G7 Summit concludes, focused on creating economic growth 

At the Summit, G7 leaders talked about investing in economic growth that works for everyone and preparing people for the jobs of the future. They reaffirmed their commitment to advance gender equality, defend their democracies against foreign threats, and build a more peaceful and secure world. They also discussed climate change, oceans, and clean energy.

Yesterday, Canada, along with the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, announced an investment of nearly $3.8 billion CAD to support quality education for women and girls living in crisis, conflict-affected and fragile states. This funding represents the single largest investment of its kind in history. In the fight for greater equality, education is key—it gives women and girls the tools they need to make their own decisions about their future and live the life they want for themselves.

Throughout the Summit, leaders discussed the future of the economy and their shared responsibility to create sustainable economic growth that works for everyone, particularly those at risk of being left behind. They endorsed the Charlevoix Commitment on Equality and Economic Growth, which reinforces a common commitment to fight poverty, achieve gender equality, reduce income inequality, and ensure better access to financial resources so that everyone has a chance to earn a decent living. They also committed to build a common vision for the future of artificial intelligence and to champion innovative financing that supports international development and reinforces gender equality and women’s empowerment.

G7 leaders discussed how to tackle climate change, and the importance of investing in clean energy, and protecting our oceans and coastal communities. Recognizing that plastics pose a significant threat to our oceans, five countries have agreed to the Oceans Plastics Charter, which speaks to our common resolve to eradicate plastic pollution. This is a positive step for the environment and for businesses that will benefit from reducing the cost associated with plastic use. Building on this initiative, Canada will invest $100 million to rid our oceans of global marine litter and plastic pollution.

G7 leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities, which will promote sustainable oceans and fisheries, and support resilient coasts and coastal communities. Canada will invest $162 million to support these goals, and preserve the health and resilience of our oceans and coasts.

To build a more peaceful and secure world, leaders committed to take strong action in response to foreign actors who seek to undermine our democratic societies and institutions, our electoral processes, and our sovereignty. G7 leaders agreed to establish a G7 rapid response mechanism, which will strengthen coordination among our countries to identify and respond to these diverse and evolving threats. Through this initiative, G7 countries will share information and analysis, and identify new opportunities where we can work together to defend our democracies.

As leaders, we will ensure all workers have access to the skills and education they need to adapt and prosper in our rapidly changing global economy. In particular, we will expand training and education programs for women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), to ensure that we build a forward-looking economy for future generations.

On the margins of the G7 Summit, the Prime Minister also met with several world leaders and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, to promote increased cooperation and collaboration on global issues of mutual concern. They discussed gender equality, climate change, peace and security, as well as economic growth—themes that were at the forefront of Canada’s G7 Presidency.

Canada hopes that this year’s G7 marks the start of a new tradition where gender equality will continue to be a cross-cutting theme of G7 presidencies. In the coming months and years, we must continue to work together to spur innovation, put people first, and deliver growth that works for everyone. Together, the leaders have a real opportunity to improve the lives of their citizens and build stronger communities and economies. The discussions they had over the past two days will help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, and Canada looks forward to continue working with its partners to deliver meaningful solutions for people around the world.

“We are facing pressing social, economic and environmental challenges that transcend all borders. Only by working together will we find the innovative solutions we need to deliver meaningful results to people around the world. Canada is committed to working with other countries to fight inequalities, create economic growth that benefits everyone, and leave a better, healthier planet for future generations.” – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada