Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge, Director of the German Institute of Development and Sustainability, IDOS (formerly German Development Institute, DIE), and Prof. Dr. Dennis J. Snower, President of the Global Solutions Initiative (GSI) assess the results of the G7 Summit in Elmau as follows:
Prof. Dr. Dennis J. Snower:
“In Elmau, the G7 is sending a clear signal of unity and determination – especially in supporting Ukraine in light of the Russian aggression. However: the demonstrative symbolism must now be followed by action. Famine and food shortages worldwide must be actively combated. We will be watching closely to assess whether the $4.5 billion pledged to the Alliance for Global Food Security actually achieves its goals.”
Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge:
“This summit was an intermediate step on the way to solving multiple crises worldwide. The commitment to the 1.5-degree target and the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies by 2022 is an important contribution toward climate action and biodiversity protection. The German G7 presidency has also acted with foresight by inviting Argentina, India, Indonesia, Senegal, and South Africa. This is the only way to build mutual trust and strengthen alliances. Though it does not simplify the negotiation process, it remains a significant signal that the G7 can only fight crises in cooperation with the G20 and other partners.”
Snower:
“The Climate Club must be specified through concrete targets and measures. Subsidies for fossil fuels must be ended promptly. In doing so, the G7 must not lose sight of the needs of the Global South, including social aspects of climate policy. The G7 must pursue this in concrete, transparent and accountable manner in cooperation with the G20.“
Hornidge:
“We welcome the announcement of up to $600 billion for infrastructure measures. The concept must be transparent and comprehensible, in particular, that this sum does not include double entries and is actually implementable. If it becomes apparent that the sum will not be reached – for example, due to a lack of private funding – there must be follow-up action, including additional public funding.”
Hornidge:
A clear positioning and strengthening of the institutional landscape on global health is missing. The important domain of women’s and girls’ health in reducing global inequality received no explicit attention. Furthermore, the G7 missed the opportunity to send a clear signal against the global debt crisis by involving private lenders. Now the necessary decisions must be made in the G20 to relieve highly indebted countries. But this will hardly be possible this year.”
Snower:
„To overcome multiple, interconnected crises in the global public interest, the G7’s commitment to strengthening democracies and open, inclusive societies is particularly welcome. Similarly, we welcome the G7’s ambition to reshape the rules of the digital order to promote an inclusive, competitive, innovative, open, and secure digital ecosystem.”