The 51st G7 Summit is currently taking place from June 15 to 17, 2025, in the mountain town of Kananaskis, Alberta. Hosted by Canada for the seventh time – and the second time in this very location – the summit comes at a moment of global uncertainty and technological transformation. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, in office since early 2025, is presiding over his first G7 summit, emphasizing a forward-looking vision centered on resilience, innovation, and international cooperation.
This year’s gathering is built around three strategic priorities: safeguarding global peace and security, advancing energy stability and the digital transition, and securing strong partnerships for the future. These goals are driving discussions among world leaders as they confront deepening geopolitical crises, economic volatility, and the ethical frontiers of artificial intelligence.
Among the world leaders attending are President Emmanuel Macron of France, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and U.S. President Donald Trump. The European Union is represented by António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, while invited leaders from outside the G7 include India’s Narendra Modi, Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Heads of NATO and the United Nations, Mark Rutte and António Guterres, also play a role in key discussions.
The crisis in the Middle East, particularly the escalation between Israel and Iran, has emerged as a top concern. Leaders are navigating a complex diplomatic path: condemning Iran’s nuclear ambitions while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, and pushing for de-escalation through diplomatic channels. The ongoing war in Ukraine is another dominant theme, with leaders exploring additional sanctions against Russia and reaffirming long-term support for Ukrainian sovereignty.
Trade tensions—especially those stemming from renewed U.S. tariffs targeting Canadian and Japanese goods—are creating friction behind closed doors. While public statements remain measured, sources confirm efforts are underway to negotiate a new path forward that avoids a deeper rift in transatlantic and Pacific partnerships.
Meanwhile, climate change and technology loom large in the discussions. The summit has placed strong emphasis on accelerating the shift to sustainable energy and exploring how AI can be harnessed to tackle climate challenges while ensuring responsible governance of the technology itself.
In a departure from tradition, Canada has chosen not to pursue a final joint communiqué. Instead, thematic statements will be issued separately, reflecting the complexity and potential disagreements that characterize the current geopolitical landscape.
For more information, updates, and thematic briefings, the official summit website remains the central source.
CIVIL Media News Desk
