PARIS, Feb 10:
World leaders are convening in Paris for an AI summit, where intense diplomatic negotiations are anticipated amidst the competition among tech giants in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
This two-day international summit, which kicks off on Monday, brings together heads of state, high-ranking government officials, CEOs, and scientists from approximately 100 nations.
Notable attendees include U.S. Vice President JD Vance, embarking on his first foreign visit since taking office, and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated on national TV, “We are experiencing a technological and scientific revolution that is quite unprecedented.”
He emphasized the importance for France and Europe to capitalize on the “opportunity” AI presents, stating it has the potential to enhance our lives, learning, work, and care, asserting it is essential to harness AI for the benefit of humanity.
Vance’s Initial Overseas Engagement
The summit provides European leaders their first opportunity to meet Vance, who was only 18 months into his tenure as a junior senator from Ohio when he became Donald Trump’s running mate.
On Tuesday, Vance will join Macron for a working lunch, where discussions will revolve around Ukraine and the Middle East.
Similar to Trump, Vance has raised concerns regarding U.S. financial support for Ukraine and the policy of isolating Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Trump having pledged to resolve the conflict within six months of taking office.
This week, Vance is also expected to attend the Munich Security Conference, where he may encounter Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He is traveling with his wife Usha and their three children — Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
European leaders are closely monitoring Trump’s recent comments concerning potential tariffs on the European Union, proposals to take control of Greenland, and his suggestion that Palestinians should evacuate Gaza when hostilities cease — an idea flatly rejected by Arab allies.
Promoting AI Innovations
The summit, featuring major players such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, is focused on fostering advancements in AI across sectors like healthcare, education, environment, and culture.
A global public-private initiative named “Current AI” is set to launch, aimed at supporting large-scale projects that benefit the public good.
Linda Griffin, vice president of public policy at Mozilla, described the Paris summit as a pivotal moment for setting norms, noting that this is the first time such a wide-ranging international discussion about the future of AI will take place in one venue.
Nick Reiners, a senior geotechnology analyst at Eurasia Group, highlighted the opportunity to redirect AI governance away from concentration of power among a few private entities toward building an AI framework that serves the public interest instead.
However, the extent of U.S. support for such initiatives remains uncertain.
French organizers are optimistic that the summit will yield significant investment announcements in Europe.
Macron revealed that France plans to announce AI investments totaling 109 billion euros ($113 billion) over the coming years, equating it to Trump’s Stargate AI data centers project.
Co-hosting by Indian Prime Minister
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is co-hosting the summit alongside Macron, with the goal of integrating more global stakeholders into AI development and averting a competitive landscape dominated by the U.S. and China.
Macron and Modi will also travel on Wednesday to Marseille’s southern port to inaugurate a new Indian consulate and visit the ITER nuclear research site.
France has emerged as a key defense ally for India, with ongoing discussions regarding the acquisition of 26 Rafale fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines. New Delhi officials indicated that negotiations are in the final stages, and a deal may be finalized in the coming weeks. (AP)
