AI cannot be left to ‘whims of a few billionaires’: U.N. chief Antonio Guterres

U.N. chief Antonio Guterres urges global AI access, warning against billionaire control and advocating for a $3 billion fund.

United Nations (U.N.) chief Antonio Guterres warned technology leaders on Thursday (February 19, 2026) of the risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI), saying its future cannot be left to “the whims of a few billionaires”.

Speaking at a global AI summit in India, the U.N. chief called on tech tycoons to support a $3 billion global fund to ensure open access to the fast-advancing technology for all. “AI must belong to everyone,” he said.

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“The future of AI cannot be decided by a handful of countries — or left to the whims of a few billionaires,” he added, warning the world risked deepening inequality unless urgent steps were taken.

“Done right, AI can... accelerate breakthroughs in medicine, expand learning opportunities, strengthen food security, bolster climate action and disaster preparedness and improve access to vital public services,” he said. “But it can also deepen inequality, amplify bias and fuel harm.”

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