- DoT and ITU bring together global experts, policymakers, and innovators to explore AI’s transformative potential for sustainable and inclusive growth
NE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BUREAU
NEW DELHI, OCT 10
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) jointly hosted the “AI for Good – Impact India” Conference 2025 at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi on Friday, marking a major milestone in India’s journey toward ethical, human-centric, and globally collaborative AI innovation.
The summit was inaugurated by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom) and Chairman, DCC, along with Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy to the Director and Chief, Telecommunication Standardization Policy Department (TSB), ITU. The event brought together global AI leaders, policymakers, researchers, start-ups, and industry pioneers to explore AI’s potential to drive innovation in critical areas such as healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, education, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.
“From Generative to Agentic AI – Making Networks Smarter and More Human”
Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Neeraj Mittal highlighted both the promise and perils of AI: “While the summit is titled AI for Good, we must also acknowledge AI for Bad. Risks such as deepfakes, voice cloning, and digital frauds underscore the need for vigilance as AI becomes embedded in every layer of telecom networks. As we move from 5G to 6G, AI must make networks more intelligent, self-healing, and customer-centric — evolving from generative AI to agentic AI.”
Dr. Mittal reaffirmed India’s commitment to trusted, inclusive, and human-centric AI ecosystems under the $1.25 billion IndiaAI Mission, aligning with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to ensure technology remains a force for trust, inclusion, and progress.
Global Collaboration at the Core of AI Governance
ITU’s Mr. Bilel Jamoussi commended India’s leadership in responsible AI governance and digital inclusion, emphasizing that “international cooperation and harmonized standards are essential to ensure AI serves humanity.”
Panel discussions on ‘AI Governance in Action: Bridging Policy and Practice’, ‘AI and Cybersecurity’, and ‘Ethical AI for Sustainable Development’ saw experts from across continents exchange insights on AI safety, data protection, and regulatory frameworks to ensure equitable and secure digital ecosystems.
Showcasing Innovation: AI for Good in Action
The summit also featured the Innovation Factory India 2025, a joint initiative by DoT and ITU under the AI for Good framework. The platform showcased breakthrough AI start-ups developing real-world, scalable solutions addressing climate change, health diagnostics, disaster management, and next-generation telecom systems.
Participants also witnessed engaging sessions such as “Quantum for Good,” “Robotics and AI for Youth Safety,” and “Advancing Disaster Management with Autonomous Robots for a Resilient Future.”
Recognizing Future Innovators
The event concluded with the AI Native Bharat 5G Build-a-Thon Awards, celebrating young innovators for developing pioneering AI/ML solutions for 5G and future networks. The awards highlighted India’s growing role as a hub for ethical and impactful AI innovation.
The AI for Good initiative, led by ITU in partnership with UN agencies, focuses on harnessing AI for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The India Mobile Congress (IMC)—Asia’s largest technology and telecom event—is jointly organized by DoT and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), serving as a premier global platform for ICT innovation, policy dialogue, and public-private collaboration.
