Kigali: Rwanda's President Paul Kagame, and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin announced Thursday the launch of the AI for Good Global Commission. The Commission brings together more than 40 Founding Members, including Heads of State and Government, industry CEOs and top executives, and Heads of UN agencies, to help define practical pathways to strengthen trust, expand access, and unlock AI's potential to solve real-world challenges at the speed the technology demands.
According to Emirates News Agency, the newly formed Commission occupies a unique position in the global AI landscape. By connecting leaders who build technology, deploy it at scale, shape policy, and represent communities, the Commission seeks to help forge responsible AI solutions across sectors and borders while ensuring the participation of developing countries.
President Kagame, Co-Chair of the Commission, emphasized the responsibility to use technology as a force for good. "Let us work together to reduce inequality, and allow more and more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver to all of us," he stated. Marc Benioff, Salesforce Chair and CEO and Commission Co-Chair, highlighted the necessity of trust for the shared success of AI's economic opportunities.
The Commission's focus is crucial, with 2.2 billion people still offline and a quarter of the world cut off from AI advancements. Bridging digital divides and ensuring AI becomes a tool for solving global challenges rather than deepening inequalities is a key priority.
Building on the foundation of the ITU/UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, the AI for Good Global Commission aims to shape global priorities for connectivity, digital inclusion, and economic development. Bogdan-Martin, Vice-Chair of the Commission, noted the importance of collective leadership and combined expertise to ensure AI benefits all people, everywhere.
The AI for Good Global Commission will hold its inaugural meeting during ITU's AI for Good Global Summit 2026 (7-10 July) in Geneva, Switzerland. This event is part of Digital Week, a series of digital cooperation events in Geneva from 6-10 July, including the first UN-mandated Global Dialogue on AI Governance (6-7 July) and the WSIS Forum 2026 (6-10 July).