India's Kirti Vardhan Singh to Spearhead AI Governance Dialogue at UN in Geneva

India Takes the Lead in Global AI Governance

In a significant move, Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs, will head the Indian delegation at the inaugural United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance, scheduled for July 6-7 in Geneva, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday.

This Global Dialogue presents a pivotal chance to enhance the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) on an international scale, aligning with various global, regional, and national initiatives.

Singh, who also oversees the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change portfolio, will represent India at this crucial forum in Switzerland.

Established under General Assembly Resolution 79/325, the Global Dialogue on AI Governance is a multi-stakeholder UN platform that emerged from the Global Digital Compact, which was adopted as part of the Pact of the Future in September 2024.

The MEA highlighted that this dialogue, in collaboration with the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, aims to foster scientific understanding, accountability, and effective human oversight, particularly aiding developing nations in leveraging AI for sustainable development.

As per the modalities set in August 2025, the Co-Chairs have conducted several consultations, including an in-person meeting during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026.

During the Geneva meeting, the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI (IISPA) will present its annual report, offering an independent scientific evaluation of AI's capabilities, opportunities, and associated risks.

The discussions at the Dialogue will revolve around four main themes: the social and economic impacts of AI, addressing AI disparities, ensuring safe and trustworthy AI, and upholding human rights in the context of AI.

According to the UN, "Artificial intelligence is transforming economies and societies, presenting both opportunities and risks. No single nation can tackle these challenges alone. The AI Dialogue aims to ensure that governance reflects the interests of all countries, not just the technologically advanced, and that the benefits of AI are equitably distributed."

The inaugural session of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance will take place on July 6 and 7, with a subsequent session planned for New York in May 2027.