G7 leaders' Evian summit draws criticism over climate neglect and debt reform promises

At the June 15‑17 2026 G7 summit in Évian‑les‑Bains, France, leaders issued a joint declaration on "mutually beneficial international partnerships" that pledged to reform the global debt architecture, expand debt‑restructuring options for vulnerable low‑ and middle‑income countries, and improve coordination among development actors. Gideon Rabinowitz of the UK NGO network Bond welcomed the commitment but warned that stronger measures, such as a UN‑based debt relief mechanism and protection of official development assistance, are still needed.

Campaign groups, including the climate network 350, said the three‑day meeting ignored the ongoing climate and energy crisis. They argued the summit failed to address fossil‑fuel volatility, food‑security risks and inflationary pressures linked to recent geopolitical shocks. Representatives from Kenya, Japan and other regions called for binding climate‑adaptation commitments, a clear phase‑out plan for heavy polluters and a permanent tax on fossil‑fuel profits, accusing the G7 of prioritising rich‑country interests over urgent environmental action.