AI Safety and Security Enable Innovation in Global Majority Countries (Extended Abstract)

In recent years, experts and policy-makers have increasingly acknowledged risks posed by AI. However, investments in AI safety and security (S&S) have been portrayed as trade-offs against AI innovation and development priorities, particularly in Global Majority countries. AI S&S efforts are also often framed as being the prerogative or only in the domain of countries developing frontier AI models and advanced AI infrastructure. This paper argues that such rhetoric constitutes a false dichotomy and ultimately undermines development prospects in emerging economies. Numerous dimensions of AI S&S function as prerequisites for sustainable development benefits rather than as competitive priorities. This paper analyzes a series of case studies, ranging from nuclear safety to mobile banking, to emphasize how S&S measures may yield significant development returns. The paper concludes by examining how the Global Majority’s participation in international AI S&S discussions, such as the upcoming AI Summit in India, can render long-term developmental benefits.