TLDR: The AI for Good Global Summit 2025, held in Geneva, brought together over 11,000 participants from 169 countries to reinforce global commitment to responsible AI development. Key outcomes include advancements in AI governance dialogues, a significant initiative to train 10,000 people in AI skills, and the release of new standards for multimedia authenticity and a comprehensive AI Standards Exchange Database. A new Global Initiative on AI for Food Systems was also launched.
Geneva, Switzerland – The AI for Good Global Summit 2025, held from July 8-11 at Geneva’s Palexpo convention centre, concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the international community’s dedication to fostering robust AI governance, enhancing global AI skills, and establishing crucial standards for the rapidly evolving technology. The four-day event, which also coincided with the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 High-Level Event, saw an impressive turnout of over 11,000 participants from 169 countries, with many more engaging online.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the collaborative spirit of the summit, stating, ‘This year’s AI for Good Global Summit has shown that when people come together, dialogue can lead to inclusive cooperation, concrete action, and hope. Let’s recommit to treating AI not as an end, but as a means to do good, for the benefit of all humanity, everywhere.’
A significant focus of the summit was the AI Governance Dialogue, organized by the ITU in collaboration with 53 other UN partners. This dialogue brought together ministers, high-level government officials, and global stakeholders to chart pathways for responsible and impactful AI. Co-chaired by Majed Al Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates, and Anne Bouverot, France’s Special Envoy for Artificial Intelligence, the dialogue’s summary report articulated a vision for AI that seamlessly bridges innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, ensuring developing countries are integral to shaping the digital future.
In a major push for AI capacity building, the summit highlighted the ITU’s AI Skills Coalition. Award-winning musician, tech entrepreneur, and advocate for equitable access to technology, will.i.am, was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for this initiative. The Coalition aims to train 10,000 individuals globally in AI skills during 2025, with a particular emphasis on empowering developing countries. This initiative supports skill development for policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, professionals across various sectors, and the next generation of tech innovators.
Advancements in AI standards were also a key outcome. The AI and Multimedia Authenticity Standardization Collaboration, driven by ITU, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), released two landmark resources on standards and policy considerations for multimedia authenticity. This collaboration is crucial for developing standards to detect deepfakes and verify multimedia authenticity and provenance. Additionally, a new AI Standards Exchange Database was launched to support cohesive standards development and application worldwide.
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Further demonstrating AI’s potential for global good, a new Global Initiative on AI for Food Systems was launched. Led by ITU, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), this initiative seeks to leverage AI to boost productivity, efficiency, and global food security. The summit underscored the commitment to identifying innovative AI applications, building skills and standards, and advancing partnerships to solve pressing global challenges.
