G7 Summit 2025: Members, Origin, Participants, and Key Agendas
The G7 Summit is a pivotal forum where major industrialized democracies converge to coordinate policies and address global challenges. In 2024, Italy hosted this summit, where leaders not only reaffirmed their commitment to economic stability but also broadened their focus to include technological innovation, climate resilience, migration, and security concerns in Ukraine and Gaza.
Historical Background of the G7 Summit
Origins in Crisis
- The G7 began in 1975 during global economic volatility triggered by the OPEC oil crisis.
- Initially named the Group of Six (G6), it included the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, West Germany, and Italy.
Evolution into a Global Forum
- In 1976, Canada’s inclusion transformed the group into the G7.
- Although Russia joined in 1997, creating the G8, the group reverted to G7 status following Russia’s suspension in 2014.
European Union’s Participation
- Since 1981, the European Union has participated through its Council and Commission Presidents. However, it does not hold the rotating presidency.
Membership & Structure
| Member Country | Capital | Role in 2024 Summit |
| United States | Washington, D.C. | Member |
| United Kingdom | London | Member |
| Germany | Berlin | Member |
| France | Paris | Member |
| Italy | Rome | Host (2024) |
| Japan | Tokyo | Member |
| Canada | Ottawa | Member |
| European Union | Brussels | Participant |
Moreover, the G7 does not operate under a formal charter or secretariat. Instead, the presidency rotates annually among members, and “Sherpas”, senior officials, coordinate agendas and draft final declarations.
Key Agendas at the G7 Summit 2024
Geopolitical Crises
- Ukraine: Leaders proposed deploying €300 billion in frozen Russian assets alongside a $50 billion financial package.
- Israel-Gaza: The summit endorsed a US-led ceasefire proposal, emphasizing humanitarian relief and long-term peace planning.
Economic and Strategic Security
- To counterbalance China’s growing influence, G7 countries advanced trade partnerships, supply chain security, and alliances across the Indo-Pacific.
Artificial Intelligence & Technology
- Leaders launched the Hiroshima AI Process to establish shared ethical and regulatory frameworks for AI deployment.
Climate Resilience
- Although current plans forecast a 19–33% emissions reduction by 2030, the group urged accelerated coal phase-out and clean energy deployment.
Migration & Africa Engagement
- The summit renewed commitments to manage migration with robust humanitarian assistance and secure borders.
- Italy introduced the Mattei Plan, aligning efforts with Agenda 2063 to boost African infrastructure, food security, and sustainable energy investment.
India’s Role and Significance at G7 Summit 2024
Although not a formal member, India attended the G7 Summit 2024 as a guest, which allowed it to:
- Engage in advanced technologies and market integration.
- Deepen strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
- Advance its ambition as a leader of the Global South, especially on climate justice and inclusive growth.
- Balance its longstanding ties with Russia alongside growing relations with Western G7 members.
Achievements and Impact
| Focus Area | Outcome |
| Economic Policy | Coordinated recovery measures following the pandemic |
| Global Health | Strengthened vaccine distribution and pandemic preparedness |
| Security | Unified support for Ukraine and shared responses to global threats |
| Technology | Ethical AI initiative (Hiroshima AI Process) launched |
| Climate Action | Coal phase-out roadmap agreed |
| Global South | Mattei Plan and clean-energy investments in Africa endorsed |
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its achievements, the G7 faces several persistent challenges:
- It leans toward Western democracy and capitalism, often excluding emerging economies.
- Its share of global GDP dropped below 30%, down from 50% in the 1970s.
- Rising internal conflicts, particularly over trade and climate, weaken its collective decision-making.
- Contributions on climate and pandemic response fell short of global expectations.
- Geopolitical tensions between the US and EU complicate unified action.
FAQs about the G7 Summit
A: The G7 Summit is an annual summit of seven industrial democracies focusing on global economic, geopolitical, and technological issues.
A: The G7 includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the European Union as an invited participant.
A: Italy assumed the rotating presidency in 2024 and thus hosted the summit in Puglia.
A: Key issues included the Ukraine conflict, Israel-Gaza ceasefire, AI regulation, climate action, and Africa development.
A: India gains economic and technological partnerships, strategic leverage in the Indo-Pacific, and recognition as a leader of the Global South.
CITATIONS
- The history of the G7
- G7 Italy 2024, Apulia Summit
- G7 Puglia summit: Participants, agenda and key issues explained
- G7 Italy 2024, Apulia Summit
- G7 leaders tackle migration, AI and economic security on second and final day of summit in Italy
Prelims Practice Questions
Q. Consider the following statements about the G7 Summit 2024:
- The summit was held in Italy.
- The G7 collectively pledged to support Ukraine using frozen Russian assets.
- India did not participate in the 2024 summit.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Mains Practice Questions
Q1. “Despite its informal nature and declining share in global GDP, the G7 continues to be a significant platform in global governance.”
Discuss the contemporary relevance of the G7 in the context of the 2024 summit. (250 words)
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