President Karis to attend AI event of the year in India

President Alar Karis is set to attend the AI Impact Summit, the world's biggest AI event, in the Indian capital New Delhi, at which heads of state and government, ministers, policymakers, representatives of international organisations and business leaders from all over the globe will be discussing the impact of AI on the economy, education, public services and societal development, as well as its safe and responsible use.

The head of state says that the development of AI is no longer a topic for another day, but an issue we are already facing - one which has a direct impact on the competitiveness of countries, on democracy and on people's everyday lives. "AI must be developed in a way that is secure, transparent and people-first," he remarked. "It must support society's ability to cope in the longer term."

Estonia is organising two high-level events within the framework of the summit. At one of them, a joint undertaking with UNICEF that will focus on AI and education, President Karis will be giving the opening address. The ensuing discussions will look for answers to the question of how AI innovation in education can be transformed into measurable impact and improved learning outcomes. This event will bring together experts, policymakers and international organisations from Estonia, Finland, France and Kenya, showcasing national initiatives and experiences, including Estonia's own AI Leap programme.

The head of state will also be opening a discussion on the safe and responsible governance of AI in digital public infrastructure being organised by the AI and human rights working group of the Media Freedom Coalition under the auspices of Estonia and the Netherlands. This debate will focus on how to design digital public services so that the use of AI supports democracy, fundamental rights and trust in the state.

In addition to taking part in the summit's own programme, President Karis will be holding a number of bilateral meetings with national leaders and giving a welcome speech at a reception being organised by the Estonian embassy in connection with the upcoming anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.

The head of state will be accompanied on his visit to India by Linnar Viik, a co-founder and member of the supervisory board of the AI Leap foundation; Ivo Visak, the foundation's CEO; and a business delegation including representatives of Crowdin, Better Medicine, Lei Register, Jio Estonia, GHRP Portfolio, Digiotouch and Cybexer Technologies.

The AI Impact Summit is one of the most significant international forums of its kind, with this year's event expected to attract more than 15,000 participants. It follows the summit held in Paris last year, and marks the first time that a country in the Global South has hosted such a large-scale AI event, with the aim of introducing more regional perspectives into international debate. The summit will focus on inclusive, responsible and socially impactful AI and on boosting international cooperation in a rapidly changing technological environment.

Gallery (Raigo Pajula/Office of the President): https://www.flickr.com/photos/presidendikantselei/albums