Italy’s G7 Presidency to Focus on AI Threat and African Development
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has outlined the key areas of focus during Italy’s one-year presidency of the Group of Seven (G7). Meloni highlighted the importance of supporting African development and addressing the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI). Italy assumes the rotating presidency of the G7, which includes the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, and Britain, as well as Italy itself, as of January.
During a comprehensive press conference, Meloni expressed her concerns about the impact of AI on the labor market, stating that there is a revolution where human intellect is at risk of being replaced. She emphasized the need to prioritize this issue and proposed a special session on AI before the leaders’ summit in June.
In addition to AI, Meloni emphasized the significance of supporting African development as a central theme of Italy’s G7 presidency. She emphasized the importance of boosting local economies and living standards in order to discourage potential migrants from Europe. Meloni stated that cooperation and serious strategic relationships should be built as equals, rather than as predators. This approach, she said, requires investments and a focused strategy to uphold the right to stay in one’s home country and avoid forced emigration.
The war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas are expected to dominate Italy’s presidency agenda. Meloni’s first call to an international leader as G7 president was to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, demonstrating Italy’s continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Regarding the Gaza conflict, Meloni urged Israel to avoid civilian casualties and stressed the necessity of finding a more permanent solution to the Palestinian issue.
Meloni asserted that it is essential to work towards a structural solution to the Palestinian question instead of focusing solely on eliminating Hamas. She called on the European Union to play a more prominent role in diplomatic initiatives. Additionally, Meloni advocated for the continued supply of arms and material support to Kyiv, as maintaining a balance of forces on the ground is crucial for any diplomatic resolution in Ukraine.
Giorgia Meloni, who became Italy’s first woman Prime Minister in October 2022, aims to use Italy’s G7 presidency to address these critical global issues and uphold the values of cooperation, development, and peace. With a focus on AI threats, African development, and international conflicts, Italy seeks to play a leading role in shaping a sustainable and secure future for all.
