Rwandan President Paul Kagame has arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, to take part in the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, one of the world’s leading international gatherings focused on the future of artificial intelligence and its role in advancing sustainable development. During the opening session of the summit, President Kagame is scheduled to deliver a keynote address highlighting the opportunities and responsibilities associated with the rapid advancement of AI technologies. His participation underscores Rwanda’s growing profile as a country actively contributing to global conversations on digital transformation, innovation, and the responsible use of emerging technologies to improve lives and promote inclusive development.
A major highlight of the summit will be the official launch of the AI for Good Global Commission, an international initiative established to help shape a shared vision for the ethical, inclusive, and practical deployment of artificial intelligence across the world. President Kagame will officially launch the commission alongside fellow Co-Chair Marc Benioff, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Salesforce, with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin serving as Vice Chair. The launch will also bring together President Halla Tómasdóttir of Iceland and President Alar Karis of Estonia, reflecting broad international support for collaborative leadership in advancing the responsible governance and application of AI.
The AI for Good Global Summit 2026 is being co-convened by the International Telecommunication Union and the Government of Switzerland under the theme, “Unlocking AI’s Potential to Serve Humanity.” The event gathers heads of state, policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, development partners, and innovators from around the world to examine how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Discussions are expected to focus on expanding digital inclusion, strengthening trust in AI systems, improving global cooperation, and ensuring that technological progress benefits people across all regions, particularly developing countries.
President Kagame’s keynote address is expected to emphasize the importance of ensuring that artificial intelligence serves as a force for inclusive economic growth, better public services, and sustainable development rather than deepening existing inequalities. Rwanda has consistently promoted innovation as a central pillar of its national development strategy, investing in digital infrastructure, technology education, and policies designed to position the country as a regional hub for innovation. The country’s experience in embracing digital transformation has increasingly drawn international attention, particularly in areas such as digital government services, healthcare innovation, financial technology, and smart governance.
The launch of the AI for Good Global Commission represents another significant milestone in international efforts to establish practical frameworks that encourage responsible AI development while expanding equitable access to its benefits. The commission brings together leaders from governments, international organizations, academia, and the private sector with the objective of identifying solutions that promote trustworthy AI, foster international cooperation, and help bridge the digital divide between developed and developing economies. Through dialogue and collaboration, the commission aims to encourage policies that balance technological innovation with ethical standards, human rights, transparency, and accountability.
President Kagame’s leadership role within the commission reflects growing recognition of Africa’s contribution to shaping the global technology agenda. As artificial intelligence continues to transform economies and societies, many African nations have emphasized the importance of ensuring that emerging technologies are developed and implemented in ways that reflect diverse perspectives and address local development priorities. Rwanda has consistently advocated for stronger international partnerships that expand digital skills, improve connectivity, encourage innovation, and create opportunities for young people to participate in the global digital economy.
The Geneva summit is expected to generate important discussions on the future direction of artificial intelligence, including its applications in education, healthcare, climate action, agriculture, disaster response, and public administration. Participants will also examine the challenges associated with AI governance, cybersecurity, data protection, and ensuring that technological advances remain aligned with human values. By bringing together political leaders, technology companies, international institutions, and researchers, the summit seeks to strengthen global cooperation in developing practical solutions that maximize the positive impact of AI while managing its potential risks.
President Kagame’s participation in the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 and the official launch of the AI for Good Global Commission further reinforce Rwanda’s active engagement in international technology and innovation initiatives. As countries around the world seek to shape the future of artificial intelligence, the summit provides an opportunity to advance partnerships, exchange ideas, and promote a shared vision in which AI serves humanity by supporting sustainable development, expanding opportunity, and improving the quality of life for people across the globe.
