CLERMONT-FERRAND, France – Digital innovations must serve people first and reduce inequalities rather than exacerbate them, experts and world leaders emphasized following a major conference on inclusive digital transformation organized by the Global Development Network (GDN).
During a recent G20 Summit on African soil, global leaders highlighted the potential of technology, particularly ethical artificial intelligence (AI), to drive inclusive growth. The summit reaffirmed commitments to “responsible AI innovation,” open-source ecosystems, and AI readiness in developing nations—even in the absence of the United States.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for AI that is “human-centric, global, and open-source,” proposing a Global AI Compact that emphasizes transparency, human oversight, and safeguards against misuse. India will host its AI Impact Summit in February 2026 under the theme Sarvajanam Hitaya, Sarvajanam Sukhaya (Welfare for All).
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed AI’s potential in Africa’s industrialization through the “AI for Africa” initiative, while Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka warned against AI creating new inequalities and called for fair partnerships. UAE’s Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri announced a $1 billion “AI for Development Initiative” targeting African education, healthcare, and climate projects. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva also urged ethical AI use and capacity-building for skill development.
Global South Leads on Inclusive Digital Transformation
The GDN conference, held in Clermont-Ferrand, brought together researchers, activists, and technologists from both the Global South and North. The event focused on how technology can support equitable development while avoiding widening social divides. GDN President Jean-Louis Arcand highlighted the importance of decentralizing development discussions and empowering the Global South to shape technologies that address local realities.
Shu (Grace) Tian, Principal Economist at the Asian Development Bank, noted that mobile coverage in developing Asia has grown 156% over the past five years, reaching over 2.2 billion people. Digital readiness proved critical during the 2020 lockdowns, with digitally prepared firms experiencing fewer losses. However, she cautioned that inequities persist due to disparities in demographics, income, education, and digital literacy, which could worsen if digital transformation is not inclusive.
Presenters highlighted AI-driven solutions for disaster prediction, offline learning tools for remote villages, and strategies to empower smallholder farmers. Nandan Nilekani emphasized that technology succeeds only when it serves the “most excluded citizens,” enhancing transparency and reducing service delivery inefficiencies.
Data Gaps Remain a Key Challenge
Quality data is critical for effective AI, yet many low-income countries struggle to generate accurate, timely, and accessible datasets. Johannes Jutting of OECD’s PARIS21 Secretariat pointed out that incomplete or outdated data remains a barrier but noted that AI itself can help clean, structure, and make data usable, offering opportunities for countries to leapfrog technological constraints.
Albert Park, Chief Economist at the ADB, emphasized the role of policy in shaping digital futures. “With sufficient technical support and local empowerment, AI applications can ensure rapid progress and correct failures,” he said.
The GDN’s work, combined with the global push for equitable AI during the G20 Summit, signals a turning point. Experts and leaders agree that inclusive digital transformation—prioritizing skills development, open innovation, and ethical AI—can bridge global divides and create a future where prosperity is shared, innovation thrives, and no one is left behind.