The science academies of the G7 countries have united to issue joint statements and guidance to their respective governments ahead of the G7 summit in Puglia, Italy in June. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences collaborated with academies from Italy, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom to create these statements.
One key area addressed in the joint statements is the impact of artificial intelligence on society. The academies emphasize the importance of globally coordinated and inclusive governance to address concerns related to the use of AI. Steps should be taken to protect AI systems from cyber and physical attacks, enforce standards for AI-generated content, and ensure equitable global access to high-performance computing.
In terms of health issues, the statements highlight the need for action on antimicrobial resistance, strengthening national health systems, and mitigating climate change’s impact on public health. The academies stress that coordinated global initiatives are necessary to identify potential novel pathogens and their natural reservoirs in other species.
When it comes to agriculture, the joint statements call for investment in monitoring and rehabilitating microbial biodiversity in soil, integrating traditional and emerging knowledge into agricultural management practices, and promoting trade patterns that support sustainable agriculture and food systems. These actions are seen as crucial steps towards ensuring agricultural practices’ resilience and sustainability.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences operate under a congressional charter signed by President Lincoln in 1863 provide independent analysis and advice on public policy decisions related to science, engineering
