The AI for Good Global Commission was announced on Thursday, 2 July 2026, by international leaders to expand access to artificial intelligence, strengthen trust, and accelerate its social and economic impact. The commission brings together representatives from governments, businesses, and international organizations to identify practical approaches to unlocking AI's potential while promoting equitable access. With an estimated 2.2 billion people still offline globally, the initiative addresses the digital divide that excludes approximately one-quarter of the world's population from AI-driven opportunities.
President Kagame and Benioff Named Co-Chairs
Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Salesforce chair and CEO Marc Benioff were appointed co-chairs of the commission. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin serves as vice-chair. President Kagame stated that "technology is supposed to be a force for good, and we have a responsibility to use it accordingly. Let us work together to reduce inequality, and allow more and more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver to all of us." Benioff emphasized that "the promise of AI is built on not only incredible opportunities for the growth of our economy, but on the foundation of trust that is required for our shared success."
Africa Positions for AI Governance Participation
Sunil Geness, SAP's Director of Global Government Affairs and CSR for Africa, said on Friday, 3 July 2026, that Africa should approach global AI governance with a clear agenda focused on economic growth and inclusion. "Africa must meet that room with clarity, not caution. Our agenda should be simple and bold: AI governance that expands prosperity," Geness stated. He outlined priorities including compute access, skills investment, trusted data systems, open standards, local-language innovation, accountable public procurement, and regulation that protects people without suffocating entrepreneurs. Geness emphasized the need to turn the African Union's Continental AI Strategy "from a document into national roadmaps, investment pipelines and regional cooperation," describing the approach as "technology diplomacy: 54 nations aligning where they can, rather than negotiating as 54 separate voices."
Inaugural Meeting Scheduled During Geneva Summit
The commission's inaugural meeting will take place during the International Telecommunication Union's AI for Good Global Summit, scheduled for 7-10 July in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit forms part of Digital Week, running from 6-10 July, alongside the first UN-mandated Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the WSIS Forum 2026. Geness will participate in discussions at the summit.
Commission Targets Digital Divide and Equitable Access
According to the ITU, the commission aims to promote equitable access to AI and help narrow the global digital divide. "A key focus of the AI for Good Global Commission will be to bridge digital divides and help ensure that AI becomes a tool for solving global challenges, not deepening inequalities," the ITU stated. Bogdan-Martin said: "No organisation can single-handedly put AI at the service of all humanity. It will take collective leadership and the combined expertise of partners from across sectors to ensure AI benefits all people, everywhere."
FAQ
What did the AI for Good Global Commission announce on 2 July 2026?
The commission was announced on Thursday, 2 July 2026, by international leaders to expand access to artificial intelligence, strengthen trust, and accelerate its social and economic impact. It brings together representatives from governments, businesses, and international organizations to identify practical approaches to unlocking AI's potential while promoting equitable access to the technology.
Who are the co-chairs of the AI for Good Global Commission?
Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Salesforce chair and CEO Marc Benioff were appointed co-chairs of the commission. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin serves as vice-chair.
When will the commission's inaugural meeting take place?
The inaugural meeting will take place during the International Telecommunication Union's AI for Good Global Summit, scheduled for 7-10 July in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of Digital Week running from 6-10 July.
