Opening Remarks From Jim Steyer & Margrethe Vestager | 2026 Copenhagen Sumimt

Why It Matters

The remarks underscore growing regulatory and civic momentum to address harms from tech and AI before they deepen, signaling increased scrutiny of platforms and a push for youth-driven policy solutions with potential global regulatory and industry consequences.

Summary

At the 2026 Copenhagen Summit opening, Jim Steyer and EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager framed the day as a youth-focused, action-oriented forum on technology’s impact on children and families. They emphasized a global, youth-led movement to hold tech companies accountable and to prioritize education and family welfare as AI and social media evolve. Steyer criticized past policy failures—particularly in the U.S.—and warned that AI is “social media on steroids,” calling for urgent, collective action. The speakers set a rapid, interactive agenda aimed at equipping attendees to push for policy and cultural change by day’s end.

Original Description

The decisions made about AI today will shape childhood for generations.

On May 12, 2026, global policymakers and industry leaders came together to address the harms of the social media era and be proactive about AI before history repeats itself.