A “human-centric approach” to the adoption of artificial intelligence, combating transnational oppression, and establishing standards-based markets for critical minerals have all been agreed upon by G7 leaders; however, they have not agreed on holding Russia accountable for its war in Ukraine or securing a ceasefire in the Middle East. The seven world leaders wrapped up their summit in Alberta Tuesday without a unified communique on shared views, which has been the standard after past gatherings.
Instead, a series of joint statements were made at the summit on topics like migrant smuggling and transnational repression as well as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Australia, India, and South Korea are among the larger group of signatories who have pledged to collaborate in order to invest in environmentally friendly critical minerals projects. Along with the G7, Australia, India, Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa joined a wildfire charter that calls for cooperation in the fight against, prevention, and recovery from devastating fires. In response to the ongoing fighting between Israel and Iran, the leaders of the G7 issued a brief statement on Monday night calling for a de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. There was no collective effort to pressure Moscow into ceasefire negotiations or a final agreement on the war in Ukraine. Canada and other allies announced new Russian sanctions and aid for Ukraine on Tuesday, but the U.S. did not follow suit.
A senior Canadian government official told reporters on background that the U.S. sought weaker language on Ukraine and Russia than what other members proposed, resulting in no joint statement being issued.
The official stated that the United States’ efforts to negotiate a ceasefire or peace agreement with Russia and Ukraine made it difficult to reach an agreement on a statement regarding Ukraine. They added that Canada planned to use the stronger language that the other leaders had agreed upon in the closing chair’s statement, which will be released late Tuesday and does not require consensus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT
U.S. President Donald Trump left the summit a day early to deal with the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. He told reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington that “we did everything I had to do at the G7.”
The Prime Minister’s Office reported that after the two leaders met, they agreed to work toward a new economic and security agreement between Canada and the United States within the next 30 days.
G7 leaders agree on AI adoption, critical minerals, but not Ukraine
