HIROSHIMA, Japan — The G7 Summit 2023 will take place in the city of Hiroshima, Japan, the first city in history to be a target of a nuclear bomb. The yearly global conference unites the heads of G7 member countries — France, the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the European Union (EU).
The summit is a platform where leaders committed to freedom, democracy, and human rights, engage in frank discussions about pressing issues affecting the global community. Their deliberations result in a formal document reflecting their shared viewpoints.
This year’s discussions will primarily focus on the Ukraine-Russia war, the threat of ສົງຄາມນິວເຄຼຍ, the struggling economy, and the climate.
The leaders paid tribute to the lives lost in Hiroshima at the end of World War II when the US dropped the atomic bomb named “Little Boy” on the city. The bombing destroyed most of the city, and it’s estimated that over 100,000 people died.
There have been protests against the G7 summit across the city, with some shouting slogans such as “G7 is the cause of the war.” Some have called for President Biden to apologize for the actions of the US — something the White House has said “no” to. Mass protests across the city have also called for the leaders to take action against the threat of nuclear war in the wake of the Ukraine-Russia crisis.
The statement listed a range of sanctions against Russia:
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Rishi Sunak says China is the biggest threat to global security
The prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, has announced that China presents the most significant global challenge to worldwide security and prosperity.
According to Sunak, China is unique because it is the only nation with the capability and the will to change the existing world order.
Despite this, he emphasized that the UK and other G7 nations intend to join together to address these challenges instead of isolating China.
His comments came at the end of a summit that was majorly dominated by discussions about Ukraine.
G7 calls for global standards on artificial intelligence
G7 leaders called for the establishment and adoption of technical standards to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) remains “trustworthy.” They voiced concerns that regulation hasn’t kept up with the rapid growth of AI technology.
Despite different approaches to achieving reliable AI, the leaders agreed that the rules should reflect shared democratic values. This follows the European Union’s recent steps toward possibly passing the world’s first comprehensive AI legislation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for AI systems to be accurate, reliable, safe, and non-discriminatory, regardless of origin.
The G7 leaders also highlighted the immediate need to understand the opportunities and challenges of generative AI, a subset of AI technology exemplified by the ChatGPT app.
Statement on economic resilience and economic security
The G7 leaders emphasized their priority of building mutually beneficial partnerships and promoting resilient, sustainable value chains to reduce global economic risks and enhance sustainable development. They acknowledged the vulnerabilities of global economies to natural disasters, pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and coercion.
Reflecting on their 2022 commitment, they plan to strengthen their strategic coordination to boost economic resilience and security, decrease vulnerabilities, and counter harmful practices. This approach complements their efforts to improve supply chain resilience, as stated in the G7 Clean Energy Economy Action Plan.
They highlight the importance of cooperation within the G7 and with all partners to bolster global economic resilience, including supporting the integration of low and middle-income countries into supply chains.
ທີ່ມາ: https://www.g7hiroshima.go.jp/documents/pdf/session5_01_en.pdfCommon endeavor for a resilient and sustainable plan
The G7 Hiroshima Summit Session 7 centered on climate, energy, and the environment. The meeting included leaders from G7 countries, eight other nations, and seven international organizations.
The participants concurred on the need for a holistic approach to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. They stressed the urgency of worldwide collaboration on the “climate crisis.”
They agreed on the goal of achieving net-zero emissions, discussed the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and the importance of resilient clean energy supply chains and critical minerals.
The attendees pledged to cooperate more closely on environmental issues to combat plastic pollution, protect biodiversity, forests, and address marine pollution.
ທີ່ມາ: https://www.g7hiroshima.go.jp/en/topics/detail041/Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in Hiroshima
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Japan over the weekend to attend the G7 summit in Hiroshima. Contrary to initial reports suggesting he would only participate virtually, Zelensky physically attended the meeting, possibly to enhance his appeal for more robust aid.
Standing out in his distinctive hoodie among formally dressed diplomats, Zelensky aimed to increase support from the world’s wealthiest democracies amid concerns that the West could become weary of the costs and repercussions of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zelensky hopes that his in-person presence could help overcome any hesitation from countries like the US and UK to supply more potent weapons to Ukraine and may sway countries like India and Brazil, who have been neutral so far, to support his cause.
Throughout the meeting, Zelensky consulted with allies and sought support from others, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Zelensky’s quest to rally more military aid for Ukraine continued as he addressed the G7 leaders on Sunday.
World leaders pay respects at Hiroshima memorial
The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) paid their respects to the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings during World War II.
In the Peace Memorial Park, they visited the memorial and placed floral wreaths at the cenotaph, a gesture of respect facilitated by Japanese schoolchildren.
G7 action against Russia
Economic sanctions included restricting Russia’s access to vital resources for its military and industrial sectors. Essential exports, including machinery and technology, will be limited. In addition, key sectors such as manufacturing and transportation will be targeted, excluding humanitarian products.
The group pledged to reduce their reliance on Russian energy and commodities and support other countries in diversifying their supplies. Russia’s use of the financial system will be targeted further by preventing Russian banks in other countries from being used to bypass current sanctions.
The G7 aims to curtail the trade and usage of Russian diamonds by working closely with key partners.
To prevent Russia from bypassing the sanctions, the group said that third-party countries would be informed, and there would be severe costs to third parties supporting Russia’s aggression.
ທີ່ມາ: https://www.g7hiroshima.go.jp/documents/pdf/230519-01_g7_en.pdf
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