Vilas Dhar

Vilas Dhar is recognized as a leading global expert on the future of artificial intelligence and its role in shaping society. At the intersection of technology, governance, and human aspiration, he works to ensure that innovation serves the public good and strengthens the institutions that sustain democratic life. As President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, he leads one of the world’s foremost philanthropies committed to demonstrating how data and AI can be harnessed to advance equity, human dignity, and collective progress.

Under Dhar’s leadership, the Foundation is one of the largest global funders of AI for public purpose, stewarding a $1.5 billion endowment and directing more than $500 million in commitments to organizations advancing climate action, public health, education, and democratic governance. The Foundation has built pioneering AI tools, convened cross-sector coalitions, and partnered with governments, companies, and communities to show how emerging technologies can be designed and deployed for human benefit.