2025 G7 Summit: Key Issues, Attendees, and What to Expect
The G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, is tackling global crises, from wildfires to trade tensions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the summit’s key issues, attendees, and the challenges ahead.
The 2025 G7 Summit is taking place this week in Kananaskis, Alberta, bringing world leaders together to tackle some of the globe's most pressing issues. From climate change to global trade tensions, this summit is crucial in shaping international diplomacy in 2025. Here's a breakdown of what to expect, who's attending, and why it all matters.
Where and When?
Location: Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Alberta
Dates: June 15–17, 2025
Host: Canada’s PM Mark Carney
Significance: The G7 is marking its 50th anniversary this year, with Canada playing a key role in setting the tone for the global summit amid an increasingly chaotic world stage.
Who’s At the Table?
The G7 core members are the usual powerhouses:
Canada – PM Mark Carney (Host)
US – President Donald Trump
UK – PM Keir Starmer
France – President Emmanuel Macron
Germany – Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Italy – PM Giorgia Meloni
Japan – PM Shigeru Ishiba
EU – Council President António Costa & Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
But that’s not all. Canada has extended invitations to several key global leaders, including:
India – PM Narendra Modi
Mexico – President Claudia Sheinbaum
Brazil – President Lula da Silva
South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa
South Korea – President Lee Jae-myung
Ukraine – President Zelenskyy
Australia – PM Anthony Albanese
Additionally, heads of major organizations will be present, including:
NATO – Mark Rutte
UN – António Guterres
World Bank – Ajay Banga
Who’s Not Coming?
Some notable absences include:
Saudi Arabia – Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (declined)
Indonesia – President Prabowo Subianto (declined)
Though no formal reason was given, it’s likely due to diplomatic tensions that kept these key players away.
What to Expect at the Summit?
This year’s G7 summit will look a little different. Here’s what you can expect:
No Joint Communiqué: Traditionally, a joint communiqué signifies the collective stance of the leaders. This year, due to the delicate nature of the discussions, Canada will issue a Chair’s Summary instead.
Side Meetings & Bilaterals: Expect a lot of one-on-one discussions, as leaders seek to address issues in smaller, more focused sessions.
Tense Atmosphere: Given the state of global affairs, the summit will likely feature a carefully choreographed, high-pressure atmosphere. Think of it as a “pressure cooker” moment for world diplomacy.
What’s On the Agenda?
The issues on the table are nothing short of monumental:
Israel-Iran Conflict & Middle East Tensions
Ukraine War & Russian Sanctions
Global Trade Tensions, US Tariffs, and the Future of Trade Relations
AI Regulation & Combating Disinformation
Climate Change & Wildfire Coordination
Critical Minerals & Energy Security
G7 Reform & Outreach to Emerging Economies
Easy peasy. Nothing too major. 🫠
Why It Matters
This summit is critical for several reasons:
Diplomatic Tightrope: With Donald Trump at the table, the US’s commitment to the G7 framework remains uncertain. Can the G7 keep it together despite Trump's volatile approach?
Global Crises Converging: Middle East tensions, the war in Ukraine, global trade instability, and environmental emergencies are all unfolding at the same time. The decisions made here will ripple through global politics for years to come.
Relevance of the G7: The G7 is adapting to the realities of a changing world. By including emerging economies and focusing on specific global issues, the group is trying to remain relevant amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
PM Carney’s Big Test
This summit marks a major moment for Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney. Less than a year into his tenure, Carney is facing the challenging task of guiding the G7 through these delicate discussions while managing diplomatic tensions, particularly with Trump, and balancing a rapidly changing global order.
With this being his first major international test, the pressure is on him to keep the summit productive and calm.
No biggie but I think he’ll handle it in his usual capable style!
Stay Tuned for More
As the summit unfolds, I’ll be posting quick, easy-to-digest updates on the key moments and outcomes. Stay tuned as we watch world leaders tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time.