Global AI and Digital Summit 2026
Overview
The world is changing at extraordinary speed, and AI and digital technologies are reshaping economies, industries, and the future of work. The Global AI & Digital Summit comes at a pivotal moment, as countries seek not only to keep pace with technological change, but to turn it into more and better jobs, higher productivity, and broader opportunity. With 1.2 billion young people entering the workforce in developing countries over the next 10-15 years, how AI and digital technologies drive growth and expand access to jobs is a defining challenge of our era.
Hosted by the World Bank Group together with the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Finance and Economy and Ministry of Science and ICT, the Summit will bring global leaders to explore how AI and digital transformation can deliver practical development gains. The Summit will also highlight the importance of responsible AI that builds trust to ensure that innovation serves people and development goals.
The Summit will spotlight how digital access, affordability, ecosystems and AI readiness are the foundation for unleashing inclusive AI and digital solutions. And how practical, context-specific AI applications can strengthen businesses, improve public services, and expand access to opportunity, including in low-connectivity environments. Across sectors such as agriculture, health, education, tourism, and government services, the emphasis is on how AI and digital tools can help countries translate innovation into results.
By bringing together governments, development partners, private sector leaders, researchers, civil society, and youth, the Summit aims to help shape a more inclusive AI and digital future in which technology works for people and economies alike.
Please note that attendance is by invitation only.
Sessions
Small AI. Big Impact
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — 9:45am KST (local time)
Speakers:
- Ajay Banga, President, World Bank Group
- Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Hoshik Shin, CEO Tridge, Korea
- Kate Kallot, Founder & CEO of Amini
- Mark Tetto, Co-CEO, TCK Investments (moderator)
Closing the Gap: The Promise of AI in Developing Economies
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — 9:00am KST (local time)
Speakers:
- Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer, World Bank Group
- Michael Kremer, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President, World Bank Group
- Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation of Togo
- Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication & Digital Affairs, Indonesia
- Darlington Akogo, Chief Executive Officer of minoHealth AI Labs & Kara Agro AI
- Mark Tetto, Co-CEO, TCK Investments (moderator)
Download detailed agenda — The agenda and sessions timings are subject to change.
FAQ
What is the Global AI & Digital Summit 2026?
The Summit is a high-level forum hosted by the World Bank Group together with the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE) and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea. Taking place in Seoul, the Summit brings together policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, civil society and innovators to explore how digital transformation and artificial intelligence can help countries create jobs, raise productivity, strengthen essential services, and expand opportunity. Korea's journey from development to global digital leadership offers a powerful example of how sustained investment, innovation, and public policy can build a dynamic digital economy.
The Summit is being convened at a moment when the pace of digital change is accelerating dramatically and AI is opening new possibilities for development across sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. The World Bank Group and the Korean government are hosting this event by bringing global leaders together and aiming to catalyze the partnerships, policies, and investments needed so that the benefits of the digital revolution are shared more widely and reach the people and communities that stand to gain the most.
When and where will the Summit take place?
The Summit will take place on October 19-22, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea.
What is the focus of the Summit?
The Summit will explore how digital technologies and AI can create jobs, boost productivity, and expand opportunities in developing economies. Discussions will focus on how practical, fit-for-purpose AI solutions can address local challenges and deliver results across sectors such as health, education, agriculture, tourism, and government services.
The Summit will also examine the foundations needed to scale digital and AI-driven growth: expanding access and affordability, strengthening digital ecosystems, and building AI readiness. Across these areas, the focus is on helping countries translate innovation into jobs, economic growth, and better outcomes for people.
Who will attend?
The Summit will bring together government leaders, development partners, private sector executives, investors, technology innovators, researchers, civil society representatives, and youth leaders. Together, they will connect policy, innovation, and investment to help countries turn digital ambition into action.
Is the Summit open to the public?
Select Summit sessions will be open to the public and streamed live online, allowing audiences around the world to follow key conversations. Other sessions will be by invitation to facilitate candid dialogue among participants. Additional details on public sessions and livestream access will be shared as the program is finalized. In person participation to the Summit is by invitation only.
Who can I contact for more information?
Small AI Hackathon Challenge
Applications are now closed. The Small AI for Development Hackathon is a two-day competition taking place on 3–4 October 2026, organized by the World Bank Group's Digital and AI Vice Presidency in collaboration with the Youth Summit, Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC), Information and Technology Solutions (ITS), and managed by Hack-Nation. Winning teams will be invited to present at the Global AI & Digital Summit in Seoul. For questions, contact questions@hack-nation.com.