AI Summit 2026: The 'AI Impact Summit' is set to begin in the capital, Delhi, on February 16th. Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, will participate. Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, Bill Gates, and CEOs of several major tech companies will also participate. It's clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a technology issue, but has become a major issue related to the future economy and employment. The world's leading leaders and heads of tech companies are gathering together to discuss how to view AI not as a threat, but as an opportunity.

It's often said that AI will take away people's jobs. With the advent of artificial intelligence, people will no longer be needed. All tasks will be easily accomplished with AI. These assertions are true to some extent. Simply put, with the advent of new technology, old jobs change. For example, the advent of ATMs reduced the need for bank tellers, self-checkout machines reduced the role of cashiers, and online shopping transformed the way businesses operate. People are increasingly choosing to shop from home rather than going to stores. Similarly, AI is automating many tasks, which is bound to bring about change in some sectors. But there's another side to the picture, and this aspect is a bit more powerful. Let's understand this:

What does the report say?

According to a World Economic Forum report, while millions of jobs will be lost in the coming years, many more new ones will be created. By 2025, 85 million jobs are projected to be lost, but 97 million new roles will also be created. This means there will be change, but opportunities will also increase. AI doesn't operate on its own; it is operated by humans. Therefore, AI cannot replace humans. AI cannot think, feel, or make ethical decisions like humans. It is simply a tool that enhances human capabilities. Just as calculators didn't eliminate mathematicians but instead made their work easier, AI can also increase both the speed and quality of work. The use of AI in many companies has increased production and reduced the burden on workers.

According to a PwC report, AI could add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. But this wealth will only be generated when humans and machines work together. This means the future belongs to "humans + AI," not "humans vs. AI." Simply put, doctors can perform quick and accurate diagnostics with AI. Farmers can grow better crops with the help of data. Small businesses can provide better service to their customers with AI tools.

But the key to this is learning new skills. In the coming years, more than half of the workforce will need to be reskilled and upskilled. Governments and companies will need to run training programs. Schools and colleges will also need to focus more on digital and tech skills.

Keep this in mind:
AI is neither a complete threat nor a magic spell. It's a powerful tool. If the right policies are in place, ethical rules are established, and people learn new skills, AI won't lead to job losses, but rather, it will create greater opportunities. This means that the future belongs to those who embrace change and are willing to upgrade themselves.

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