February 11, 2025 – The Paris summit, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opened with discussions on the emerging influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential real-world impact. Key issues such as gender disparities, job losses, and the need for a global governance framework for the sector were addressed as national leaders and tech executives gathered to discuss AI’s rapid development and future regulation.
Gilbert Houngbo, the head of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), delivered a significant address, stating that while fears of widespread job losses due to AI are often exaggerated, the technology may exacerbate gender disparities in the workforce. Houngbo pointed out that AI is disproportionately replacing clerical roles, many of which are held by women, leading to the risk of deepening the gender pay gap. This shift in job categories could have long-term consequences for gender equality in the workforce.
“While there will be millions of jobs lost due to automation, AI will also create millions of new jobs,” Houngbo noted. However, he warned that the new roles created by AI could come with lower pay and fewer protections for workers, akin to the challenges faced by workers in the gig economy. The ILO head stressed the need for careful planning to ensure that AI’s benefits are distributed fairly and do not widen existing societal inequalities.
As political and tech leaders gathered under the stunning glass-and-steel dome of the Grand Palais, the event showcased a broad range of opinions from both political figures and tech executives. Notable attendees included US Vice President JD Vance, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. The summit was a unique blend of global leaders and tech innovators, all seeking to chart the course for the future of AI.
Anne Bouverot, Macron’s AI envoy, opened the summit by addressing the mixed feelings surrounding AI. She described AI as a technology that “fuels both immense hopes and, at times, exaggerated fear.” She expressed optimism that the summit would mark a “turning point” in AI governance, bringing more nations on board for its sustainable development.
The French government has committed significant investments in AI, with Macron announcing that €109 billion ($113 billion) would be allocated to advancing AI in France in the coming years. He compared this commitment to the U.S. “Stargate” program, a $500 billion initiative led by OpenAI. Macron’s statement underscored the growing importance of AI in national economic strategies, as countries around the world scramble to lead the way in AI development.
The summit also highlighted the technical challenges involved in the AI race, with many countries struggling to keep pace with major players like the U.S. and China. In a significant move, Chinese startup DeepSeek recently unveiled high-performance, low-cost AI models, posing a challenge to Silicon Valley’s dominance in the sector.
Sylvain Duranton from the Boston Consulting Group emphasized that Europe must take a more proactive role in the global AI competition, stating that “Europe has to find a way to take a position, take some initiative, and take back control.” This sentiment echoed throughout the summit, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for 10 public supercomputers designed to help researchers and startups accelerate their AI efforts.
Amid the investment discussions, a coalition of over 60 European companies—including Airbus, Volkswagen, and Mistral AI—launched the “EU AI Champions Initiative” to foster growth in the region’s AI sector. Additionally, the “Current AI” initiative was introduced, with over $400 million pledged to support open-source tools and systems that measure AI’s social and environmental impact. The partnership aims to raise up to $2.5 billion for its mission, emphasizing the importance of public-interest approaches to AI development.
The summit’s final day on Tuesday will feature a plenary session with political leaders from over 100 countries. As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the summit marks a crucial step in shaping the future of the technology, with an emphasis on creating a balanced, fair, and sustainable approach to AI’s societal impact.
As global powers continue to navigate the challenges posed by AI, the Paris summit has highlighted the need for international collaboration, transparent governance, and a clear focus on ensuring that AI serves the common good rather than exacerbating inequalities.