Generative AI is already transforming the way children grow, learn, and build relationships. But are we creating tools that foster their autonomy—or their dependence?

This was the central question explored during the roundtable held on June 15 under the G7 banner, organized by the Paris Peace Forum, everyone.AI, and the Human Technology Foundation on the theme: "G7, AI and Children: Building Beneficial GenAI for Children."

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Several powerful perspectives were shared:

🔹 Sarah El Haïry, High Commissioner for Childhood, emphasized the urgency of the issue, noting that one in three young people report preferring to interact with an AI rather than with a real person.

🔹 Anne Le Hénanff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, highlighted the G7's commitments to strengthen platform accountability, expand age verification measures, and accelerate international research cooperation.

🔹 Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer at OpenAI, advocated for global AI governance based on cooperation rather than unilateral decision-making.

🔹 Matthieu Delescluse, Head of Unit for AI Safety at the EU AI Office (DG CNECT), reminded participants that the AI Act already prohibits the exploitation of children's vulnerabilities. Protecting minors must be addressed at every level—from AI models and platforms to education.

🔹 Josianne Galea Baron, Chief Rights and Business Specialist at UNICEF, stressed that young people must be involved in decisions that affect them and that safety should be embedded into technology design from the outset.

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A special thank you to Minister Anne Le Hénanff for honoring us with her presence.

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Many thanks as well to our speakers and co-organizers: Sarah El Haïry, Maathilde Cerioli, Matthieu Delescluse, Olivier Esper, Chris Lehane, Eric Salobir, Josianne Galea Baron, Anne-Sophie Seret, Johanna Benesty, Amélie King, the teams at Boston Consulting Group, Justin Vaïsse, and Yann Bonnet.

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➡️ The event also provided an opportunity to present the Youth Manifesto, which can be discovered here

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