At the ongoing Paris AI Action Summit, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is expected to deliver a sobering yet hopeful message to global leaders. According to industry insiders, Altman plans to caution against the narrow focus on AI risks, which has often dominated European conversations.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to issue a ‘grave’ warning to world leaders at Paris AI Action Summit
Instead, he will advocate for a broader perspective that also emphasises growth and innovation.
This summit comes as Altman intensifies his efforts to promote US-led, democratic AI systems as a counterweight to China’s expanding influence in the sector.
The summit, hosted at the Grand Palais in Paris, will see heads of state, tech moguls, and policymakers gather to shape the future of AI. US Vice President JD Vance, a former tech investor, is also attending in what will be his first major international engagement.
Altman’s expanding global campaign
Altman’s participation at the summit is part of OpenAI’s growing push to engage with policymakers worldwide. He and other tech leaders will hold private meetings with government officials to discuss AI’s current impact on users and developers across various countries. This comes on the heels of a well-received demonstration Altman hosted for US lawmakers in Washington last week.
In the coming months, OpenAI plans to organise similar events in New York and Texas, promoting its “Innovating for America” message. The company is also preparing for a series of high-profile engagements across London, Brussels, and New Delhi. These meetings aim to bring together policymakers, economists, investors, and thought leaders to explore the future of AI development and governance.
Europe’s struggles with AI progress
Altman’s call for balancing risk with opportunity echoes concerns raised by former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi in a report last year. Draghi warned of a growing technological gap between Europe and the United States, a challenge compounded by stringent EU regulations on AI.
Speaking in Berlin on Thursday, Altman discussed the idea of a European version of the US-led Stargate Project, an initiative launched by President Donald Trump. The project involves a staggering $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure over four years. However, Altman noted that regulatory hurdles in the European Union could make it difficult to secure the necessary funding for such large-scale projects.
AI opportunities take centre stage
Altman’s message of AI-driven opportunity will be front and centre during the Paris summit. OpenAI is ramping up its visibility by placing promotional ads around key event locations, including Charles de Gaulle Airport and private terminals used by summit attendees. The ads will highlight AI’s potential to drive technological progress and improve lives.
As the summit unfolds, Altman and other tech leaders are determined to shift the narrative on AI from fear to opportunity. However, with geopolitical rivalries and regulatory challenges in the mix, achieving global consensus may be easier said than done.