GPAI Council Meets in New Delhi as South Korea, Singapore Push Human-Centric AI Strategy
South Korea’s Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon co-chaired the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) council meeting alongside Singapore in New Delhi, focusing on global strategies to advance human-centric artificial intelligence. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, brought together policymakers and technology leaders to discuss responsible AI development and cross-border collaboration.
The GPAI is an international partnership of 44 countries, including members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, working to promote AI aligned with the OECD AI Principles. South Korea and Singapore assumed co-chair responsibilities in 2026, signalling a stronger Asian leadership role in shaping global AI governance frameworks.
Officials said the council meeting aimed to translate policy discussions into practical outcomes, particularly for emerging economies seeking inclusive AI adoption.
Bae emphasised that artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economic and social systems, requiring coordinated global responses. He noted that discussions must move beyond potential and focus on responsible deployment and measurable impact. The minister outlined South Korea’s progress in building AI infrastructure and talent pipelines, stating that these capabilities could be shared with international partners.
On the margins of the meeting, Bae held bilateral talks with Singapore’s Digital Minister Josephine Teo and India’s Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to explore cooperation across the AI industry. He also met Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, to exchange views on policy alignment and implementation of the Technology Prosperity Deal signed in October.
The minister participated in the India AI Impact Summit sessions, presenting South Korea’s AI transformation policies and the country’s experience implementing its AI Basic Act. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the summit created a platform for countries to share strategies to harness AI’s benefits across the Global South.
Officials highlighted the importance of collaborative governance to address workforce transitions, ethical concerns, and digital infrastructure gaps. Delegates stressed that partnerships between governments, industry, and research institutions are essential to ensure AI systems remain inclusive and transparent.
Singapore and South Korea’s joint leadership of GPAI was viewed as a signal of growing international interest in practical policy frameworks rather than purely theoretical discussions.
The meeting reflects a broader shift toward multilateral coordination on AI standards, data governance, and capacity building. South Korea’s emphasis on infrastructure and skills aligns with global priorities around workforce readiness and innovation ecosystems.
For India, hosting such discussions reinforces its position as a convening hub for AI dialogue, particularly among emerging economies. The GPAI platform is increasingly seen as a bridge between developed and developing nations navigating rapid technological change.
The GPAI council meeting in New Delhi underscored the urgency of aligning global AI strategies with shared values and measurable outcomes. As countries accelerate digital transformation, cooperation on governance, infrastructure, and talent development is expected to shape the next phase of artificial intelligence adoption.
Our Final Thoughts
The GPAI discussions highlight how artificial intelligence policy is evolving into a global coordination effort rather than isolated national strategies. South Korea’s focus on infrastructure and talent, combined with Singapore’s governance expertise and India’s scale, illustrates a collaborative model shaping future AI ecosystems. The emphasis on human-centric development reflects growing recognition that technological progress must balance innovation with social impact. As countries refine regulatory frameworks and expand partnerships, forums like GPAI will play a critical role in ensuring AI growth remains inclusive, ethical, and economically beneficial across regions.
