On March 14 and 15, 2024, the Italian G7 Presidency hosted ministerial meeting in Verona and Trento dedicated to industry, technology and digital, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and its uses in industry and the public sector.
At the end of the work, the ministers produced a final declaration, in which they underlined the need to develop AI ethically and consistent with the democratic values that distinguish the G7 countries. But above all, that it be used for the good of people and for the cohesion and well-being of society.
You too can rediscover the pleasure of staying informed!
Your support helps protect our independence so that we can continue to produce quality journalism that is open to all.
Support us
The statement takes on significant meaning, especially in light of the recent approval by the European Parliament of the “IA Act”A corpus of standards, among the first in the world, which aim to regulate the use of artificial intelligence.
First day themes
In Verona, where the theme of the day was “grow together» (growing together), ministers discussed the use of artificial intelligence in the economic and industrial system, highlighting the risks, but recognizing its potential positive impact on productivity, efficiency and innovation.
The discussion then focused on security issues in digital ecosystems and supply chain resilience.
“Especially”say it Minister of Business Adolfo Ursowho chaired the debates, “Recent conflicts have shown us that our continent must achieve strategic independence and to this end, within the G7, we will collaborate with the European Commission on semiconductors.to safeguard our economy and our industries”.
Finally, the ministers discussed the ways to ensure sustainable and inclusive digital developmentpaying particular attention to Africa, which has long been at the center of Italian development and cooperation plans.
Themes of the second day
The next day, in Trento, the ministerial meeting focused in particular onuse of artificial intelligence for public administration and the “Hiroshima Process”, a code of conduct, inaugurated in 2023 at the G7 summit of the same name, which aims to promote safe and reliable artificial intelligence on a global scale. The process aims in particular to establish international guiding principles that encourage AI developers to adopt responsible and standardized practices.
Furthermore, through the creation of a “Toolboxes on AI in the public sector” (a working tool for the dissemination and ethical use of AI), the The Italian presidency proposed to translate it into concrete policies these principles which, according to him, can lead to safe and reliable AI.
Finally, the Presidency will produce the “Compendium on digital public services”, a synthesis which brings together Andconcrete examples of how G7 governments manage and use public digital infrastructure.
The final declaration on artificial intelligence
At the end of the two days, the delegations produced a ministerial declaration, which takes into consideration the following questions:
- Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector: AI represents one of the most promising areas of innovation and appears to have the potential to improve people's lives. The development of AI systems must respect the democratic values of G7 countries, protect human rights and prevent possible inappropriate uses.
- Digital government: access to digital public services can contribute to social inclusion and increase citizens' trust in public administration.
- Support for advancing the results of the Hiroshima Process: the Italian Presidency commits to integrating the results of the Hiroshima Process on artificial intelligence to develop appropriate mechanisms that help monitor the adoption of “International Code of Conduct”aimed at organizations developing advanced AI systems.
The next G7 ministerial meeting, dedicated to transport, will be held in Milan from April 11 to 13, 2024.
