Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the Swiss Government, the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, held in Geneva from July 7 to 10, 2026, brought together more than 50 United Nations partners, along with policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, academics, and representatives of international organizations from over 169 countries to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.

Over the course of the summit, participants attended panels and workshops, featuring distinguished speakers and experts addressing a wide range of AI-related topics, including its impact on the future of work, its transformative potential for creativity and culture, and its implications for agriculture, food systems, healthcare, environmental sustainability, education, and higher learning.

H.E. Mons. Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, who was closely involved in the preparation of Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, opened his remarks with the following question: "We also know that an encyclical continues its journey when it is received, interpreted, and embodied in the concrete life of Churches around the world. Why is it important for the Holy See to be closely involved in the debate on artificial intelligence?" . Bishop Tighe explained that we need to "disarm the automatic lethal weapon systems that we have," but also to "ensure that AI is served in ways that take account of the existing problems in our world."

Other speakers at the dialogue included H.E. Mons. Ettore Balestrero, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Paolo Carozza, board member of Oversight Board, and Artur Kluz, founder and CEO of Kluz Ventures, all of whom influenced the encyclical. The discussion was moderated by Sulyna Abdullah, Chief of Strategic Planning & Membership at ITU.

In addition to the conference program, the Summit also provided an opportunity to experience exhibitions, robotics demonstrations, and artistic performances.

On this occasion, Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the participants of the event, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, emphasizing the need to guide the development of artificial intelligence so that it serves the dignity of the human person, the common good, and peace. 

Read also: 

• Pope on AI: It is important to dialogue with everyone to promote the common good | VATICAN NEWS

• Holy See brings Magnifica Humanitas to the AI for Good Summit | Permanent Mission of the Holy See Geneva

• Top things to experience today at AI for Good: Thursday, 9 July 2026 | aiforgood.itu