Cooperation Canada took part in the 2024 G7 Summit in Italy as a member of the Civil 7 (C7). This moment enabled Cooperation Canada and the entire sector to better prepare to assume leadership of the C7 in 2025, coinciding with Canada’s presidency of the G7. Paul Farran, Director of Policy and Advocacy, and the Policy Team at Cooperation Canada, share their thoughts on the outcome of the 2024 G7 Summit.
On Canada’s leadership of G7 in 2025
As Canada takes the helm of the G7 on its 50th anniversary, we must lead by example in addressing the world’s critical challenges. From the urgent fight against climate change and the need for sustainable investments in Africa to the relentless pursuit of gender equality, Canada’s presidency must embody progressive and ambitious leadership. This is Canada’s moment to set a bold agenda, demonstrating that we are not just part of the G7 but a guiding force for global progress and equity.
Cooperation Canada will take the helm of the C7 in 2025. We anticipate continued and inclusive engagement on the G7 this year and next with the Government of Canada.
Learn more about Cooperation Canada’s participation in the 2024 Civil 7 Summit in Italy.
On Canada’s position as a global player in international cooperation
With fires burning in all regions of the world, Canada must step up in its role as a global player for greater international cooperation. This year, G7 leaders have used the moment to claim that democracies can deliver, riding on the agreements reached on Ukraine and Africa. And most Canadians expect Canada to play an important role as a convener and leader in advancing global solidarity. Compared with its peers, Canada is at the bottom of the pack in terms of the development assistance it provides. A situation which needs to be addressed. Civil Society in Canada stands ready to continue and further its engagement with the Canadian Government in advancing policies which build on past initiatives and set a bold agenda going forward.
The 50th G7 in Canada in 2025 is a powerful moment for Canada to drive significant investment and attention to create a more just, safer and sustainable world, by meeting its obligations on climate change globally, and by continuing to lead with a focus on women’s rights and empowerment.
On the relevance of the G7 and open engagement
Forty years ago, G7 represented 50% of the global economy. This is down to 30% today. As its global influence shifts, so to must the way it operates. The Italians have set a precedent by inviting a number of regional powers and other partners to the Summit. Canada has an opportunity to build on this approach and to further engage civil society in setting a vision compatible not only with economic growth but more importantly with social justice and global solidarity.
On the Africa focus at the Italian G7
Partnership with Africa is not charity, it is an obligation to redress decades of global economic injustice and persistent colonial and predatory practices. What is also clear is that Canada needs Africa more than Africa needs Canada. G7 countries and others around the world are forging deep relationships on the African continent, including the Italian Mattei Plan and the American-sponsored PIGG plan. Canada risks falling behind without a clear and mutually beneficial vision. Unfortunately, African voices were limited in engaging in these discussions which directly impacted their continent during the G7. Canadian civil society expects more deliberate engagement with African leaders and civil society in driving forward such a vision.
Canada has also made some interesting announcements, including through its development finance institution – FinDev. In taking this forward, Canada has a clear interest in putting forward a coherent vision for its relations with the continent, without which it risks falling behind. This vision must cast attention to the global structures which are holding back sustainable development and which are needed to shift power to Africans in driving their development. Civil society also anticipates Canada to continue working towards its ambition of committing 50% of its development assistance to sub-Saharan Africa.
On Israel and Palestine
In the last 8 months, we have seen the Government of Canada demonstrate their ability to take effective positive action on several instances, including its vote in favour of a ceasefire on December 6th at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and the motion adopted on March 18th to stop arms transfers to Israel. Now again, as Parliament rises for the summer, is the time for Canada to take further decisive actions that match statements in support of international law.
Civil society in Canada expects Canada to press all parties to accept and immediately implement the ceasefire resolution adopted by the UN Security Council on June 10, freeing all hostages and ensuring no new occupation or territorial modification of Gaza. It further expects the halt of all arms transfers to Israel as well as robust diplomatic measures to pressure Israel to abide by the International Court of Justice order to stop the obstruction of humanitarian assistance.
Coming out of the G7 held last week, Canada and leaders of the G7 “deplored all losses of civilian lives equally and noted with great concern the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially women and children”. These words are meaningless unless concrete actions are taken to ensure the consistent respect of human life and international law by all parties.
On artificial intelligence
Institutions worldwide are struggling to keep pace with technological advancements. Most countries and organizations are reacting rather than proactively planning with regards to change being brought on by technological advancements and artificial intelligence (AI).
Seeing AI’s potential to impact all aspects of human life, and possibly even more so for vulnerable and disempowered populations, it is critical for Governments, through multilateral institutions, to urgently agree to a cadre and systems which frame the development and use of AI. And in doing so, civil society in Canada and worldwide must have a seat at the table, a genuine and plural voice.
The G7, with the power it holds economically, as well as in its control of technology, has a unique responsibility to work for immediate coordinated, multilateral, and multistakeholder engagement on framing AI development and use in a human centred manner. Civil society must be involved in decision-making processes to safeguard against misuse and to promote transparency and accountability in the implementation of these technologies.
The digital divide has exacerbated global inequality. For instance, older adults are less connected than younger people, women have less access to the internet compared to men, and internet access is significantly lower in low-income countries. Within developed countries, significant disparities exist, such as only 24% of households in Indigenous communities in Canada having quality high-speed internet compared to 94% of the general population. Concrete measures are required to address these inequalities.
On climate change
There is an urgent need for G7 countries, which are amongst those who have historically been and continue to be the biggest polluters, to take serious action in terms of transitioning away from fossil fuels, as agreed in Dubai by the international community in 2023. This cannot wait till Canada takes the helm of the G7 in 2025. The C7 and Canadian civil society further urge G7 countries and other big polluters to set up climate finance mechanisms to support vulnerable populations who are bearing the brunt of unchecked development in higher-income countries.
On sexual and reproductive rights and health
Women’s rights are under attack in too many countries right now. We need democratic actors, especially the G7, to stand for human rights, including sexual health and reproductive rights. Those basic rights must include safe and legal access to abortion.
We are baffled that at this moment in time, the G7 does not stand up clearly and strongly to counter the anti-rights movement in ensuring that women maintain agency over their own bodies.
