Under Italy’s presidency, G7 ministers commit to AI for sustainable development

In Verona, Italy, the G7 ministers struck a major agreement on the vital global debate over AI. G7 countries recognised the need to collaborate with developing countries to enhance local AI digital ecosystems under the framework of ‘Digital Development – Growing Together.’

Under the Italian Presidency, the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies’ industry, technology, and digital ministers reached a consensus on advancing AI for sustainable development during the meeting in Verona and Trento on March 14–15, 2024. The outcome of the meeting is the Ministerial Declaration. Critical areas of priority include democratizing computing power, developing open and secure data models, and strengthening capacities to advance AI for sustainable development.

Why does it matter?

The agreement aims to boost local AI digital ecosystems by collaborating with developing countries and promoting new multistakeholder partnerships. The Italian G7 Presidency, in partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), will work on codesigning an AI Hub for Sustainable Development, including stakeholders from the technology industry and startups.

The G7 countries also confirmed their support for the ‘Hiroshima AI Process Comprehensive Policy Framework,’ including implementing the International Guiding Principles and the International Code of Conduct for all organisations developing advanced AI systems. Furthermore, they agreed on developing “mechanisms to monitor the application of the Code of Conduct by organisations that will commit to these outcomes on a voluntary basis.”