by InTrieste
Italy has welcomed world leaders to the sun-kissed shores of its southern Puglia region for the annual summit of the Group of Seven (G7) at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort from June 13-15. The three-day gathering, under the stewardship of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, promises to unite heads of state from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
A wide-ranging agenda awaits the summit participants, with critical discussions slated on issues spanning Africa, climate change, Middle East conflicts, Russia’s actions in Ukraine, migration challenges, Indo-Pacific economic security, artificial intelligence, and energy dynamics across Africa and the Mediterranean.
The European Union will be a steadfast participant in all deliberations, with the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission in attendance. Notably, this summit marks a historic moment as Pope Francis becomes the first pontiff to join the G7 leaders, offering insights on artificial intelligence during his address scheduled for Friday. The pontiff is expected to engage in bilateral dialogues with visiting dignitaries upon request.
Beyond the core G7 membership, Italy has extended invitations to several international leaders including those from Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates. Heads of key international organizations such as the IMF, OECD, United Nations, and the World Bank will also participate.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella will further enhance the summit’s profile by hosting an official dinner for G7 leaders in Brindisi on June 13, underscoring Italy’s diplomatic finesse and hospitality.
Prime Minister Meloni, who arrived at Borgo Egnazia earlier this week accompanied by her daughter Ginevra, will use the tranquil surroundings not only to finalize preparations but also to unwind following her party’s electoral triumph in the recent European elections. The right-wing Fratelli d’Italia party’s success solidifies her standing domestically and within the EU.
Nestled in Savelletri, Borgo Egnazia boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and will treat its distinguished guests to wines from the vineyard of veteran TV journalist Bruno Vespa. The resort, a favorite among celebrities such as Madonna and the Beckhams, gained international renown as the venue for Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s 2012 nuptials.
This summit marks Italy’s seventh occasion hosting the prestigious G7 gathering and the inaugural summit held in Puglia, following previous assemblies in Venice (1980, 1987), Naples (1994), Genoa (2001), L’Aquila (2009), and Taormina (2017).
Puglia, known for its breathtaking coastlines and pristine beaches, anticipates a surge in global tourism spotlighted by the international media coverage of this high-profile event.
