In the heart of Paris, the AI Action Summit is set to unfold on February 10 and 11, 2025, at the iconic Grand Palais.

This two-day event brings together a diverse group of participants to discuss the future of AI, including heads of state, government officials, leaders of international organisations, CEOs from both small and large companies, academics, non-governmental organisations, artists, and members of civil society.

Key topics will include the rapid emergence of China’s AI assistant, DeepSeek, which has quickly become a leading application, challenging Western AI models and prompting discussions on global AI leadership.

There’s also the issue of the integration of AI in weaponry, such as Ukraine’s deployment of AI-assisted robots in combat, which raises ethical and strategic considerations.

AI’s role in accelerating research and innovation too will remain a focal point, highlighting the need for responsible development and governance.

Reflecting on the AI journey so far

It’s fascinating to think back to November 2023, when leaders convened in the UK for the inaugural summit, laying the groundwork for what was to come. Fast forward to May 2024, and South Korea took up the mantle, pushing the conversation forward. Now, as we gather in Paris, the stakes feel higher, the conversations more urgent.

In the time since that first meeting, the world has seen half its population head to the polls. It’s a reminder of how intertwined our democratic processes have become with the digital innovations of our age. What’s clear is that AI isn’t just a topic for tech enthusiasts; it’s a subject that touches every facet of our lives. So, as we look ahead to the discussions at the Grand Palais, here are 10 aspects to anticipate at this week’s summit:

1. A Global gathering

Representatives from over 80 countries are converging here. From heads of state to CEOs, academics to civil society members, it’s a melting pot of perspectives, all committed to collaboratively shaping the future of AI.

2. Focus on actionable outcomes

This isn’t just another talk shop. The aim is to move beyond theoretical debates and produce concrete actions that ensure AI benefits society, the economy, and the environment. It’s about fostering innovation while upholding the common good.

3. Spotlight on AI safety

Safety remains a critical concern. Discussions will tackle issues like misinformation, bias, and the potential for AI-controlled weapons. The emphasis is on international collaboration to develop safe and ethical AI technologies.

4. DeepSeek’s impact

China’s AI assistant, DeepSeek, has made waves recently. Its rapid rise has sparked discussions on global AI leadership and the need for a balanced, inclusive approach to AI governance. DeepSeek’s impact is multifaceted; technologically, it has disrupted industry norms by adopting an open-source model (making it free to use), and economically, it has demonstrated that advanced AI capabilities can be achieved at a fraction of the cost previously thought necessary. But DeepSeek’s rise also brings challenges, with security concerns high among them.

5. European Union’s role

The European Union is stepping up, with the Digital Europe Programme playing a key role in the summit’s organisation. It’s a testament to Europe’s dedication to being a pivotal player in the global AI dialogue. In conjunction with the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a substantial investment of €109 billion in artificial intelligence to bolster France’s position in the AI industry, which is currently dominated by the US and China.

6. Diverse stakeholder engagement

The summit boasts a wide range of participants, from international organisation leaders to CEOs of both small and large companies, academics, NGOs, artists, and civil society members. It’s a holistic approach to AI governance.

7. Launch of ‘AI CONVERGENCE’ challenges

A highlight will be the launch of the ‘AI CONVERGENCE’ challenges, focusing on concrete actions to ensure AI development benefits society, the economy, and the environment, all while upholding the common good. One of the key initiatives is the creation of an AI foundation dedicated to equipping developing countries with open-source AI tools. This foundation is set to receive €2.5 billion in funding over five years.

8. Emphasis on inclusivity

There’s a strong push to promote the equitable distribution of AI benefits. The summit aims to establish a “Coalition for Sustainable AI” to address the technology’s environmental impact, reflecting a global shift toward tangible impacts and inclusive AI governance.

9. Notable attendees

Expect to see prominent figures like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google’s Sundar Pichai, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Their presence underscores the high level of international engagement and the summit’s significance in the global AI discourse.

10. Venue significance

The Grand Palais as a venue is perfect for the event: This historic Parisian landmark provides a prestigious backdrop for the summit, embodying the convergence of tradition and innovation in the pursuit of a responsible AI future — and symbolising the fusion of past achievements and future aspirations.

Without doubt, the outcomes at this event are poised to influence AI policies and practices worldwide, shaping the trajectory of this transformative technology. As we move forward, it’s crucial to stay engaged, informed, and actively participate in the ongoing conversations about AI’s role in our future.

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