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G7 countries: New code for secure artificial intelligence adopted
The U7+ Alliance summit at the University of Bonn discussed global challenges and AI governance among G7 countries.
G7 countries: New code for secure artificial intelligence adopted
The U7+ University Network Annual Summit took place on April 22 and 23, 2025 at the University of Ottawa, Canada. More than 85 representatives from 42 universities in 16 countries, including 37 rectors, came together to discuss global challenges and develop common solutions. The University of Bonn was founded by Rector Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael Hoch and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Birgit Ulrike Münch represented.
The U7+ Alliance plays a crucial role in international academic exchange for the University of Bonn. In her contribution, Vice-Rector Münch emphasized the importance of cooperation with the heads of government of the G7 countries as well as with partners from the global south. Rector Hoch highlighted the relevance of dialogue in times of crisis, which underlines the role of universities in the current geopolitical landscape.
Commitment to artificial intelligence
A central topic of the U7+ discussion was the responsibility of universities in the area of artificial intelligence (AI). Alliance members are committed to supporting freedom of expression and academic freedom, as well as addressing the impacts of AI. In a communiqué, the U7+ members reiterated their commitment to innovations in the field of AI and their expertise in dealing with the associated challenges.
The alliance called on G7 countries to intensify dialogue by supporting universities in AI research and investing in AI education. The creation of platforms for North-South cooperation was also considered useful. The communiqué was officially handed over to the Canadian government and shows the universities' commitment to actively assume responsibility for AI governance.
The G7 Code of Conduct for AI
Parallel to the activities of the U7+, the G7, consisting of Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Canada and the USA, has adopted a “Code of Conduct” for artificial intelligence. This code of conduct is aimed at developers of advanced AI systems and promotes the development of safe, trustworthy AI. Federal Digital Minister Dr. Volker Wissing played a significant role in this. He introduced the idea at the digital ministers' meeting in Takasaki in April 2023 and clarified the final points in discussions with US government representatives.
The code of conduct includes eleven principles that, among other things, require the early identification and mitigation of risks, transparency about the capabilities and limits of AI, and the labeling of AI-generated content. The responsible handling of data and the protection of personal information are also emphasized. The code is intended to provide developers with guidance for responsible AI development and at the same time serve as a basis for planned legal regulations in individual countries.
The G7 countries are calling on developers to take responsibility and ensure that AI is not used to harm democracies or support criminal activities. The EU Commission is also planning its own AI regulation, which should be presented by the end of 2023. This framework will be integrated into the international discourse on AI, which also includes discussions in the context of the Hiroshima process, launched on May 19, 2023.
Overall, it shows that both the U7+ Alliance and the G7 countries recognize the importance of responsible and ethically oriented development of artificial intelligence. Collaboration between universities and governments is seen as crucial to effectively address the challenges associated with AI and shape a secure digital future.
For further information about what was decided at the U7+ summit and the G7 resolutions, the reports from the University of Bonn as well as the official communications from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and international cooperation are helpful. These provide comprehensive insights into AI governance strategies and the role of educational institutions in this critical phase of technological development.