U7+ Presidential Summit Highlights Universities’ Role in Advancing responsible AI

Guided by its mission to define concrete, collective actions to address global challenges in coordination with government leaders in the G7 countries and beyond, the international alliance U7+ focuses on a specific theme each year. “The Role of Universities in Advancing AI” was the central theme on which university leaders focused at the annual U7+ 2025 summit held from April 22 to 23, 2025.

In alignment with the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada, scheduled for June 2025, members of the U7+ coalition — comprising university presidents from Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Africa — gathered in Canada, at the University of Ottawa, which is a U7+ member institution. The summit brought together representatives from 42 universities across 16 countries.

École Polytechnique, being a member of the alliance U7 since its creation, Laura Chaubard, President of École Polytechnique, was among the participants at the convention. Moreover, testifying to École Polytechnique’s thriving scientific contribution in advancing AI, Laura Chaubard was invited to speak at the opening panel session alongside Santa Ono, President of the University of Michigan. Chaired by Daniel Jutras, Rector of Université de Montréal, the session highlighted the pivotal role of universities in developing AI applications, facilitating workforce reskilling, and driving economic innovation. Yet, the panelists also addressed how universities can and must contribute to understanding and mitigating the negative impacts of AI.

Following in-depth discussions and analysis, the presidents of 40 member universities of the U7+ Alliance, including École Polytechnique, endorsed concrete commitments to reaffirm their commitment to shaping responsible and inclusive AI governance. They pledged to foster innovation in artificial intelligence while addressing its associated risks and contributing expertise to mitigate its societal impacts. 

As independent entities driven by research, education, and community service, universities are uniquely positioned to contribute to more equitable and resilient AI ecosystems and to support governments in navigating the rapid changes brought about by AI-driven technologies.

In their commitment to collaborate with G7 leaders and advocating that AI should serve the benefit of societies worldwide, the U7+ Alliance also issued recommendations to the G7 and other governments. Those were handed to the Canadian government during the summit by Jacques Fremont, President of the Université of Ottawa, and Meric Gertler, President of the University of Toronto, U7+ Chair.

In alignment with École Polytechnique’s commitment to serving the common interest, the commitments for a responsible advancement of AI taken by the university presidents of U7+ Alliance echo reflections expressed at the international scientific conference hosted at l’X earlier this year. Organized ahead of AI Action Summit organized by the French authorities in Paris, this international scientific conference focused on the impact of AI on science and society.