This Week in Global Development

Episode: Key Takeaways from the AI Impact Summit, and Philanthropy Under Scrutiny

Date: February 26, 2026
Hosts: David Ainsworth, Anna Gavel, Catherine Cheney
Special Reporting: Katherine Davison (on the ground at the India AI Impact Summit)

Episode Overview

This episode explores critical developments in the global development sector, focusing on two main stories:

• Key takeaways from the India AI Impact Summit, including the push for a greater Global South voice in shaping global AI governance and policy.
• Heightened scrutiny around billionaire philanthropy—specifically the Gates Foundation—in the wake of allegations connected to Bill Gates.

Segment 1: AI Impact Summit in India

(00:55 – 20:29)

Thematic Summary

The India AI Impact Summit marked a pivotal moment for the Global South to assert itself in global conversations about AI regulation, innovation, and development priorities. For the first time, this annual summit took place in the Global South, emphasizing inclusion, equitable access, and agency for low and middle-income countries.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Significance of Location:
  • The summit's location in India, a rapidly developing nation with significant tech expertise, was a "highly symbolic" move (Anna Gavel, 04:50). It underscored the demand for Global South ownership of AI's future.
• Who Gets to Shape AI?
  • A central question loomed: "Who gets to shape AI?" (Catherine Cheney, 00:55). The Global South's demand for agency stood in stark contrast to the "move fast and break things" Silicon Valley model and Europe's heavy regulatory approach.
• The 'Third Way' Approach:
  • Highlighted by Rachel Adams (Global Center on AI Governance): moving past the US and EU models to focus on “impact,” building "safe, inclusive, trustworthy, and useful technologies that address development priorities" (Catherine Cheney, 07:25).
• Diversity Within the Global South:
  • Despite the summit’s focus, some participants noted a lack of high-profile African voices and heads of state, suggesting that India's view may not represent all Global South perspectives (Catherine Cheney, 07:25).
• Need for Inclusive Governance:
  • UN Tech Envoy Amandeep Singh Gill argued for a science-led, proactive governance model that could "accelerate growth" rather than stifle innovation (Anna Gavel referencing Gill, 10:20).
• Clashing Worldviews:
  • The summit witnessed “convergence, or perhaps better to say clashing, of worldviews and perspectives on how we should proceed” with AI (Catherine Cheney, 07:25).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "Who gets to shape AI?" —Catherine Cheney, (00:55)
• “We don't want humans to become data points or resource material. We should democratize AI, make it a platform for inclusion, for empowerment, especially for the Global South.” —Indian PM Modi, cited by Anna Gavel (04:50)
• “India’s view of AI is not necessarily going to be the Global South’s view of AI.” —Catherine Cheney (07:25)
• “Governance, if it's proactive and led by science, can actually accelerate growth.” —Amandeep Singh Gill, referenced by Anna Gavel (10:20)

Announcements & Outcomes

• Outcome Document: Signed by 88 countries and international organizations, highlighting the need to democratize AI resources and ensure "equitable, trustworthy and human-centric AI development." Still, consensus remains elusive, with U.S. opposition to global governance (Michael Kratzios quoted: "We totally reject global governance of AI." (02:20))
• Launch of Evidence for AI and Health Initiative: Gates, Novo Nordisk, and Wellcome foundations each committed $20 million to locally-led evaluation of AI health tools in low- and middle-income countries (11:16).

Segment 2: Gates Foundation and Billionaire Philanthropy under Scrutiny

(20:58 – 31:54)

Thematic Summary

This section addresses mounting public and sectoral scrutiny regarding the Gates Foundation and billionaire philanthropy more broadly, especially amid new allegations linking Bill Gates with Jeffrey Epstein.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Gates Foundation’s Presence at the Summit:
  • Despite Bill Gates’ absence, the Foundation was “there in full force,” actively participating in sessions but largely avoiding journalists (Catherine Cheney, 21:35).
• Philantrophy, Power, and Accountability:
  • The episode dives into critical questions about the power wielded by billionaire philanthropists over global health, poverty eradication, and other development priorities.
  • Historian quoted in Michael Igoe’s article: "Hypocrisy is at the heart of philanthropy. It's usually not saints who become industry leaders and amass significant wealth." (Anna Gavel, 23:26)
• Global Influence of Gates Foundation:
  • “If Bill Gates was a country, he would be among the top 10 OECD donors in the world. …He’s a hugely dominant force.” —David Ainsworth (26:41)
  • Gates’ unique influence extends beyond direct funding to mobilizing other donors via “the Giving Pledge and its strategies to get others to step up and support these issues” (Catherine Cheney, 29:25)
• Sectoral Dilemma:
  • The paradox of billionaire philanthropy: increased scrutiny on those who give, while those who don’t give escape critical attention.
    • "The scrutiny falls disproportionately on the people who do give it away and not on the people who don't." —David Ainsworth (26:41)
  • Fundamental discomfort: a field dedicated to equity and democracy dominated by a handful of ultra-wealthy individuals.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Is it a bit Pollyannish to think that AI will push, prioritize development goals or the global good?” —Anna Gavel (04:50)
• “It is extremely problematic to look at a field that's supposed to be about democracy and equality and equity and see it dominated by billionaires.” —David Ainsworth (31:03)

Bonus Segment: AI for Good and the Next Steps

(14:00 – 20:11)

Discussion Points and Insights

• AI for Good – A Niche or a Priority?
  • Skepticism abounds regarding “AI for Good” initiatives, with questions raised about their scale and long-term impact (David Ainsworth, 15:40).
  • Kanika Bahl, CEO of Evidence Action, is stepping down to spearhead the AI Access Initiative, aiming to “really build the AI for Good ecosystem to ensure that these projects reach real scale and actually benefit hundreds of millions of people” (Catherine Cheney, 16:05).
• Ensuring AI Benefits All:
  • Emphasis on challenging “rich white guy assumptions” embedded in current AI development and ensuring technology serves all global populations.
    • "If it's not for the good of human beings, what is it for?" —David Ainsworth (14:00)
• Public Benefit Checks:
  • Initiatives like Anthropic’s Long Term Benefit Trust—where development leaders help guide commercial AI labs—highlight cross-sector efforts to ensure AI’s public benefit (Catherine Cheney, 16:05).

Standout Quote

• “The technology should be the slaves of the people, not the other way around.” —David Ainsworth (15:40)

Key Episode Timestamps

• 00:55–07:25 – India AI Impact Summit: Main takeaways; Global South’s demand for agency
• 07:25–10:20 – Diversity and inclusivity challenges; “Third way” approach to AI regulation
• 10:20–14:00 – UN Tech Envoy perspective; Governance vs. innovation; Gates Foundation initiative announcement
• 14:00–20:11 – AI for Good: Scaling positive impact; Keeping benefits broad and inclusive
• 20:58–26:41 – Gates Foundation scrutiny; Broader debate on billionaire philanthropy
• 26:41–31:54 – Global influence, power, and the problematic dominance of billionaires

Conclusion

This episode delivers a nuanced, multi-perspective deep dive into the evolving landscape of AI, governance, and philanthropy in global development. With rich on-the-ground reporting and sector analysis, it challenges listeners to consider both who gets to shape technological futures and who wields power in the global good sector.

For more insights from the Devex team, check out their special podcast series "Global Progress in the AI Era" and subscribe to their newsletters at [devex.com].