The 51st G7 Summit, held from June 15 to 17, 2025, in Kananaskis, Alberta, served as a pivotal platform for global leaders to address pressing issues amidst a changing world order. The Summit may have proven to be one of the most consequential in recent years.

Hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, this G7 Summit brings together leaders from Canada, France (President Emmanuel Macron), Germany (Chancellor Merz), Italy (Prime Minister Georgia Meloni), Japan (Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba), the United Kingdom (Prime Minister Keir Starmer), the United States, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Union Antonio Costà.

Guests from other nations and international organizations were invited to participate in the second day of meetings.

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
  • Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
  • South Korean President Lee Jae-myung
  • Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
  • Mark Rutte, Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
  • António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN)
  • Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank

Participation of non-G7 members underscored the G7's commitment to engaging with a broader international community to address shared challenges and promote global stability in a period of acute uncertainty. This inclusive approach aimed to foster broader international cooperation with the G20, NATO and the World Bank on shared global economic, trade and security challenges. It was critical to have stakeholders at the table as global leaders chart the path forward.

The Summit officially opened on June 15, 2025, beginning with the traditional "family photo" of G7 leaders, symbolizing a spirit of unity among the participating nations. Opening discussions focused on global economic stability, technological cooperation, and the broader theme of economic resilience. These early conversations were intended to lay the foundation for deeper, issue-specific talks in the days ahead.

President Trump unexpectedly departed the Summit at the end of the first day due to the Israel-Iran conflict. That programme was upended by the unfolding war between Israel and Iran and President Trump's early departure. Still, Carney said on Tuesday that this Summit "can begin a new era of co-operation that promotes long-term resilience over short-term efficiency."

The second day of the Summit featured a full slate of bilateral meetings between leaders, as well as critical discussions on emerging global crises.

Industry stakeholders are often significantly impacted by G7 Summits, as the decisions and signals sent by world leaders can shape regulatory environments, trade policies, and investment trends. When G7 nations coordinate on issues like trade policy and international security, it can directly affect sectors ranging from manufacturing and energy to digital services and innovation. The outcomes of Summits can signal shifts in policy or market access, and the momentum generated by G7 Summits can open new industrial opportunities. Ultimately, while not directly at the table, industry players are deeply influenced by what unfolds at these high-level meetings.

Here is everything you ought to know about the 2025 G7 Summit.

The Canadian Presidency of the G7 Summit

The Canadian Presidency of the G7 Summit runs from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

The Summit meetings in Kananaskis are a culmination of intensive diplomatic engagement over recent months. As part of its role as President, Canada has convened G7 ministerial meetings across the country beginning in March of 2025, welcoming ministers and delegates from across the G7 for focused meetings on matters of importance to all members. Follow-up meetings will be held after the Summit to advance key priorities.

Prime Minister Carney set the stage for the G7 Summit by articulating three core priorities:

  1. Protecting our communities and the world – strengthening peace and security, countering foreign interference and transnational crime, and improving joint responses to wildfires.
  2. Building energy security and accelerating the digital transition – fortifying critical mineral supply chains and using artificial intelligence and quantum to unleash economic growth.
  3. Securing the partnerships of the future – catalyzing enormous private investment to build stronger infrastructure, create higher-paying jobs, and open dynamic markets where businesses can compete and succeed.

Statements and signals

It has been a common practice for G7 leaders to draft and sign a joint communiqué at the conclusion of each Summit, designed to formally summarize and communicate key agreements, shared positions, and priorities established by the leaders during the Summit.

This time, due to recognized sensitives, the leaders did not issue such an overarching joint communiqué. Instead, they prepared narrow statements on high-priority areas and issues for further diplomatic engagement. These statements offer clear and direct reference to central policy priorities in lieu of a joint communiqué that aims to accommodates all members and often dilutes the message that leaders send to the world at the conclusion of their discussions. Instead, there were several statements—six in total—on individual issues ranging from transnational repression and migrant smuggling to AI, quantum technology, critical mineral supply chains and preventing, fighting, and recovering from wildfires.

Key takeaways

Canada-U.S. trade tensions

Prime Minister Carney met with President Trump on the first day of the Summit. While the meeting did not yield news of a breakthrough in trade negotiations, the high-level dialogue signals a willingness to pursue trade normalization, which is essential for stabilizing markets, securing supply chains, and restoring confidence in multilateral cooperation. The meeting carries weight for industries reliant on cross-border supply chains such as manufacturing, automotive, steel & aluminum, agriculture, and technology, where uncertainty over tariffs and trade barriers has disrupted investment, employment stability, and strategic planning. By engaging directly, Prime Minister Carney and President Trump could lay the groundwork for more predictable path forward, sending a positive signal to markets and potentially easing pressure on vital sectors that underpin economic growth across the G7 nations.

