June 22, 2022. SCHLOSS ELMAU, Germany.
The G7 Summit at Schloss Elmau, the highlight of the German Presidency, begins on Sunday. According to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the aim is to send out a “powerful signal” demonstrating that “our strong democracies are aware of their joint global responsibility” – something that is more important than ever in these turbulent times.
G7 Summit with a view of the Alps: the heads of state and government will be meeting at Schloss Elmau
Photo: Bundesregierung/Denzel
Even before the meeting of the Heads of State and Government, one thing is certain: the G7 remains an association of strong partners who stand together and are prepared to draw on their unity to solve global problems – through concrete initiatives and partnerships dedicated to climate, sustainable investment, global food security, global health and resilient democracies.
“The G7 will send out a clear signal for increased climate protection, enhanced international cooperation and greater global solidarity.” Federal Chancellor Scholz on 22 June 2022
G7 agenda more urgent than ever
There can be no question: the German G7 Presidency has certainly had to take on a heightened responsibility this year, not least in view of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which has moved to the top of the agenda. Solidarity and close cooperation are needed to mitigate its far-reaching impact.
But as Federal Chancellor Scholz put it, the war must not lead “us as the G7 to neglect our responsibility for global challenges such as the climate crisis and the pandemic. On the contrary: many of the goals we set ourselves at the beginning of the year have become even more pressing as a result of the change in the global situation.”
“Progress towards an equitable world”
“Progress towards an equitable world” – this is the goal Germany set itself on taking over the G7 Presidency at the beginning of the year, laying out five areas of action to guide the work of the G7.
“Progress towards an equitable world” – this is the goal of the German G7 Presidency
Photo: Bundesregierung
And of course, the G7 summit will also address the global consequences of the war in Ukraine – namely rising energy prices, scarce raw materials and the threat of worldwide famine. Nonetheless, many countries in the southern hemisphere are still struggling with the consequences of the pandemic.
“If we do not succeed in standing by these countries in solidarity, powers like Russia and China will take advantage,” warns Federal Chancellor Scholz. The Federal Government has therefore made a point of inviting influential representatives of the Global South to Elmau.
The message that is to go out from the G7 summit is “that the democracies of the world are standing together in the fight against Putin’s imperialism. But they are no less committed to the fight against hunger and poverty, and to combating health crises and climate change”. Federal Chancellor Scholz on 22 June 2022
Signal for peace and democracy
A strong, rules-based international order cannot be achieved without solidarity and cooperation among the world’s democracies – both within the G7 and beyond. Global partnerships and initiatives are needed to make real progress on the important challenges facing the world of the future.
This is why the G7 members are not just keeping to themselves in Elmau: Germany has invited five partner countries to attend the Summit, each of which embraces freedom and the rule of law: Argentina, India, Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa. The heads of state and government of these countries will travel to the Summit, while the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, will participate virtually.
In addition to the partner countries, the following international organisations are participating this year: the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Energy Agency (IEA). The G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC) is also represented.
An ambitious summit programme
Germany has already launched a number of initiatives under its Presidency and is seeking to achieve the following outcomes at the G7 Summit:
a global alliance for food security,
a pact to combat future pandemics,
a common position among democracies on the defence of open societies,
an open, cooperative Climate Club that promotes climate-friendly business and reduces competitive disadvantages
At their Summit in Elmau, the G7 Heads of State and Government will meet in various working sessions to discuss the extensive agenda. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, the heads of state and government of the partner countries and the chairpersons of the international organisations will also be involved.