Artificial Intelligence, Data and the Human Person: Key Topics at the WSIS Forum and AI for Good 2026
Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Holy See’s presence and its openness to dialogue, particularly at this pivotal moment of historic change.
This is the theme contained in the Message signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, delivered by Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations Office and Specialized Institutions in Geneva, Permanent Observer to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and Representative of the Holy See to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on the occasion of the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, held in Geneva, Switzerland. The Summit is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in cooperation with other United Nations agencies and co-organized by the Swiss Government.
The full text of the Message is available here:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2026/7/8/messaggio-ai-summit.html
The Message marked a significant moment in the opening of the second day of the WSIS Forum 2026 and the first day of the AI for Good Global Summit, on Wednesday, 8 July in Geneva. Discussions focused on the quality of data underlying artificial intelligence systems, addressing issues such as information silos, inconsistencies in data collection, and the risk of structural bias.
Throughout the Geneva Summit, leaders and representatives from governments, industry, academia, the United Nations and civil society are engaging in discussions on how scientific principles and expertise can be applied to artificial intelligence and digital technologies, with the aim of ensuring that AI benefits everyone without distinction.
The first AI for Good Global Summit on AI governance laid the foundations for inclusive international cooperation. This year’s meeting builds on that work by focusing on practical ways in which digital technologies can improve the lives of all people.
The AI for Good Global Summit is the United Nations’ leading platform for identifying, showcasing, and implementing real-world artificial intelligence solutions.
Held in parallel with AI for Good, the WSIS Forum 2026 continues to serve as the United Nations’ multistakeholder platform on digital development.
Like AI for Good, the WSIS Forum is founded on the principles of inclusiveness and multilateral consultation. Civil society plays an active role not only as a participant but also in shaping the Forum’s program and agenda.
The AI for Good Global Summit and the WSIS Forum are organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)—the United Nations specialized agency responsible for information and communication technologies—in partnership with more than 50 United Nations organizations and the Swiss Confederation.
The WSIS Forum is co-organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
A delegation of the Holy See and the Governorate of Vatican City State—an ITU Member since 1932—is participating in the Summit, led by the President of the Governorate.
