In the meeting at the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly in New York, on 23rd September 2024, in the wake of the Summit of the Future, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union reiterated their commitment to upholding the rule of law, humanitarian principles and international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and to protecting human rights and dignity for all individuals.
They re-emphasized their determination to foster collective action in order to preserve peace and stability to address global challenges, such as the climate crisis and to advance the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the spirit of the renewed determination to strengthen the multilateral system based on the UN Charter’s principles, the G7 members committed to continue working with countries and all relevant stakeholders within the UN system through dialogue, mutual understanding and respect in the pursuit of common solutions, with the aim of upholding and reforming the multilateral system, so that it better reflects today’s world and is fit to respond to the complex global challenges of the future.
In doing so, the G7 members renewed their commitment to the promotion of free societies and democratic principles, where all persons can freely exercise their rights and freedoms. By condemning Russia’s serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law in Ukraine, the G7 members reaffirmed their unwavering support to Ukraine as it defends its freedom, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, against Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable war of aggression.
By addressing the critical situation in Middle East, the G7 members reiterated their condemnation of Hamas’ horrendous attacks on October 7, 2023. They noted with deep concern the trend of escalatory violence in the Middle East and its repercussions on regional stability and on the lives of civilians shattered by this conflict, from the Gaza Strip to the Israeli-Lebanese Blue Line. No country stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East. While urging for a stop to the current destructive cycle, the G7 members reaffirmed their strong support for the ongoing mediation efforts in the Middle East Peace Process to reach a resolution between the parties to the conflict in Gaza and they reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the vision of a two-state solution.
During the meeting, particular attention was also directed towards the relationship with African countries and the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, the G7 members reaffirmed their commitment to support African nations in the pursuit of sustainable development as well as the creation of jobs and growth, while fostering fair partnerships, built on shared principles, democratic values, local leadership, and practical initiatives. Considered that sustainable development, peace, security and democracy go hand in hand, they reaffirmed their commitment to help African governments in strengthening democratic governance and respect for human rights, while addressing conditions conducive to terrorism, violent extremism, and instability. On the other hand, the G7 members reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law, which is inclusive, prosperous and secure, grounded on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights.
In conclusion, further significant issues at the core of the meeting were the current critical situations in Venezuela, Haiti, Libya and Sudan.
