In an era defined by rapid technological change and global uncertainty, McGill University joined 41 other institutions from 16 countries at the 2025 U7+ Presidential Summit in Ottawa to chart a collaborative, ethical path forward for artificial intelligence. The summit, hosted by the University of Ottawa and co-sponsored by McGill, aimed to inform G7 discussions ahead of the June leaders’ meeting in Kananaskis and underscored the vital role universities play in shaping data-informed public policy.
The theme of this year’s summit — AI governance — reflects growing international concern about the responsible development and application of artificial intelligence. The resulting communiqué, The Role of Universities in Advancing AI, emphasizes universities’ responsibilities in AI research, training, and governance and called on G7 leaders to partner meaningfully with academia.
Reflecting on the role of universities in tackling global challenges, Vice-President Anja Geitmann emphasized the importance of academic diplomacy and international collaboration. “At their best, universities are engines of progress and conscience,” she noted. “We are uniquely positioned to ensure that technological advancements, like AI, serve humanity, rather than the other way around."
McGill is honoured to stand alongside distinguished institutions in shaping the global conversation, and to reaffirm its commitment to collaboration and ethical innovation.
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Photo: McGill President Deep Saini moderates a Q&A session with Ambassador Bob Rae, Canada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and U7+ Summit participants.
