The annual summit of the U7+ university alliance centered around artificial intelligence and how universities can help to drive it forward. Held at the University of Ottawa in Canada on April 22 and 23, 2025, it welcomed the leaders of the U7+ member universities—specifically, 85 representatives of 42 universities from 16 different countries, including 37 presidents. The University of Bonn was represented by two high-ranking figures in the form of its Rector Professor Michael Hoch and Vice Rector for International Affairs Professor Birgit Ulrike Münch.
The University of Bonn regards the U7+ alliance as one of its most important networks for discussing global challenges and devising solutions together. “What I value most about the work that goes on within the U7+ is how the alliance puts joint projects straight into practice,” Vice Rector Münch explained. “It’s the first coalition of university leaders to set out both its individual and global challenges in order to engage in direct dialogue with the heads of government of the G7 countries and the Global South. It’s characterized by a very open language based on trust and by the highly specific measures that are debated and decided on. Representatives of the government and the embassies of the member countries are in attendance at each one of its annual summits.”
International academic dialogue more important than ever
Rector Michael Hoch also stressed the need to work together: “In light of the multifarious crises that the academic world, like everyone else, is grappling with at the moment, dialogue with partners is becoming increasingly important. The members of the U7+ are committed to supporting freedom of expression and academic freedom at institutional and individual level as well as to understanding AI’s impact on universities and society in both the Global North and Global South. These days in particular, it’s perhaps more important than ever to be part of such a strong group—as one of just five German universities.”
Rector Hoch joined the leaders of the Georgetown University, the University of London, UCLA and the University of Cape Town on the panel for the “Campus Dialogue” session, where he discussed how universities are committed to safeguarding the free exchange of ideas and required to make space for difficult conversations but at the same time have to defend community norms for all their members.
Universities keen to play a leading part in shaping AI governance
In a joint communiqué, the members of the U7+ reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to drive new innovations in artificial intelligence while offering expertise in addressing its impacts. As independent actors, the universities see themselves as being uniquely positioned to play a leading part in shaping AI governance. The alliance is thus committed to cooperating with G7 leaders to ensure that AI benefits societies globally. In particular, universities could be set for a central role in training the next generation of AI experts, supporting continual professional development measures and efforts to raise awareness, and formulating transparent guidelines for the safe, secure and ethical use of AI. To this end, the alliance is calling on the G7 to support universities in AI research, invest in AI training and establish platforms for North-South collaboration. The communiqué was officially delivered to the Canadian government at the summit.
