Clinton Calls for AI Development Slowdown at Mumbai Climate Week
Updated (2 articles)
Clinton Warns of Unknown AI Threats On Feb 18 2026, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed Mumbai Climate Week, stating that ignoring AI’s unknown risks would be naïve and could endanger humanity [1]. She argued that tech leaders lack a comprehensive understanding of AI’s far‑reaching impacts, making precaution essential [1]. Clinton linked these concerns to broader societal challenges discussed at the climate conference [1].
Moral Duty to Slow AI Progress Clinton framed the call for a development pause as a moral obligation, insisting societies must demand slower progress when outcomes cannot be predicted [1]. She urged clearer management strategies and accountability from AI creators [1]. The former diplomat emphasized that ethical stewardship outweighs rapid innovation in uncertain domains [1].
Healthcare AI Highlighted Amid Climate Discussions Clinton identified healthcare as the most advanced AI application, noting systems that aggregate data and provide real‑time physician advice [1]. She expressed excitement over these breakthroughs while cautioning that even beneficial uses require oversight [1]. By situating AI governance within a climate‑focused event, she underscored the interconnectedness of technology, environment, and human welfare [1].
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Timeline
Late 18th – 19th century – The Industrial Revolution triggers the Great Divergence, a historic widening of wealth between industrializing nations and the rest of the world, a pattern the UN report later cites as a warning for AI‑driven inequality [1].
Dec 2, 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme releases a report warning that AI could deepen global inequality by favoring countries with robust digital infrastructure, electricity, and internet access, leaving millions in places like Afghanistan, the Maldives, and Myanmar behind; the report stresses that “AI benefits are likely to accrue mainly to wealthy nations unless measures are taken” and calls for immediate investment in digital infrastructure, education, fair competition, and social protections to democratize AI access [1].
Feb 18, 2026 – At Mumbai Climate Week, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urges a slowdown in AI development, stating “ignoring AI risks would be naive” and arguing that “if creators cannot predict outcomes, society has a duty to demand slower progress”; she highlights AI’s most advanced breakthrough in healthcare, where real‑time data aggregation offers physicians new decision‑making tools, while linking AI governance to broader climate and societal challenges [2].