Top 10 Takeaways From the G7

The leaders of the G7 met in Schloss-Elmau, Germany June 7^th through the 8^th to collaborate on a variety of topics ranging from international security to climate change and global health. The G7 Leaders’ Declaration, released at the end of the summit, highlights key commitments made during the summit. Here are the top 10 takeaways, in no particular order. 1. Russia’s Second Absence Russia was absent from the G7 Summit for the second year in a row due to its continued involvement with the conflict in Ukraine. G7 leaders reiterated that they will not recognize Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. The leaders announced increased consequences for Russia if they do not withdraw their cross-border support for the separatists; the G7 has already implemented high sanctions on Russia and expressed its willingness to increase these penalties. After seeing increased fighting on Ukraine’s eastern front, all sides in the conflict were encouraged to uphold their ends of the Minsk Agreements, which have largely failed to take effect. 2. Encouraging a Peaceful, Nuclear Iran G7 leaders discussed their mutual focus on global nuclear safety at the Summit, specifically addressing Iran’s development of nuclear capabilities. An agreement between the E3+3 and Iran regarding the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program is planned to be reached by June 30. This agreement is also expected to ensure that Iran does not come into possession of a nuclear weapon. Beyond Iran, the G7 leaders discussed the universalization of treaties, like the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Chemical Weapons Convention, that aim to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass-destruction. 3. Time for Libya to act G7 leaders discussed methods for combating terrorism and extremism, as well as promoting international security. They raised specific concerns about growing terrorism threats coming out of Libya, as well as concerns about migrant smuggling and arms proliferation in the state. Leaders stated that an agreement must be reached in Libya to prevent further instability. The G7 emphasized that now is the best time for Libya to establish political agreements, rather than fight and further strain the Libyan public. The G7 leaders ensured their preparedness to support Libya once it reaches agreements. Also on the topic of terrorism, the heads of state of Iraq, Nigeria, and Tunisia were present at the Summit and commended by the G7 leaders for their work to combat terrorism in their respective states. 4. Working towards International Security The Summit included a wide array of discussions on the topic of international security, ranging from multilateral treaties to migrant trafficking. G7 Leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral treaties, as well as the Arms Trade Treaty, which fully came into effect back in December 24, 2014. In regards to increased tensions in the East and South China Seas, leaders discussed the need to maintain order and peaceful settlements in the maritime domain. The leaders also expressed their concerns about increasing numbers of refugees globally and affirmed they will work to prevent the trafficking of migrants, which often results from humanitarian crises and conflict. 5. Commitment to Trade The G7 Summit featured discussion on trade as leaders affirmed their commitment to reduce trade barriers and desire to maintain open markets and improve global competitiveness. The focus for 2015, according to the G7 Leaders’ Declaration, should be on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) being put into force. The G7 leaders also called for agreement on the WTO post-Bali program by July. Both these efforts, concerning the TFA and post-Bali program, promise to lay the groundwork for a successful 10th WTO Ministerial Conference. Leaders also supported progress on major trade negotiations like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the EU-Japan FTA/Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). 6. Climate Change Is Real and Really Expensive Members of the G7 Summit emphasized the legitimacy and fierce consequences of climate change, referencing their global goal of ensuring that the global average temperature increase does not exceed two degrees Celsius. In line with the Copenhagen Accord, members reaffirmed their commitment to jointly mobilize 100 billion USD a year by 2020 to address the environmental needs of developing countries. The leaders also acknowledged the potential of both public and private institutions in achieving this commitment. Further supporting vulnerable developing countries, the G7 announced their goal of increasing the number of individuals with climate risk insurance coverage by up to 400 million by 2020. 7. Re-Affirmation to Improve Sustainable Development and a Lack of Concrete Commitments Taking into account a global goal of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030, the G7 re-stated their commitment to achieve a Post-2015 Development Agenda. The agenda will integrate environmental, economic and social factors into a sustainable development plan to complete the Millennium Development Goals. Furthermore, G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increase sustainable development through the Third International Financing for Development Conference in Addis Ababa and the Climate Change Conference in Paris, both of which dictate the future climate and sustainable development agenda. 8. Increased Food Security and Decreased Malnutrition The G7 announced their goal of mobilizing 500 million people in developing countries out of hunger and malnutrition by 2030. The G7 Broad Food Security and Nutrition Development Approach aims to substantially contribute to this goal. 9. Commitment to Prevent Future Epidemics The G7 highlighted the recent Ebola epidemic and committed to help at least 60 countries, over the next five years, implement the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations. These regulations aid in preventing, detecting and adequately responding to public health emergencies. Members notably committed to eradicate all cases of Ebola. Although Ebola took the center stage in discussions about global health, the G7 agreed to foster prudent use and research of antibiotics, in part to achieve their commitment to end preventable child deaths and improve maternal health worldwide. Finally, the G7 promised to continue combating neglected tropical diseases. 10. Support of Female Entrepreneurship and Increased Gender Equality In an effort to increase gender equality, G7 leaders determined common principles to increase women’s entrepreneurship. These include boosting women’s awareness of their ability to become entrepreneurs and promoting their access to leadership opportunities and skills. Additionally, G7 leaders agreed to work to increase the number of women in developing countries who receive technical and vocational education, through G7 assistance, by one-third by 2030. The next summit will unfold under the Japanese presidency. Whether Russia will be absent for the third time in a row remains unknown. To read all about the G7, get the latest special edition of the Diplomatic Courier on iStore, Google Play, or Amazon.