At a press scrum following the bilateral meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Carney, President Trump reiterated that he is “a tariff person.”  The President added, “I’m a tariff person. I’ve always been a tariff (person). It’s simple, it’s easy, it’s precise and it just goes very quickly. Mark has a more complex idea, but also very good. So, we’re going to look at both and we’re going to come out with something ultimately.”

Despite President Trump’s continued devotion to tariffs, both Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman Minister emerged from Monday’s closed-door meetings sounding optimistic about the progress the two sides had made towards on a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S. They said talks had accelerated as officials convened for a second time following the formal Trump-Carney meeting. Both countries pledged to meet again before the end of the week. In the PMO readout, Prime Minister Carney stated, “the leaders agreed to pursue negotiations toward a deal within the coming 30 days.”

President Trump’s early departure from the Summit spoiled hopes for bilateral meetings with Ukraine President Zelensky and Mexican President Sheinbaum on the second day of meetings. While G7 and non-G7 members charged ahead, the President’s absence loomed large.

Advancing industrial security, sustainability, and digital transformation 

The G7 aims to counter non-market practices and strengthen economic and national security by coordinating responses to market disruptions, and diversifying economies to enhance resilience. In a tumultuous global environment, the G7 reaffirmed its pursuit of collaboration within its ranks and with outside partners to secure critical supply chains and build innovative economies.

Critical Minerals Action Plan

In a statement issued on the second day of the Summit, G7 leaders emphasized the strategic importance of critical minerals in securing the future of energy and digital economies. They committed to building transparent, diversified, and resilient supply chains grounded in sustainable and ethical practices. Recognizing shared economic and national security interests, leaders highlighted concerns over non-market behaviours, such as monopolistic control, which threaten access to vital minerals, including rare earth elements. To counter these risks, the G7 pledged coordinated global action, including boosting domestic and partner-country capabilities in mining, processing, recycling, and innovation.

To strengthen the sector, the G7 is launching a Critical Minerals Action Plan, expanding on previous frameworks. This plan will develop standards-based markets that account for responsible production costs and labour, environmental, and anti-corruption practices. A roadmap will be created by year-end in collaboration with diverse stakeholders, ensuring traceability and accountability across the supply chain. In parallel, the G7 will work to increase public and private investment in critical minerals projects globally, particularly in emerging economies, by addressing permitting hurdles, market manipulation, and financing barriers.

The G7 also committed to advancing innovation in critical mineral technologies, especially in areas such as recycling, processing, and circular economy solutions. Partnerships with countries in the Global South will be central to building inclusive, sustainable mineral value chains, while support for existing initiatives like the RISE Partnership and Minerals Security Partnership will be expanded.

Statement on artificial intelligence

The 2025 G7 Summit made clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly vital to the G7 economies, driving innovation, productivity, and competitiveness across sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and defence. As AI transforms how societies work and live, the G7 is charged with addressing the urgent need to promote its responsible development to ensure safety, fairness, and alignment with democratic values. The G7 will rely on collaboration and common values to pursue these aims. The G7 can serve as a catalyst for responsible and competitive development of AI's economic potential, while mitigating risks such as job displacement, algorithmic bias, and misuse in surveillance or warfare. Coordinated efforts can also strengthen global leadership and help prevent regulatory fragmentation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The G7 leaders issued a statement following discussions during the Summit, reaffirming their commitment to a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting its potential to drive global prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development.

Recognizing AI as a strategic driver for economic growth and public service transformation, the G7 aims to promote secure, responsible, and trustworthy AI that supports decent work, strengthens SMEs, and advances public sector efficiency. G7 members emphasize the importance of bridging digital divides, especially in developing countries, and pledge to operationalize Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) while addressing the cultural, economic, and labour market implications of AI.

To accelerate AI adoption, particularly in public services and SMEs, the G7 is launching initiatives like the G7 GovAI Grand Challenge, the AI Adoption Roadmap, and the G7 AI Network (GAIN). These efforts will support innovation in government services, improve access to open-source solutions, and provide SMEs with tools, infrastructure, and case studies to boost competitiveness. Special attention will be given to ensuring fair access to AI resources, fostering AI literacy, supporting women and underrepresented communities in STEM, and preparing the workforce for AI-driven changes through best practices and talent development.

