G7 no longer runs the world – Canadian PM

Mark Carney pointed to India’s G7 presence to drive home the point that a wider perspective is needed

The Group of Seven countries no longer run the world, member Canada has said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the presence of countries such as India at the gathering of the world’s most advanced economies and democracies highlights the G7’s acknowledgement of the need for a wider global perspective.

“It’s a recognition that the G7, if it ever did run the world, no longer runs the world or pretends to,” the Canadian leader said at an interaction at Trinity College Dublin, ahead of the G7 conclave in Evian, France.   

The grouping comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, in addition to the European Union, which participates in the meetings as a ‘non-enumerated’ member.

Carney pointed out that tackling major global challenges requires wider international cooperation and perspectives beyond the group’s traditional members.

The G7 summit is taking place shortly after Iran and the US struck a peace deal ending months-long hostilities that have paralyzed shipping in the Gulf of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical waterways. The deal is to be formally signed this coming Friday. 

The summit, which is already underway, also includes as partner countries Brazil, Egypt, Kenya and the Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates – apart from India, which holds the BRICS presidency this year.

Carney said these countries provide a “broader perspective and a broader element of the solution” to discussions on key global challenges.