Indian cybersecurity entrepreneur and ePROTECT360 Founder and CEO Kunal Panchamia has called for a collaborative approach towards artificial intelligence (AI) development for developing nations at the AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD) Geneva Summit 2026.
Speaking at the three-day summit held from August 12 to 14 at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Panchamia participated in a discussion titled “Should Small Nations Build, Buy or Share AI?” The session focused on the challenges faced by developing countries while building AI capabilities and explored whether nations should create their own AI infrastructure, adopt external solutions or collaborate through shared platforms.
Panchamia highlighted that developing countries should not be expected to independently build every layer of the AI ecosystem to participate in the future of technology. He suggested that nations should identify their existing strengths and collaborate with trusted partners to accelerate AI adoption.
Bringing India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — “The world is one family” — into the discussion, Panchamia said that global progress in AI can be achieved through cooperation rather than isolated technological ownership.
“The question should not always be who owns the technology. We should also ask how we can bring together what each country already has and use those capabilities collectively for the benefit of society,” Panchamia said.
He explained that building a complete AI ecosystem requires more than developing AI models. Countries need access to computing infrastructure, energy resources, quality data, digital systems, skilled professionals, cybersecurity capabilities and effective governance frameworks.
According to Panchamia, many developing nations may not have the resources or infrastructure to independently create every component of the AI ecosystem. Instead, countries can contribute their unique strengths, such as technology, talent, data or domain expertise, while accessing other capabilities through responsible partnerships.
The discussion at the Geneva summit also explored the idea of AI sovereignty, with experts highlighting that technological independence does not necessarily mean every country must build its own complete AI infrastructure. A practical approach involves understanding national capabilities, identifying critical areas requiring control and building partnerships where necessary.
Panchamia also emphasised the importance of cybersecurity in the AI development journey. He said that as governments and organisations increasingly adopt AI for public services, critical infrastructure and decision-making, security and resilience must be integrated from the beginning.
“The AI conversation cannot stop at access. If developing countries are going to adopt AI at scale, they also need to think about cybersecurity, data readiness and resilience from the beginning,” he added.
The AIFOD Geneva Summit brought together global stakeholders to discuss the role of developing nations in shaping the future of AI. With the theme “Small Takes the Lead: The Future Belongs to the Many, Not the Few,” the summit focused on creating more inclusive opportunities for emerging economies.
Through his participation, Panchamia highlighted the need for a balanced AI ecosystem where countries can collaborate, share capabilities and develop secure technologies instead of competing to replicate existing models.
As AI continues to influence economies, governance and public services worldwide, Panchamia believes that collaboration, cybersecurity and shared innovation will be key factors in ensuring developing nations have a meaningful role in the AI-driven future.
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