New Delhi [India], February 18 : The Center of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) hosted a main summit event entitled "Data for Development: Building AI in the Global South" at Bharat Mandapam, as part of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
The dialogue brought together leading academicians and experts. The panel explored how improving access to data and AI tools, strengthening local model development, and moving from being consumers to creators of AI can help countries in the Global South shape their own digital futures. They also highlighted the importance of ethical design and sustainable infrastructure as digital capacity expands.
CPRG hosts main Summit event on 'Data for Development' at the AI Impact Summit 2026
The discussion reflected the broader priorities of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Director of CPRG Dr Ramanand said, "Accessibility of data and AI tools is a crucial question not only in the Global South but also the Global North. Therefore, we must focus on democratizing them for all communities across the world."
He also stressed on make data accessible not only for India but across the world. He also stressed to make data policy more transparent."
Director of IIM Calcutta Alok Kumar Rai stated, "We need to move beyond seeing AI only from the consumption side. With the talent and demographic strength we have, India must focus on becoming creators of AI, not just users."
Dr Madan Mohan Tripathi, Director General, National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology, added, "Greater access to quality data enables the development of locally relevant AI models, helping strengthen the economy and keeping innovation and value rooted in the country."
Prof Shalabh, Department of Mathematics & Statistics, IIT Kanpur, emphasised that AI must be built with ethics at its core, and that sustainability and responsible infrastructure planning are essential as India expands its digital capacity.
The session also included a brief screening offering a preview of CPRG's upcoming report on emerging opportunities in AI and data services, highlighting India's potential in this rapidly growing sector.
The day also included a roundtable discussion on AI in school education held at the India International Centre. The roundtable brought together school principals, education leaders, ed-tech representatives and policy experts to reflect on how AI is being introduced in classrooms and school systems, and how it can be adopted in practical and responsible ways that support teaching and learning.
The event forms part of CPRG's Future of Society initiative, which examines how emerging technologies are reshaping governance and public institutions. In the lead-up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, CPRG organised a series of pre-summit engagements across India and internationally, bringing together policymakers, researchers and practitioners to examine questions of AI governance and institutional preparedness.
During the Summit, CPRG is convening multiple main summit dialogues to contribute to the ongoing conversation on responsible AI and technology policy. As part of this broader engagement, CPRG also hosted the second edition of its flagship PadhAI Conclave on AI in education, continuing its focus on implementation and institutional reform within the sector.