CPRG, South Centre and IT for Change hold pre-summit dialogue on equitable AI access in Geneva

The Center of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG), in collaboration with the South Centre and IT for Change, held a pre-summit dialogue in Geneva on “Advancing Innovation for Equitable AI Access.

” The meeting at the Palais des Nations was organised with the support of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in Geneva and is part of the preparations for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.The session brought together experts, practitioners and policy leaders to discuss AI access for the Global South. Participants spoke about the need for AI literacy in education, teacher training, youth reskilling, and tools that countries can adapt to their own requirements.Speaking at the event, Dr Ramanand, Director of CPRG, said: “From our work with students and young workers, the message is clear. People want AI tools they can actually use. Real impact will come when countries put simple and accessible solutions on the ground, whether in learning, skilling, or public services. If we get the basics right, AI can genuinely widen opportunities rather than gaps”.

The session also outlined expectations from the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.

Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in Geneva, said: “We hope the AI Impact Summit 2026 becomes more than an event. It should deliver practical outcomes and digital public goods that countries can adopt easily. The goal is to move from buzz to real solutions that make a difference on the ground.”Anita Gurumurthy of IT for Change and Dr Carlos M Correa, Executive Director of the South Centre, also attended the session.The seminar is part of CPRG’s Future of Society initiative, which studies how emerging technologies shape institutions and daily life. It is one of CPRG’s pre-summit activities for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. Earlier this year, CPRG organised the “AI for Inclusion in India” seminar in New Delhi as part of the same series.CPRG has participated in international AI policy discussions, including an official side event at the Paris AI Action Summit 2025 and engagements at the Belgrade GPAI Summit 2024.

It also convened the PadhAI Conclave 2025 on AI in education. CPRG plans to continue such meetings before the 2026 summit.The Center of Policy Research and Governance is a policy research organisation that works to promote responsive and participatory policy-making. It is recognised by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and works on technology policy through its Future of Society initiative.