The G7 also acknowledges the energy-related challenges posed by increasing AI use, including strains on energy grids and environmental impacts. At the same time, they see AI as a tool to enhance energy innovation, system resilience, and operational efficiency. They commit to advancing AI-driven energy solutions and supporting international collaboration to optimize data center performance, improve model efficiency, and develop talent in the energy sector. Ministers are tasked with creating a workplan by year-end to advance these goals.

In partnership with emerging markets and developing countries, the G7 pledges to support equitable AI access and development through investments in infrastructure, capacity building, and local innovation. This will be pursued via collaborations with universities, funding initiatives like AI for Development, and coordinated efforts to share AI tools and knowledge on mutually agreed terms. Additionally, the annexed AI Adoption Roadmap outlines strategies to help SMEs move from AI awareness to AI integration, including commercialization support, cross-sector collaboration, talent exchange, and trust-building through shared standards and practical toolkits aligned with the Hiroshima AI Process.

Statement on quantum innovation

Quantum technology holds the potential to revolutionize industries by enabling breakthroughs in computing, materials science, cybersecurity, and logistics. Its ability to solve complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers could transform vital sectors of the world economy. G7 countries including Canada have expressed their desire to foster quantum innovation in their respective economies. However, the strategic and security implications of quantum advancements also pose significant challenges. The G7, and institutions like it, can play a role in guiding the responsible development of quantum capacity by fostering international collaboration, supporting equitable access to research and infrastructure, and establishing norms to prevent misuse. Coordinated leadership ensures that the benefits of quantum innovation are shared broadly and aligned with democratic values.

In a statement issued during the Kananaskis Summit, the G7 leaders recognized quantum technologies spanning computing, sensing, and communications, as transformative innovations with the potential to revolutionize sectors like finance, healthcare, transport, and agriculture, while also impacting national and international security. These technologies offer both opportunities and risks: enabling new defence capabilities and posing challenges to existing data protection systems. To fully realize their benefits, the G7 emphasized the importance of international cooperation among governments, researchers, and industry to advance research, secure supply chains, support commercialization, and align development with shared democratic values.

To achieve these goals, the G7 committed to fostering investment in quantum R&D, supporting innovation ecosystems that include SMEs, and promoting inclusive workforce development, especially for women and underrepresented communities. The express objective is to build a trusted, interoperable quantum technology environment by safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring security, and encouraging public trust through transparent dialogue. A new G7 Joint Working Group on Quantum Technologies will help coordinate efforts across research, commercialization, and policy, including risk assessment and the development of quantum-resilient cybersecurity. In this International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the G7 pledged to make measurable progress in collaboration with like-minded partners.

Strengthening global security and countering foreign interference

In his priorities for the Summit, Prime Minister Carney outlined Canada's focus on enhancing peace and security, countering foreign interference, and improving joint responses to global challenges.

Countering foreign interference and transnational repression

Foreign interference and transnational repression (TNR) (a form of foreign interference in which authoritarian states or their proxies intimidate, harass, or harm individuals beyond their borders), undermine the core objectives of the G7 by threatening democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. These actions, often carried out by authoritarian regimes, seek to silence dissent, manipulate public opinion, and destabilize open societies from within. The G7, at its core, is committed to addressing these threats to safeguard national sovereignty, protect vulnerable communities, and maintain the integrity of democratic systems. By confronting foreign interference and repression, the G7 aims to reinforce its shared values and strengthens collective resilience against coercive influence.

In a written statement the G7 leaders expressed deep concern over the rising threat of TNR. TNR poses a serious threat to national security, state sovereignty, international law, and the human rights of those targeted, who are often dissidents, journalists, human rights defenders, diaspora members, and religious minorities. The G7 strongly condemned a wide range of TNR tactics, including physical violence, digital harassment, misuse of international legal tools, spyware surveillance, and coercion through threats to victims’ families or citizenship rights.

G7 committed to building global awareness of TNR, fostering international cooperation, and increasing accountability for perpetrators. Members will develop a TNR Resilience and Response Framework to share best practices, monitor trends, and strengthen policy and legislative tools. A new Digital TNR Detection Academy will enhance technical capacity to detect and counter digital threats. The G7 also pledges to support civil society actors and victims, including through initiatives like the Canada-UK Common Good Cyber Fund, while integrating TNR tracking into the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism. These efforts build on the 2018 Charlevoix commitment to defending democracy and aim to protect freedom, human rights, and community safety.

Fighting transnational crime, including migrant smuggling

Transnational crime, including human smuggling, poses serious threats to global security, economic stability, and human rights. Criminal networks exploit vulnerable populations, fuel corruption, and undermine border integrity and the rule of law. The G7 has a key role to play in combatting these practices, to protect public safety and national security but also to uphold the G7’s commitment to human dignity and international legal norms.

