Global Leaders Unite for Safer AI Development at India AI Summit
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, a pivotal session titled “International AI Safety Coordination: What Policymakers Need to Know” highlighted the urgent need for developing economies to take an active role in shaping AI safety standards. With the rapid advancements in AI technology, speakers stressed the significance of collective action over passive compliance in a fragmented global landscape.
Collaboration Over Isolation
The session served as a closing dialogue for the International AI Safety Coordination track, drawing together ministers, multilateral leaders, and AI safety experts. The discussions underscored the importance of moving from isolated national initiatives to collaborative frameworks that emphasize shared risk assessment and coordinated safety tools. As AI applications expand across industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and public service, the necessity for interoperable governance became increasingly clear.
Evidence-Based Standards Essential
Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking. She emphasized that effective regulation should rely on rigorous testing and simulation rather than mere intuition. “Without international coordination, fragmentation will persist, trust will weaken, and the safe scaling of frontier technologies will become far more difficult,” she warned.
Building Strong Foundations
Emphasizing the need for robust national foundations, Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital Development and Information, highlighted that middle powers must first enhance their domestic institutional capacities. He advocated for using regional platforms, like the ASEAN AI Safety Network, to facilitate operational mechanisms for risk-sharing and preparedness.
Public Trust as a Cornerstone
OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann discussed the crucial role of public trust in AI adoption. He argued that trust is built through inclusivity and objective evidence, calling for joint action among governments, industries, and civil society to bridge the gap between innovation and oversight. Sometimes, slowing down to test and monitor AI systems will be vital to ensuring they function as intended and respect fundamental rights.
Proactive Risk Management
Sangbu Kim, Vice President for Digital and AI at the World Bank, spoke about the necessity of embedding safety into AI systems from the very beginning, especially in environments that may lack capacity. He described partnerships as essential for anticipating potential threats using proactive strategies like red-teaming.
Need for Global Coordination
Investor and AI expert Jann Tallinn also joined the discourse, warning that competitive pressures in leading AI labs could hinder unilateral restraint. He emphasized the importance of global alignment in AI governance, noting that the concentration of resources in advanced AI could simplify governance efforts if managed cooperatively.
A Clear Path Forward
The discussions culminated in a clear agenda for the upcoming 12 to 18 months, urging a shift from principles to practical cooperation. Attendees expressed that South-South collaboration in the Global South could pave the way for innovative governance, enhancing public trust, safeguarding fundamental rights, and promoting long-term stability for emerging technologies.
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