G7 leaders to discuss AI, global imbalances, and Iran tensions at Evian summit

In short: G7 leaders meeting in Évian-les-Bains are scheduled to discuss artificial intelligence alongside global economic imbalances and security risks involving Iran and the wider Middle East.

What happened

France, which holds the G7 presidency in 2026, has put “reducing global economic imbalances” at the center of the summit. In plain terms, leaders are looking at problems like too much industrial production in some places, too little investment in others, rising debt, and weak private investment in developing countries.

Artificial intelligence is being discussed as part of that same package. The summit agenda lists AI together with global economic governance, supply chains for critical minerals, development financing, and protecting minors online.

France’s finance and digital work streams also start with a focus on “safe AI for the common good.” That means leaders want to talk about how to get the benefits of AI while lowering risks, like having safety rules for a powerful tool that many people can use (like setting standards for cars so roads are safer).

Executives from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and Mistral AI are expected to join AI-related sessions. Their input is likely to be used in talks about online safety, including how to protect children.

The AI conversation builds on earlier G7 work such as the Hiroshima AI Process. Past discussions have stressed “trustworthy” AI, including clearer standards, ways to hold companies accountable, and limits on higher-risk uses like facial recognition and spyware.

Why it matters

These topics connect because instability can spread. AI can shape jobs, misinformation, and child safety online, while economic stress and Middle East tensions can affect energy prices and supply chains that show up in everyday costs.

Source: NYTimes