French G7 Presidency [fr]

See the G7 France website

In addition to addressing the economic issues it focused on initially, the G7 is now a forum for concertation where common responses are found for major global challenges including peace and security, counter-terrorism, development, education, health, the environment and climate change.

Five goals for fighting inequality

In 2019, in order to reduce inequality of opportunity and give everyone the same chances in life, regardless of where they were born, where they live, or their gender, and to ensure global stability and peace, France has set a number of goals and priorities for its G7 Presidency:

• fighting inequality of opportunity, promoting in particular gender equality, access to education and high-quality health services;
• reducing environmental inequality by protecting our planet through climate finance and a fair ecological transition, based on preserving biodiversity and the oceans;
• promoting more fair and equitable trade, tax and development policies;
• taking action for peace, against security threats and terrorism which weaken the foundations of our societies;
• tapping into the opportunities created by digital technology and artificial intelligence in an ethical and human-oriented way.

A new format

This G7 will not just be a meeting between the governments of the seven countries but rather an opportunity to work more broadly with everyone who shares our values and is willing to take action to move forward together.

Therefore other countries will be invited to take part in the debates and negotiations at Head of State and Government level, as well as in preparatory meetings throughout the year. Particular emphasis will be placed on a number of African countries, as Africa is a special partner and a key centre for development challenges, but also for opportunities to build future equality.

Working hand in hand with international organizations is also a priority of the G7 Presidency and it will seek to enhance synergies with and among them.

Finally, civil society will be closely involved in this G7, in particular through the specific mobilization of engagement groups: young people (Youth 7), women (Women 7), non-governmental organizations (C7), unions (Labour 7), employers (Business 7), think tanks (Think Tanks 7) and academies of science (Science 7).

A year of dialogue

Throughout 2019, ministerial-level meetings will be held in preparation for the Heads of State and Government Summit in Biarritz at the end of August:

• 4-5 April: Interior
• 5-6 April: Foreign Affairs
• 5-6 May: Environment
• 9-10 May: Gender equality
• 16-17 May: Health
• 6-7 June: Employment / “Social Affairs G7”
• 4-5 July: Development and Education
• 17-18 July: Finance