G7 Pledges to Accelerate SDGs, Transition from Fossil Fuels This Decade
The Group of Seven (G7) leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the European Union concluded a three-day summit in Apulia, Italy, from June 13 to 15, 2024. The summit underscored their “steadfast commitment” to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and pledged to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including a significant transition from fossil fuels within this decade.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The 36-page Apulia G7 Leaders’ Communiqué reaffirms the Group’s “enduring unity and determination to meet global challenges” amidst multiple interconnected crises. It emphasises the leaders’ shared belief in democratic principles, universal human rights, social progress, and respect for multilateralism and the rule of law. The communiqué signals the leaders’ intention to support more effective, inclusive, and equitable global governance and to safeguard international peace and security while upholding “the free and open rules-based international order.”
The leaders recognise that achieving the SDGs requires a dual approach: “Reducing poverty and tackling global challenges go hand in hand.” They are committed to enhancing the effectiveness of multilateral development banks (MDBs), with the World Bank set to boost its lending by USD 70 billion over the next decade.
Addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis
The G7 leaders are taking decisive steps to address the triple planetary climate change crisis, pollution, and biodiversity loss. They have pledged to submit ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs) aligned with the 1.5°C temperature goal and to spearhead global efforts to preserve forests and oceans and end plastic pollution.
In the realm of energy, climate, and environment, the communiqué states that the G7 “will transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly, and equitable manner, accelerating actions in this critical decade, to achieve net-zero by 2050 in keeping with the best available science.” The leaders plan to operationalise these commitments through domestic policies and actions and through “intensive efforts to reduce demand for and use of fossil fuels.” They reaffirm their commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 or sooner and will report on progress in 2025.
Inclusive Transition to Net-Zero Economy
The G7 leaders emphasise that the transition to a net-zero economy “should be inclusive and leave no one behind.” This transition should enhance social development and economic growth, maximise benefits for local economies, and address any negative social or economic impacts that may arise from climate action.
Broader Commitments and Initiatives
The leaders’ commitments span various areas, including sustainable development, food security, infrastructure, labour and employment, health, gender equality, inclusion and disability, and migration. They also address the global economy, finance, trade, science, technology, and innovation (STI), artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity.
The communiqué discusses fostering partnerships with African countries and regional issues, including Ukraine and Gaza. Other focus areas include disarmament and non-proliferation, safeguarding democratic processes, countering terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime.
New Initiatives Launched
Several new initiatives were launched at the summit:
- Apulia Food Systems Initiative (AFSI): Aim to address structural barriers to food security and nutrition and build more resilient, sustainable, and productive agriculture and food systems.
- Energy for Growth in Africa Initiative: Focused on enhancing energy access and sustainability in African countries.
- G7 Coalition to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants: A collaborative effort to tackle the smuggling of migrants.
- G7 Working Group on Transport Supply Chains: Established to improve the resilience and efficiency of global transport supply chains
Announcements and Commitments
The G7 leaders made several significant announcements:
- Women’s Empowerment: They pledged to unlock at least USD 20 billion over three years to boost women’s empowerment.
- Artificial Intelligence: The leaders intend to launch an action plan on using AI in the world of work and develop a brand to support the implementation of the International Code of Conduct for Organizations Developing Advanced AI Systems. They welcomed the Italian Presidency’s decision to establish the AI Hub for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
- Fusion Energy: The leaders committed to establishing a G7 Working Group on Fusion Energy.
International Participation
The G7 leaders were joined by leaders from Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission represented the EU.
Speaker Quotations
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, the summit host, stated, “Our commitment to a sustainable future is unwavering. We must ensure that our actions today lay the foundation for a just and equitable world for future generations.”
President Joe Biden of the United States emphasised, “The transition away from fossil fuels is not just an environmental imperative but a moral one. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to leave them a planet that is not only habitable but thriving.”
French President Emmanuel Macron added, “The G7’s pledge to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy is a testament to our collective resolve. We must act decisively and inclusively to address the climate crisis and ensure sustainable development for all.”
Conclusion
The G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, marked a significant step forward in the global effort to achieve the SDGs and transition away from fossil fuels. The leaders’ commitments and the initiatives launched at the summit underscore their determination to address the pressing challenges of our time and build a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future. As the world faces multiple interconnected crises, the G7’s leadership and unity will be crucial in driving global progress towards a more resilient and prosperous world.
