Kagame, Benioff, and ITU Launch Global AI for Good Commission
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Salesforce Chair and CEO Marc Benioff, and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin have announced the launch of the AI for Good Global Commission, a new international initiative dedicated to promoting the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.
The Commission brings together governments, technology companies, international organisations, and business leaders to encourage trustworthy AI, expand global access to the technology, and ensure artificial intelligence helps solve major social and economic challenges.
A key objective of the initiative is to ensure that developing countries have a stronger voice in shaping the future of global AI governance.
Bringing Global Leaders Together
The AI for Good Global Commission launches with more than 40 founding members, including heads of state, chief executives, senior technology executives, United Nations leaders, and policymakers.
The Commission seeks to create stronger collaboration between:
• Governments
• Technology companies
• International organisations
• Businesses
• Researchers
• Civil society
By bringing together those who develop, regulate, and use artificial intelligence, the initiative aims to promote responsible innovation while addressing global challenges.
Building Trust in Artificial Intelligence
One of the Commission’s primary goals is to strengthen public trust in artificial intelligence.
As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and public services, ensuring transparency, accountability, fairness, and ethical use has become a global priority.
The Commission will explore practical strategies that encourage responsible AI adoption while supporting innovation and economic growth.
Expanding AI Access Worldwide
The initiative also seeks to reduce digital inequality by improving access to AI technologies around the world.
According to the organisers, approximately 2.2 billion people still lack internet access, limiting their ability to benefit from artificial intelligence and other digital innovations.
The Commission aims to encourage policies and investments that help underserved communities participate in the AI economy rather than being left behind.
Supporting Global AI Governance
The AI for Good Global Commission builds upon the work of the ITU and UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, which has long promoted digital connectivity and inclusion.
The new initiative expands that mission by focusing specifically on:
• Responsible AI governance
• Ethical AI development
• Digital inclusion
• AI accessibility
• International cooperation
• Innovation for sustainable development
Its objective is to create practical recommendations that help governments and organisations deploy artificial intelligence safely and responsibly.
Leadership Perspectives
President Paul Kagame emphasised that technology should always serve humanity and improve people’s lives.
He called for greater collaboration to reduce inequality and ensure more citizens benefit from the opportunities created by artificial intelligence.
Marc Benioff highlighted the importance of trust as the foundation for AI adoption, noting that confidence in the technology will determine its long term success and economic impact.
ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin stressed that no single organisation can ensure AI benefits everyone, underscoring the importance of international partnerships and collective leadership.
First Meeting Scheduled for Geneva
The Commission will hold its inaugural meeting during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, taking place from July 7 to July 10, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland.
The summit forms part of Geneva Digital Week and will also feature:
• The first United Nations mandated Global Dialogue on AI Governance
• The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026
• International discussions on emerging digital technologies
Broad International Support
The Commission includes representatives from major global technology companies and international institutions, including Salesforce, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Vodafone, Orange, Accenture, Anthropic, Grab, MTN Group, Cohere, the African Union, UNESCO, the World Trade Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and numerous national governments.
By combining expertise from the public and private sectors, the Commission hopes to develop practical solutions that make artificial intelligence more inclusive, trustworthy, and beneficial for people worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the AI for Good Global Commission?
The AI for Good Global Commission is an international initiative that promotes responsible artificial intelligence, global cooperation, digital inclusion, and trustworthy AI development.
2. Who launched the Commission?
The Commission was launched by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, and ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, together with global partners.
3. What is the main goal of the Commission?
Its primary goal is to ensure artificial intelligence is developed and used responsibly while expanding access to AI and encouraging global cooperation on AI governance.
4. Why is AI governance important?
AI governance establishes policies, standards, and ethical guidelines that help ensure artificial intelligence is transparent, fair, secure, accountable, and beneficial to society.
5. How will developing countries benefit?
The Commission seeks to ensure developing countries actively participate in shaping AI policies, gain greater access to AI technologies, strengthen digital capacity, and benefit from AI driven economic opportunities.
6. Why is trust in AI important?
Trust encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt AI confidently while ensuring the technology is used responsibly and ethically.
7. What challenges does the Commission hope to address?
The initiative focuses on digital inequality, AI accessibility, responsible innovation, ethical AI development, internet access, and international cooperation.
8. When will the Commission hold its first meeting?
The inaugural meeting will take place during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 7 to July 10, 2026.
9. Which organisations are participating?
The Commission includes governments, United Nations agencies, international organisations, and major technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Salesforce, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Vodafone, and many others.
10. Why is this initiative significant?
The Commission represents one of the broadest global collaborations focused on ensuring artificial intelligence supports sustainable development, reduces inequality, promotes responsible innovation, and benefits people around the world.
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