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G7 Meeting with Outreach Countries and International Organizations
Borgo Egnazia, Apulia, Italy, June 14, 2024
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The Leaders of the G7 met today with their counterparts from Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. Together with the Heads of the African Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development, the United Nations and the World Bank, they discussed the global challenges that disproportionately affect countries in the Global South at a testing time for the international order founded on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
These challenges, compounded by unprecedented threats to security, require more than ever a resolute and equitable international response, based on solidarity and shared responsibility, to push forward solutions that leave no one behind.
With the broader Mediterranean region, Africa will shape the future of the world. It is experiencing a demographic spurt and with 60% of the population under 25, it is the youngest continent. By 2050, it could be home to 2.5 billion people. It also has abundant natural resources, a huge pool of human talent and ample room for economic growth.
The Leaders endorsed the African countries' call for a greater voice in international bodies. They welcomed the G20's decision, taken under India's presidency last year, to accept the African Union as a permanent member and the IMF's decision to create a third Chair for sub-Saharan Africa in the Executive Board.
They also committed to promote infrastructural, economic and social development in the region, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to support its countries as they work toward value creation, stability and prosperity. They focused on the need for equitable partnerships rooted in shared principles, local ownership and tangible initiatives, such as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, the Global Gateway and Italy's Mattei Plan for Africa.
They welcomed and committed to support the G7 Apulia Food Systems Initiative, which aims to overcome barriers to food security, build resilient agriculture and food systems, and realize the right to adequate food by leveraging multi-stakeholder partnerships and establishing synergies with other international initiatives.
The Leaders were grateful to His Holiness Pope Francis for his unprecedented participation in a G7 Summit and for his invaluable intervention on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which enriched and steered the discussion.
AI is a formidable technology with the potential to boost industrial output and productivity. At the same time, if left unbridled, it could significantly disrupt the labour market and our social fabric. The Leaders underlined the importance of a human-centric, ethic AI that is transparent and respects workers' and human rights, thus helping deliver better services.
They highlighted the need to bridge digital divides and achieve digital inclusion by promoting open AI infrastructures and solutions for all. In that regard, they welcomed Italy's proposal to create the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, to support local AI digital ecosystems, and strengthen capacities to advance AI for sustainable development.
They discussed the need to anticipate future skills and equip workers and employers with the competencies needed to work with AI. In that respect, they emphasized the importance of education, international mobility and lifelong learning to meet the demand for digital competencies and a qualified workforce.
They also committed to promote cooperation and governance with developing and emerging market economies, so to close digital divides, including gender digital divide, and achieve digital inclusion.
Reaffirming the pressing need to fully implement the Paris Agreement, the Leaders stressed that the transition to a net-zero economy should be inclusive and be seen as an opportunity for social development and economic growth. This requires maximizing benefits for local economies while addressing the negative social or economic impacts that may arise from climate action.
The Leaders agreed that the clean energy transition presents a unique opportunity to spur a new era of productivity, industrial growth, and economic development in Africa. For this reason, they welcomed the launch of the Energy for Growth in Africa initiative, endorsed by a joint G7 statement with seven African countries, and already supported by three more countries, which seeks to promote clean energy investments across Africa, address barriers and gaps, and advance industrial development.
Aware that global challenges require shared solutions rooted in solidarity and in the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter, and that increased cooperation between the G7 and outside partners in multilateral fora is more essential than ever, the Leaders thanked the Italian G7 Presidency for this timely and useful exchange of views.
They agreed to remain engaged on these and other pressing issues by working on a positive agenda that can ensure a future of security and prosperity across the world.
Source: Official website of Italy's G7 Presidency
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