Italy’s G7 presidency will tackle a dangerous world
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We live in a time of extraordinary challenges. New conflicts and global threats endanger the rules-based international order. The international community has a duty to cooperate in search of solutions.
It is more important than ever to strengthen the role of the G7 to uphold respect for the UN Charter, confront malicious actors and steer globalisation towards the common good.
After the extraordinary dedication of the Japanese presidency in 2023 to fostering international peace, prosperity and sustainable development, Italy, as the president of the group for 2024, as well as a founding member of the European Union and the seventh biggest contributor to the UN regular and peacekeeping budgets, will further enhance this invaluable platform to ensure cohesive and sustainable responses to the challenges of our time.
The situation in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Mediterranean will top the priorities of the Italian G7 presidency.
The Russian Federation’s brutal attack on Ukraine is a threat to international peace and security. Europe is on the frontline, as Russia would like to divide it and render it powerless. However, the whole world is effected by this blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. G7 will reaffirm its unwavering support for Kyiv, in political, security and financial terms. We shall focus on reconstruction, paving the way towards the Ukraine recovery conference that Italy will host in 2025.
The horrific terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas against Israel has generated spirals of violence, with civilians paying the ultimate price. The G7 will keep working with international partners to ensure stability in the Middle East and to create the conditions for a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution.
The Mediterranean region is directly impacted by both crises. During the Italian presidency, the G7 will strive to foster stability and to enhance cooperation in the region.
The Italian presidency will focus on the most pressing global challenges, namely climate change, biodiversity loss and food security, but also irregular migration – recognising the nexus between development and migration, especially in Africa.
The African continent presents crucial global challenges and opportunities. We must inject new momentum into the pursuit of the sustainable development goals. A renewed partnership with Africa is called for, fostering cooperation for green growth, energy security and sustainable development.
Italy launched the “Mattei plan” as a platform for initiatives promoting partnership with African countries. Italy intends to direct a significant share of the Italian Climate Fund – whose overall endowment is €4 billion – to the African continent.
The “Rome process” will address the root causes of migration flows, working together to stop human trafficking and protecting human dignity.
Artificial intelligence will also be among the priorities of the Italian presidency. We are facing a “new industrial revolution” which can offer enormous opportunities and contribute to the security and wellbeing of the planet, if appropriately managed.
However, we cannot ignore the risks of the digital transition. Without appropriate regulation, it might jeopardise the stability of democratic systems and of society itself, through cyber threats, disinformation and economic disruption. We need to develop tools for the responsible and ethical use of AI and define standards in line with our shared values, based on the principle of “algor-ethics”.
In 2024, G7 partners have an opportunity to contribute significantly to the strengthening of the values enshrined in the UN Charter – international peace and security, human rights and sustainable development, leaving no one behind. They remain a beacon of hope for the future and an inspiration for our collective action.
Antonio Tajani is the Italian vice president of the council of ministers and minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation
