G7 Apulia Summit Session 6 “Artificial Intelligence and Energy / Africa and Mediterranean” (Summary)

[Provisional translation]

On June 14, commencing at 2:55 p.m. (local time; 9:55 p.m. JST), Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, attended the G7 Apulia Summit Session 6 “Artificial Intelligence and Energy / Africa and Mediterranean,” in which G7 Leaders, along with the leaders of 11 invited countries and 5 international organizations, held discussions, for approximately 240 minutes. The overview is as follows.

1. In this session, the lead speakers, Pope Francis and President Ghazouani of Mauritania (Chair of the African Union (AU)), delivered opening remarks, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and the issues facing Africa, respectively.

2. AI
(1) Prime Minister Kishida appreciated that Italy, the G7 Presidency, for taking over the Hiroshima AI Process launched last year with Japan’s leadership, and for identifying AI as a key topic. He pointed out that while AI holds great potential for the development of mankind, it also presents risks including the spread of disinformation and cyberattacks, and stated that it is necessary to consider the impact of AI on labor and employment. Prime Minister Kishida pointed out that AI is a common issue for humankind which should be addressed by the whole international community. He stated the urgent need to establish governance to ensure safe, secure, and trustworthy AI for the people around the world, and it is necessary to ensure the balance between innovation promotion and rules.

(2) With regard to AI ethics, Prime Minister Kishida explained that respect for fundamental human values is the core of AI ethics, and that Japan has been advancing an AI strategy based on the fundamental principle of creating a “society where human dignity is respected.” In addition, he highlighted Japan’s contributions to discussions at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as well as its support for developing countries on AI ethics.

(3) Regarding AI governance, Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the importance of implementing the International Guiding Principles and Code of Conduct formulated last year through the Hiroshima AI Process, as well as advancing efforts on AI governance beyond the G7. He stated that Japan kicked off the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group in May of this year, which has already garnered participation from over 50 countries and regions, and that Japan would like to continue cooperation on AI governance. Additionally, he stressed the importance of Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) as its prerequisite.

(4) With regard to support for developing countries, Prime Minister Kishida pointed out the importance of resolving the digital divide to ensure that the benefits of AI reach developing countries. He introduced that Japan is providing support for developing countries, including capacity building and infrastructure development assistance in the digital sector.

3. Energy
(1) Prime Minister Kishida pointed out that the use of AI is expected to lead to rapid increases in electricity demand, and that ensuring stable energy supply, which is the foundation for all social and economic activities, is an important issue. He stated that it remains important to understand energy security, the climate crisis, and geopolitical risks in an integrated manner and aim to achieve the common goal of net zero emissions through various pathways, in line with national circumstances without hindering economic growth. He expressed Japan’s intention to utilize all technologies and energy sources including hydrogen to promote innovation and contribute to the global decarbonization.

(2) Prime Minister Kishida pointed out that it is important to cooperate with producing countries of critical minerals, which have increasing demand due to the energy transition. He introduced Japan’s initiatives to promote the creation of added value in mineral-producing countries, through such initiatives as the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and the Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement (RISE). He further introduced Japan’s promotion of human resource development efforts, inviting mining researchers and administrators from many countries, and he expressed that Japan will continue such cooperation.

4. Africa and the Mediterranean Region
(1) Overview
Prime Minister Kishida introduced that Japan prioritizes Africa’s ownership and has been cooperating with Africa through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) for more than 30 years. He also stated that Japan will host the 9th TICAD (TICAD 9) in August of next year which will welcome leaders of African countries. Prime Minister Kishida stated that, focusing on young people who will shape Africa’s future, connectivity, and global governance, and building on the outcomes of the G7 this year, Japan will co-create solutions that contribute to the prosperity and transformation of both Japan and Africa. He also stated that Japan intends to further cooperate within the G20, taking into account that the AU joined the G20 last year and South Africa will assume the next G20 Presidency.

(2) Development
Prime Minister Kishida pointed out the importance of addressing the issue of the gap in development finance to support low-income and vulnerable countries, and the need for comprehensive efforts including mobilizing domestic resources and private capital, as well as Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) reform. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan will contribute to successful replenishments of the African Development Fund and others. In addition, raising the need to appropriately address debt issues, he stated that it is important for all creditor countries and debtor countries to have a shared recognition of the importance of transparent and fair development finance that complies with international rules. He also hoped for the promotion of efforts under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), which advances public and private investments in quality infrastructure. Furthermore, Prime Minister Kishida introduced that Japan has focused on the development of the West Africa Growth Ring, the Northern Corridor, and the Nacala Corridor, with a view to enhancing connectivity in Africa through infrastructure development.

(3) Food
Prime Minister Kishida pointed out that while the G7 and invited countries at the G7 Hiroshima Summit concurred on concrete collective actions, many nations still require support, and noted the urgent need to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agriculture and food systems. In addition, he stated that Japan will continue to contribute to food security in Africa, in collaboration with the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) , as an assistance focusing on soil health and climateresilient crops.

(4) Health
Prime Minister Kishida stated that in Africa, it is especially important to secure equitable access to medical countermeasures (MCMs), and that Japan will continue to contribute to this end, including the last mile delivery of MCMs.

(5) Peace and Stability
Prime Minister Kishida pointed out that peace and stability are essential for all of these efforts, and introduced Japan’s efforts in Africa including human resource development, border control support, and assistance for building judicial and administrative systems, for the purpose of consolidation of democracy and the strengthening of the rule of law. He stated that Japan would like to continue such cooperation.

5. Through this session, participants exchanged views on the challenges they each face and the measures they are taking to solve them, and confirmed the need to strengthen cooperation to address the issues especially in developing countries.