Leaders from the Group of 7 countries will be joined by leaders from India, Brazil, Turkey, and other non-Western countries on the second day of their summit meeting. The agenda includes discussions on migration, economic competition with China, security in the Indo-Pacific, and relations with countries in the Global South. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the host of the meeting, aims to strengthen dialogue with Global South nations and emphasize that the Group of 7 is open to the world, not a closed fortress.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan also stresses the importance of building relationships with partners beyond the Group of 7, especially in the Global South, to address global challenges such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. With the changing global landscape, leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil will play key roles in discussions, reflecting a shift in dominance demographically and economically. The summit will cover topics like economic security, Africa, the southern Mediterranean, and challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
One of the central issues to be addressed is migration, which has been a contentious topic in Europe and the United States, exacerbated by climate change and ongoing conflicts in various regions. Prime Minister Meloni has campaigned against what she terms “uncontrolled immigration” from Africa and the Middle East and will focus on finding solutions to this complex and sensitive issue. While Europe has welcomed Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion, there are concerns about repatriating men of fighting age.
The day will be filled with one-on-one meetings between the leaders, including with Pope Francis, who was invited to attend by Prime Minister Meloni. After delivering a speech, the Pope will meet with President Biden, Prime Minister Modi, President Lula, President Ruto of Kenya, President Erdogan of Turkey, and President Tebboune of Algeria. President Biden is scheduled to depart in the afternoon, ahead of the publication of a final communiqué in the evening, with the other leaders concluding the day with a concert and an informal dinner. Saturday will feature more bilateral meetings and closing news conferences by the leaders.
Overall, the expanded guest list at the Group of 7 summit reflects a recognition of the changing global landscape, with a focus on engaging with non-Western countries and addressing pressing issues such as migration, economic competition, security challenges, and relationships with the Global South. The summit provides an opportunity for leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and work towards finding solutions to the complex challenges facing the world today. Through dialogue and cooperation, the hope is to promote equity and balance in decision-making and address shared concerns on a global scale.
