Grand summits rarely define the true trajectory of world affairs. While leaders negotiate policy behind closed doors, real human reality is voiced by crowds outside the gates.
Throughout history, street-level pressure has repeatedly forced global leaders to shift course: for example, the 1999 WTO Conference (Seattle): Mass blockades collapsed trade talks, ending secret negotiations and forcing future trade deals to include labor, environmental, and public health protections (such as generic drug access).
2005 G8 Summit (Gleneagles): Massive global rallies forced leaders to cancel $40 billion in debt for 18 impoverished nations and double annual aid to Africa.
1982 UN Disarmament Session (NYC): Over one million protesters in Central Park pushed the U.S. and USSR toward formal nuclear reduction, paving the way for the 1987 INF(Intermediate nuclear forces)Treaty.
2015 Paris Climate Summit (COP21, conference of parties): Grassroots mobilization pushed negotiators to add the stricter 1.5°C temperature target and emission reduction targets and recognize financial accountability for climate damage.
A similar peaceful global movement must now gather outside the gates to demand strict international regulations on Artificial Intelligence—ensuring AI serves human betterment in health, education, environmental stewardship, and quality of life, rather than destruction and corporate profits.
✍️ About the Author
Dr. U. Sarat Chandran is a retired IAS officer, former Additional Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Odisha, former Advisor to the IMF, former Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan (Sri Lanka), and former Private Secretary to Dr. Manmohan Singh during his tenure as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.
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