At the conclusion of the Summit, the G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preventing and combating migrant smuggling through strengthened border enforcement and dismantling of transnational criminal networks involved in smuggling and human trafficking. They highlighted the severe risks migrant smuggling poses, not only to national security through links to crimes like money laundering and corruption, but also to the safety of vulnerable individuals, who often face abuse, exploitation, and life-threatening conditions. Through the G7 Coalition and the 2024 Action Plan, members have already advanced international law enforcement cooperation and improved investigative capabilities across agencies.

Looking ahead, the G7 tasks Interior and Security Ministers with intensifying efforts in key areas: targeting criminal finances through intelligence-sharing, strengthening prevention with countries of origin and transit, and collaborating with social media and transport sectors to block smugglers’ operations. They are also considering imposing sanctions on criminal networks involved in smuggling and trafficking. While working to disrupt illicit migration routes, the G7 maintains support for legal migration policies aligned with national interests and emphasizes the protection of refugees and vulnerable migrants, in line with international human rights obligations.

The Kananaskis Wildfire Charter

The scourge of intensifying and frequent wildfires is severely impacting countries around the world, including Canada. Canada welcomed the G7 to Kananaskis at a time when the country is battling several massive and disruptive wildfires. The G7 took this opportunity to reach an agreement on addressing wildfires.

Through a new charter, the G7 leaders expressed deep concern over the growing severity and frequency of wildfires across forested continents, which are increasingly overwhelming national resources, threatening lives, health, homes, and ecosystems, and imposing significant economic costs. In response, they commit to strengthening global cooperation to prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires. This includes adopting a whole-of-society approach involving governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, researchers, and the private sector to advance sustainable forest management, implement mitigation strategies like controlled burns, raise public awareness, and adopt fire risk reduction measures around infrastructure and communities.

To enhance wildfire preparedness and resilience, the G7 will invest in forecasting technologies, data sharing, early warning systems, and health response capabilities. They aim to improve international interoperability through shared training, protocols, and access to essential firefighting resources. Recovery efforts will focus on rebuilding with fire-resilient infrastructure, supporting biodiversity through nature-based restoration, and scaling sustainable forest management using local and Indigenous knowledge. The G7 will align with global initiatives like the UN Global Fire Management Hub and support the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter, endorsed by several non-G7 nations, to advance a coordinated international wildfire resilience strategy.

Canadian support for Ukraine

On the second day of the Summit, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy present, Canada announced its most comprehensive sanctions package against Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Canada is imposing sanctions on 77 individuals and 39 entities, alongside nearly 1,000 new trade restrictions. These include export bans on dual-use goods, such as those used in the production of chemical and biological weapons, and import bans targeting coal, metals, and other revenue-generating commodities. Notably, Canada is intensifying its crackdown on Russia’s shadow fleet by listing 201 additional vessels, bringing the total to over 300, and prohibiting services related to any sanctioned ships.

The Canadian sanctions also extend to Russia’s financial and technological infrastructure. Canada is targeting three Kremlin-linked financial institutions, further penalizing the major oil and gas firm Surgutneftegas, and sanctioning 15 individuals and entities supporting Russia’s covert maritime operations. Additional measures include sanctions on 17 actors involved in Russia’s quantum technology sector and 35 individuals and entities accused of profiting from or facilitating the war. This includes 45 individuals flagged by the Anti-Corruption Foundation for aiding Russia’s military-industrial complex and disinformation campaigns.

Canada also announced a substantial new package of support for Ukraine. This includes an additional $2 billion in military assistance to be provided in 2025, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

In addition, Canada confirmed the disbursement of a $2.3 billion loan to Ukraine through the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans (ERAL) mechanism, a financial tool designed to provide Kyiv with urgent economic support backed by future revenues from frozen Russian sovereign assets.

Canada also committed $57.4 million in security-related assistance, which will support Ukraine’s broader security needs beyond military equipment, including efforts related to policing, stabilization, and resilience building. This comprehensive package reaffirms Canada’s continued solidarity with Ukraine.

There was no joint statement on the war in Ukraine, even though Prime Minister Mark Carney had made support for the country one of the Summit’s key discussion topics on Tuesday, inviting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to attend the event in person. It has been reported the U.S. was offside with the other countries on Ukraine and sought less strong language than what the other members proposed. It was challenging to get the U.S. to agree on a statement on Ukraine in part because Washington is trying to negotiate a ceasefire or peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Canada planned to use the language the other countries agreed to in its closing chair’s statement. Ottawa did not want to release a weak statement. In the Chair’s Summary published at the conclusion of the Summit, Prime Minister Carney stated that G7 leaders “recognized that Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire, and they agreed that Russia must do the same.” Further to support measures and sanctions announced by Canada earlier in the Summit, the Chair’s Summary stated that “G7 Leaders are resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions.”

