Key takeaways from the G7 Summit 2024 held at the luxury Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, Italy.

By Nichola Marie 

For many fans of the premiers of Italy and India respectively, the highlight of the G7 Summit 2024 was the bonhomie between the two leaders, captured in a viral video that had Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi beaming as the former quipped, “Hello from the Melodi team.” ‘Melodi’, for those who have been living under a rock, is a mash-up of the two leaders’ surnames; a term that went viral on social media after the leaders’ bilateral meeting last year.

Viral videos aside, like every year, the leaders of the world’s seven largest economies met to discuss economic and political issues at the Group of Seven (G7) Summit. Hosted by Italy and held in Borgo Egnazia (Fasano) in Apulia, Italy, from June 13-15, 2024, the summit brought together the leaders of the seven member states, namely Canada, France, Germany, Italy (host), Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union, as well as the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission representing the European Union. India was among the 12 countries invited. 

The world leaders attending the summit discussed a range of global challenges. Here are some of the issues that were deliberated, as summarised by the World Economic Forum…

Support For Ukraine
In the presence of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, the G7 agreed on continued support for Ukraine. This included making around $50 billion in loans available to help the country in its fight against Russia’s invasion. The money will be generated by the proceeds of Russian assets that have been frozen as a result of the war.

Gaza Ceasefire
The leaders agreed to endorse a deal outlined by US President Joe Biden that would lead to an “immediate ceasefire in Gaza.” They also called for a “significant and sustained” increase in humanitarian assistance.

Artificial Intelligence
Pope Francis, who became the first Pontiff to participate in the work of the G7, said that AI represented an “epochal transformation” for mankind, but also emphasised the need for humans to not lose control over the technology and to ensure human life and dignity are preserved. The G7 affirmed the importance of creating international partnerships to ensure all people can access the benefits of AI. Leaders agreed to launch an action plan on using AI in the world of work, and to step up coordination towards a shared understanding of risk management and advance international standards for AI development and deployment.

Migration
Leaders discussed how they could work to focus on the root causes of ‘irregular migration’, enhance border management, and tackle organised crime and people smuggling.

Economic Security
The G7 committed to working together – ensuring its “toolkits to respond to harmful practices” are fit for purpose, for example – and protecting critical and sensitive technology so it cannot be used to undermine peace and security while avoiding broader restrictions on international trade and investment. Leaders also pledged to build new partnerships with developing countries to increase their participation in global supply chains.

Energy, Climate & The Environment
The leaders reiterated their commitment to tackling climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, while keeping a limit of 1.5°C global temperature rise “within reach.”

Health & Food Security
Leaders joined Italy in launching the Apulia Food Systems Initiative, which aims to overcome structural barriers to food security and nutrition, and build resilient and sustainable agriculture systems. Leaders committed to take action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including through a high-level meeting on AMR at the United Nations General Assembly later this year.

Development
The G7 gave a commitment to work with organisations to help countries tackle mounting debt burdens that affect their abilities to make vital progress on sustainable development goals (SDGs). There was also a focus on supporting Africa in achieving sustainable development and local value creation. 

India’s Balancing Act
Despite foreign policy challenges amid geopolitical shifts such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and complex US-China dynamics, India continues to hold its own in global affairs. PM Modi’s visit to Italy for the G7 Summit — his fifth consecutive appearance — reiterates the country’s neutral stance on US resolutions against Russia, while strongly condemning Hamas’ attacks on Israel. As ‘Firstpost’ notes, “India’s significant presence at the G7 Summit, coupled with PM Modi’s diplomacy, marks a pivotal moment in its global engagement. By advocating for the Global South in the G7, India continued efforts to emerge as a leader of developing nations in a China-fearing world.”

Venue Wows
A snapshot of Borgo Egnazia exuding Puglian village charm… 

Veering away from the distractions of the capital city, Italy chose to host the world leaders at a luxury retreat in the country’s south. Borgo Egnazia, perched on a cliff overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea, was the setting for the G7 Summit. Nestled amidst the olive groves and rolling countryside of Puglia, the luxury resort, with 192 rooms and a maze of passageways and arches leading onto a village square, provided ample space including private gardens and swimming pools, for the world premiers to unwind. 

A family-run hotel, opened in 1996 by owner Marisa Melpignano, it is no stranger to A-list guests. Borgo Egnazia had been the venue for the wedding of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, which was conducted in the hotel’s chapel. It has also hosted Madonna and the Beckhams. 

Designed to echo a traditional Puglian village, the whitewashed stone buildings with terracotta roofs surrounding a central piazza, evoke a feeling of intimacy and community. The gardens are studded with fruit trees. The interiors showcase local traditional craftsmanship with hand-painted ceramics, intricate mosaics, and woven textiles exuding quiet, understated luxury. 

A range of restaurants including Michelin-starred, pizza and seafood respectively, a private beach and club, world-class spa, and four distinctive swimming pools comprise some of its other charms.