What is the G7 Summit? 

The Group of Seven - or G7 for short - is an organisation made up of the world's seven richest nations: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.  

Every year, since the 1970s, the leaders of these countries have gathered to discuss the most pressing global issues. This year marks the 47th meeting of the G7 and it is the first time in two years that the G7 leaders have met after last year’s meeting was cancelled due to COVID.  

At the end of the summit, a statement of intent is issued, outlining what has been agreed. 

Where is the G7? 

Each member country takes it in turn to host the two-day G7 summit and take on the year-long Presidency. This year the UK is hosting the G7 summit and holds the Presidency. The key meeting with the G7 leaders will take place from June 11th to June 13th in Carbis Bay, Cornwall. 

What will happen at the 2021 G7 summit?  

This G7 meeting is a crucial moment for world leaders to unite in building back better from COVID for a fairer world. Boris Johnson is expected to use this moment to talk about global recovery from coronavirus and tackling climate change. 

Who will be at the G7? 

The heads of the governments expected to be flying into the UK to attend the G7 are: 

This will be the first G7 summit to take place since Joe Biden was elected US president. 

COVID and Climate Change: What are the key issues for this year’s G7? 

The UK government has announced that the focus for this year’s G7 summit will be on global trade, strengthening global response for any future pandemics and tackling climate change. 

Boris Johnson has said he will ask G7 leaders to “build back better” from the coronavirus pandemic and “create a greener, more prosperous future”.  

What is the IRC calling for from G7 leaders? 

The UK Presidency must ensure that famine prevention, tackling climate change, supporting the COVID-19 economic recovery, and gender equality is high on the agenda for this year’s G7. 

World leaders are convening at the G7 summit at a time of unprecedented global crisis and humanitarian needs are rising. 

The G7 represents a chance for change and it is a crucial test for “Global Britain”.

G7 leaders must act now on conflict, climate change and COVID to end the hunger crisis 

Famine is a preventable, man-made humanitarian disaster. Conflict remains the largest driver of hunger, while the economic shock from COVID-19 and climate change exacerbate the issue. Fragile and conflict countries must be prioritised. 

As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more extreme, people in the poorest countries will suffer, especially women and girls. 

Without urgent action, an estimated 270 million will be at risk of acute food insecurity, in 2021. 

“We urgently need assertive action from G7 leaders to avert a hunger catastrophe of a magnitude and severity we have never seen before,” said Melanie Ward, IRC’s executive director for the UK. 

We must prioritise fragile and conflict countries. 

The G7 must take a feminist approach in the fight against hunger, climate change and famine.  

We have witnessed a major step back in progress towards gender equality, as women and girls have been disproportionately impacted by food insecurity, conflict, climate change and the COVID pandemic.  

The inclusion of women as carers, food growers, activists and peacebuilders in their communities is crucial for driving climate resilience and tackling food insecurity. We must champion women’s leadership in the fight. 

UK aid cuts must be reversed 

The UK is set to spend 40% less on humanitarian aid than before the pandemic. If Boris Johnson hopes to persuade other countries to increase funding for climate finance or for tackling famine, the UK must lead by example and return to its longstanding commitment to spend 0.7% of its national income on aid.