Statement on Israel and Iran

The escalating Israel-Iran conflict loomed large at the 2025 G7 Summit in Kananaskis as the world continues to watch the situation intensify. The situation prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to demand Iran's "unconditional surrender" and consider military intervention, leading to his abrupt departure from the Summit.

In a statement, the G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defence and the need to protect civilians. They strongly criticize Iran, labeling it as the main source of regional instability and terrorism, this likely due to their proxies Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, and the G7 leaders reiterated that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. The G7 calls for broader de-escalation in the region, including a ceasefire in Gaza, and expresses readiness to act in coordination with partners to ensure the stability of international energy markets amid ongoing tensions.

This statement reflects the G7’s unified stance on a volatile geopolitical region with global implications. By supporting Israel’s security while also calling for civilian protection and a ceasefire in Gaza, the G7 aims to balance strategic alliances with humanitarian concerns. Their strong message to Iran underscores persistent fears of nuclear proliferation and regional escalation. Additionally, the mention of energy market stability highlights the broader economic risks tied to Middle East instability, which appears to suggest the readiness of the G7 leaders to intervene to protect global supply chains and economic resilience.

Bilateral engagement with India

During the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Mark Carney held bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting took place in the context of recent tensions between the two countries, which have been compounded by domestic political concerns, and concerns about foreign interference and involvement of the Indian government in violence on Canadian soil. Engagement between the parties serves as a recognition that India is a major market in Asia and a critical trading partner for Canada and Canadian industry seeks stable and dependable partners amid disruption.

Following their meeting, Carney’s office said the two leaders agreed to designate new High Commissioners and restore regular diplomatic services to citizens in both countries. The rebuilding of diplomatic relations between both countries signals a strategic shift away from the recent tension and underscores the importance of India as essential to the development of Indo-Pacific trade, a key priority in Canada’s broader economic and geopolitical strategy.

Closing Remarks

In his remarks to close the Summit, Prime Minister Carney stated that the G7 had agreed to “move forward in co-operation on several key priorities.” He committed that “this G7 can begin a new era of cooperation,” signalling the Prime Minister’s desire to deepen collaboration and lead the construction of a new order. He reminded that “nostalgia is not a strategy,” further emphasizing the need for change in international relationships as like-minded countries absorb shocks and grapple with disruption while advancing common values.

Conclusion

The 2025 G7 Summit in Kananaskis represents a critical juncture for global leaders to collaborate on addressing complex issues that transcend national borders. Through coordinated efforts and open dialogue, the G7 aims to navigate geopolitical tensions, promote economic stability, and advance collective security and prosperity for all. The dynamics among leaders and the signals they send reveal the path ahead for vital industries and the resolution of global conflicts.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who will host the G7 next year, said Carney “fulfilled his mission as G7 host by preserving the unity of the multilateral organization.”

The G7 Summit in Kananaskis set the stage for two significant upcoming international gatherings: the NATO Summit in The Hague on June 24–25 and the European Union (EU) Summit in Copenhagen on October 2. These meetings are poised to address overlapping global challenges, including defence spending, geopolitical stability, and technological innovation.

At the NATO Summit, leaders are expected to discuss enhancing the alliance's deterrence and defence capabilities, with a focus on increasing defence spending commitments. This Summit will also serve as a platform for reinforcing support for Ukraine amidst ongoing regional tensions. In his bilateral with Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO, Prime Minister Carney confirmed that Canada will meet its 2% GDP commitment to NATO by the end of this year.

The EU Summit in Copenhagen will bring together 47 countries to discuss unity, cooperation, and joint action in a rapidly changing global landscape. These discussions will likely complement the G7's focus on critical minerals, artificial intelligence, trade normalization, and supply chain resilience, ensuring a coordinated approach to Europe's strategic priorities. The full agenda for the EU Summit will be released in the coming months.

At this exceptionally unstable moment in history, the 2025 G7 Summit sets the foundation for the establishment of renewed global economic policies, trade relationships, and domestic regulatory frameworks that we can expect will directly impact the market conditions of the future.

Closer to home, Prime Minister Carney’s announcements at the G7 Summit regarding defence spending, military and procurement assistance to Ukraine provides greater clarity on the supplementary estimates that were approved in Ottawa at the House of Commons last evening.