries such as healthcare, transportation, and energy. Macron stated, “We are most of the time too slow.”
Modi’s Role in the Summit
As a co-host, Prime Minister Modi is expected to highlight the importance of equitable AI access, advocating against the deepening of the digital divide. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stressed that global AI policies should prevent “perpetuating a digital divide that is already existing across the world.”
Criticism of AI Safety Measures
A leaked draft of the summit’s final declaration has faced criticism for not including strong commitments to AI safety. Experts have expressed concerns that essential safeguards from previous AI agreements have been omitted. Professor Stuart Russell, a leading AI ethics researcher, warned that removing these safety commitments would be “negligence of an unprecedented magnitude.”
Conclusion
The AI Summit in Paris underscores the growing urgency for international collaboration in shaping AI policies. As global leaders navigate the challenges of AI governance, the outcomes of the summit are expected to influence the future of technology regulation, innovation, and accessibility worldwide.
