Leaders of the Group of Seven nations wrapped up a summit in the French lakeside town of Évian with a series of declarations on Ukraine, the Middle East, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and global health, while highlighting closer cooperation with partner countries including India, Brazil, Egypt, Kenya and South Korea.
French officials described the summit as one of “convergence and unity” in response to multiple global crises, noting that partner countries were involved throughout the discussions in what France called an unprecedented approach.
In the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the G7 reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging increased military assistance, including air defence capabilities, additional systems and interceptors, long-range capabilities and support for the country’s energy resilience. Leaders also agreed to increase pressure on Russia’s war effort through sanctions, including measures targeting Russian oil and gas.
On the Middle East, leaders called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and said the move could help address concerns related to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programmes and its regional activities.
The G7 also called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and backed efforts by Lebanese authorities to secure Hezbollah’s disarmament and ensure the state’s monopoly on weapons.
Leaders adopted nine declarations covering a range of issues, including macroeconomic imbalances, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, cancer research, Ebola preparedness, drug trafficking, international development partnerships and migrant smuggling.
On artificial intelligence and digital technologies, leaders pledged to work with major technology companies to accelerate the safe and beneficial deployment of AI and highlighted efforts to protect young people online, including adapting AI chatbot interactions with children.
The summit also produced agreements to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals supply chains, improve coordination on cancer research and healthcare access, commit more than $1 billion in support for Ebola response efforts in line with United Nations initiatives, and enhance cooperation among international seaports to combat drug trafficking.
Leaders renewed their commitment to tackling organized criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling, human trafficking and related crimes, while reaffirming support for international solidarity and development financing aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.