The G7 science academies have come together to issue joint statements and guidance to their respective governments ahead of the upcoming summit in Puglia, Italy. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences collaborated with academies from Italy, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom to create these statements. The Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei in Rome organized the statements under different categories.
One area that received significant attention in the joint statements is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society. The academies emphasized the importance of globally coordinated and inclusive governance to address concerns related to AI use. 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.
Health issues were also highlighted in the statements. The academies stressed the need for concerted global initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), strengthen national health systems, and mitigate climate change’s impact on public health. They emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to identify potential novel pathogens and their natural reservoirs in other species.
In terms of agricultural security and safety, the joint statements called for investment in monitoring and rehabilitating microbial biodiversity in soil. Additionally, traditional knowledge and emerging technology should be integrated into agricultural management practices. Finally, trade patterns that support sustainable agriculture and food systems were promoted as crucial steps towards ensuring resilience and sustainability in agricultural practices.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine operate under a congressional charter signed by President Lincoln in 1863 provide independent, objective analysis and advice to inform public policy decisions related to science, engineering, and medicine. Their collaboration with other G7 science academies underscores the critical role that global cooperation plays in addressing complex challenges such as those faced by agriculture sector.
Overall, these joint statements highlight some of the most pressing issues facing agriculture today while offering recommendations on how they can be addressed through coordinated global initiatives that prioritize transparency, sustainability, equity