G7 Consensus on Advancing AI for Sustainable Development

On March 15, 2024, the ministers of the G7 countries reached a landmark consensus in Verona, Italy, on the critical global debate of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Under the scope of ‘Digital Development: Growing Together’, G7 countries acknowledged the need to work in partnership with developing countries to strengthen local AI digital ecosystems. 

Collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Italian G7 Presidency advocates the need for new multi-stakeholder partnerships to foster local impact in developing countries. 

In the G7 on ‘Digital Development: Growing Together’, the countries highlight the key areas, which include democratizing computing power, developing open and secure data models, and strengthening capacities to advance AI for sustainable development. While at the conference, they also seek to ensure that access to AI is equitable, inclusive, and responsible, thereby supporting safe, secure, and trustworthy development and deployment. 

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“In line with the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan, the Ministry of Enterprises & Made in Italy is grateful for the achievement of this consensus on digital development in the G7 Ministerial. The engagement with Africa—governments, the private sector, including start-ups and industries—has strengthened our resolve to democratize AI resources, and ‘walk the talk’,” said Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy. 

What are the Key Takeaway from  G7 Consensus on Advancing AI for Sustainable Development?

• G7 AI Consensus: The G7 ministers reached a consensus in Verona, Italy, on advancing AI for sustainable development, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships and equitable access to AI.
• Italy’s Role: Italy, holding the G7 Presidency, is working with UNDP to foster local AI ecosystems in developing countries, aligning with the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan.
• Brazil’s G20 Presidency: Brazil congratulates Italy on the consensus and looks forward to collaborating on AI for sustainable development and reducing inequalities.
• UNDP’s Commitment: UNDP aims to bridge the global discussion with local impact, leveraging AI for next-generation solutions and equitable partnerships with developing countries.

In a milestone year for digital development, the Italian G7 Presidency and the Brazilian G20 Presidency are advancing dialogues and actions, with AI identified as a common priority for sustainable development.   

“Brazil’s G20 Presidency congratulates Italy for the consensus achieved in Verona. In line with our G20 theme on mobilizing actions for a just world and a sustainable planet, we look forward to working together with the G7 countries and other partners in the G20 to move forward our priority on AI to drive sustainable development and to reduce inequalities,” said Ambassador Luciano Mazza de Andrade, Chair of Brazil’s G20 Digital Economy Working Group. 

Recognizing the significance of this pivotal consensus, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said: “Bridging the gap between global discussion and local impact is paramount — helping to ensure that all communities, everywhere, can better unlock the immense potential of AI to advance next-generation development solutions, from climate action to pioneering new financial mechanisms. Leveraging the UNDP Rome Centre as a platform to foster new partnerships and investment — from both the public and private sectors — UNDP is proud to work alongside the G7 to advance more equitable partnerships with developing countries in helping to ensure that AI is a catalyst for positive change on a global scale.”

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Who is the member of the G7 Consensus on Advancing AI

The G7 Ministerial Meeting on Industry, Technology and Digital was chaired by Italian Under Secretary of State for Technological Innovation Alessio Butti, as Italy is holding the G7 presidency this year. The group comprises Canada, the US, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and Japan, plus representatives of the European Union.

Following this significant milestone achieved in Italy through the landmark ‘Verona Process on Digital Development’, the Italian G7 Presidency and UNDP will continue their engagement to co-design an AI Hub for Sustainable Development with countries in Africa in 2024, including with stakeholders from the technology industry and start-ups that are committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   

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