VP Jagdeo highlights Guyana’s national journey, ongoing transformation in New Delhi

…attends reception to celebrate Guyana’s 56th Republic Anniversary

Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo recently attended a reception hosted by the Guyana High Commission in New Delhi, India to commemorate Guyana’s 56th Republic Anniversary. The event brought together members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of the Government of India, private sector representatives and members of the Guyanese diaspora. In his remarks, the VP reflected on Guyana’s national journey, the hardships endured, and the determination, zeal and hard work that have positioned the country on a path of development following the return to democratic rule.

He reaffirmed Guyana’s enduring commitment to democracy and underscored the Government’s dedication to the values that guide the nation’s development. Dr Jagdeo also highlighted Guyana’s remarkable growth story and ongoing transformation, and outlined key Government initiatives across several sectors aimed at ensuring inclusive growth and development and improving the lives of all Guyanese. The VP travelled to New Delhi to attend the India artificial intelligence (AI) Summit held last week and also hosted a series of high-level meetings in the Indian capital. Upon his arrival in New Delhi, Dr Jagdeo was greeted by India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai. He was later welcomed by Indian PM Narendra Modi, who hosted leaders from around the world for high-level discussions on AI governance and development. The India-AI Impact Summit, held in New Delhi, marked the first time such a major global gathering on AI took place in the Global South. The event aimed to foster cooperation among nations while addressing concerns about the rapid advancement of AI technologies. In his address to the summit, PM Modi emphasised the importance of accessibility and equity in the emerging technological era. “We must democratise AI. It must become a tool for inclusion and empowerment, particularly for the Global South,” he said.
On the sidelines of the summit, VP Jagdeo met with PM of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, as well as held talks with India’s Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw. He also had a brief exchange with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva and United Kingdom (UK) Deputy PM David Lammy. The gathering was the fourth in a series of international summits originally conceived to coordinate global action as advanced AI systems grow more powerful.

Speakers included French President Emmanuel Macron, Google’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General (SG) António Guterres, who urged the creation of a multibillion-dollar initiative to help developing nations build AI capabilities. “The future of AI cannot be decided by a handful of countries, or left to the whims of a few billionaires,” Mr Guterres said, adding that AI must “belong to everyone.” India’s Technology Minister, said at least 70 signatories were expected to endorse a proposed framework known as the “Delhi Declaration,” with a final draft and full list of supporters to be released on Saturday. “This AI impact summit has been a grand success on many fronts,” he said. “The world has confidence in India’s role in the new AI age.” The draft declaration outlines a shared global vision to ensure AI benefits humanity through voluntary cooperation and coordinated international efforts. The framework highlights seven priorities, including expanding access to AI infrastructure, promoting trustworthy and secure systems, strengthening scientific collaboration and building workforce skills. It also emphasises affordability, sustainability and inclusivity while encouraging open collaboration and responsible innovation in the development of future AI technologies.