Italy plans to prioritise Africa’s development and AI during its G7 presidency

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has outlined the key themes for Italy’s presidency of the G7, which include supporting African development and addressing the challenges posed by AI. Meloni also expressed Italy’s continued support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, highlighting the potential dire consequences of further escalation in the Middle East.

Italy assumed the presidency of the G7, which consists of the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, and Italy itself, at the beginning of January. Italy will host various ministerial meetings annually, including a leaders summit in June. On the other hand, Meloni highlighted the significance of hosting a special session on AI before June, expressing concerns about its impact on the labor market and the potential replacement of human cognition. She also underlined the importance of cultivating collaboration and strategic connections with Africa in order to deter migration by encouraging economic growth and greater living conditions in the continent. Meloni proposed investments and a strategy to achieve these objectives rather than relying on charitable actions.

Why does it matter?

Italy’s focus on supporting African development and addressing AI challenges in its G7 presidency underscores a commitment to global collaboration amid the interconnected issues of technology, migration, and economic growth. The proactive stance on AI reflects the urgency of navigating its transformative impact, necessitating international cooperation and ethical governance. This approach recognizes the pivotal role of economic growth and strategic partnerships in addressing migration, emphasizing the significance of global solidarity in addressing shared concerns.