Université Paris-Saclay joins the world’s leading universities to support the responsible development of AI

During the U7+ Alliance Summit, held at the University of Ottawa on 22 and 23 April 2025, the presidents of more than 50 universities from five continents reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with G7 leaders and other governments to ensure an ethical, fair and sustainable development of Artificial Intelligence. Sandrine Lacombe, a professor at Université Paris-Saclay and the university’s representative officer for European and international networks, represented Université Paris-Saclay at the event.

At a time when advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming economies and societies worldwide, the U7+ alliance - which brings together some of the world's leading universities in G7 nations and in 12 Global South countries - published a joint statement at the end of its annual summit, which was held this year at the University of Ottawa, Canada, on 22 and 23 April 2025, calling for strong collaboration with governments to support this transformation.

Universities, as independent actors guided by research, education, and service to communities, have a vital role to play in driving technological innovation, educating future workforces, and preparing informed public policy. While AI offers major solutions for global challenges, from climate change to public health, it also creates significant risks in terms of trust, security and the digital divide.

Keen to ensure that innovation does not worsen inequalities, the alliance members stressed the need to develop an open and fair ecosystem in which universities, start-ups and major digital stakeholders can work together. U7+ is now calling on public authorities to step up their support, in particular through targeted investment in research, education and the introduction of public policies adapted to specific AI challenges.

Sandrine Lacombe, the university’s representative officer for European and international networks, spoke on behalf of Université Paris-Saclay at the U7+ summit, reaffirming its position in favour of the responsible development of artificial intelligence.