Maldives Joins 88 Nations in Backing AI Summit Declaration

The Maldives has joined 88 countries and international organisations in endorsing a special declaration adopted at the conclusion of the AI Impact Summit 2026, held in New Delhi from 18 to 19 February.

The summit brought together governments, experts and industry leaders to strengthen international cooperation in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. The declaration, guided by the principle of “Welfare for All, Happiness of All”, sets out a shared commitment to ensuring that the benefits of AI development are distributed equitably and that societies are prepared for the significant changes driven by the technology.

The document outlines seven key pillars, referred to as “chakras”, to advance global AI development. These focus on building skilled human resources, empowering communities, enhancing the safety and reliability of AI systems, promoting energy-efficient technologies, expanding the use of AI in scientific research, and applying AI to support economic and social progress.

The declaration also proposes a framework known as the Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI, aimed at ensuring that AI tools and capabilities are accessible to all countries regardless of their size or level of economic development. It calls for the establishment of shared platforms, including the Global AI Impact Commons and the Trusted AI Commons, to facilitate the exchange of best practices, safety standards and successful applications.

Another key element is the creation of an international network for AI collaboration among scientific agencies, with an emphasis on broadening access to AI resources and expertise.

The Maldives’ participation reflects its commitment to working closely with the international community on emerging technologies and digital transformation. The joint declaration is expected to strengthen cooperation in areas such as AI governance, cybersecurity and responsible innovation, which are becoming increasingly important as artificial intelligence reshapes economies and societies worldwide. India’s role in convening the summit was highlighted as a significant development for the region.