Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang called on G20 ministers on Wednesday to accelerate the development of data center infrastructure necessary to sustain the rapid growth of artificial intelligence technologies. Speaking at a G20 innovation meeting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Huang emphasized that AI infrastructure is as critical to national economies as traditional utilities like water, electricity, and the Internet.
Huang outlined the pivotal role of Nvidia’s graphics processing units (GPUs), which are central to training AI models, in powering the global AI surge. He stressed that governments must invest in such infrastructure to support local innovation ecosystems, including researchers, students, industries, and startups.
Addressing concerns over the impact of AI on employment, Huang rejected the notion that the technology would lead to widespread job losses. Instead, he stated that AI would redefine work by automating tasks rather than eliminating jobs altogether. He cautioned that framing AI with fear and uncertainty could result in countries falling behind in the global technology race. Huang also urged policymakers to focus regulation on actual, not hypothetical, harms related to AI, echoing sentiments earlier expressed by Elon Musk.
The event, moderated by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, took place amid growing debate within the United States about the expansion of AI data centers. Some local opposition has emerged ahead of the midterm elections, while political figures like President Donald Trump have criticized those who oppose such developments, warning that resistance would leave the country at a disadvantage.
The G20 meetings in North Carolina followed the finance ministers’ two-day conference in Asheville, which concluded with a mostly unified statement, despite discord over Russia’s participation. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov’s attendance drew criticism from Ukraine’s European allies, who protested the inclusion due to Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The traditional G20 group photo was taken without Siluanov, and separate photos were arranged at the innovation summit to separate European leaders from the Russian delegation.
European officials expressed discomfort over Russia’s involvement. Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne acknowledged the unease caused by the late notice of Siluanov’s attendance. European Commission Economy Chief Valdis Dombrovskis called for caution against normalizing Russia’s presence, citing the country’s aggressive military actions. In contrast, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued that engaging with Russia—whose finance minister is not currently sanctioned—remains vital despite political tensions.
Other major issues at the G20 included ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and trade disputes. The final communique called for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a position opposed by China. The U.S.-hosted meetings also featured efforts to strengthen sanctions on Iran and address global trade imbalances. Germany meanwhile attributed a recent drone attack on a strategic airport to Russia and announced diplomatic countermeasures.
As the chair of this year’s G20, the United States seeks to maintain dialogue among member states while balancing geopolitical challenges amid the growing prominence of AI and shifting global economic dynamics.