G7 summit in Evian commits to sweeping development aid reform

Leaders of the Group of Seven met in Evian‑les‑Bains, France, from 15‑17 June 2026 to address a range of global challenges, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, energy security, supply‑chain resilience and the impact of artificial intelligence on finance. In a joint declaration the G7 agreed to a comprehensive overhaul of international development cooperation, calling for simpler financing structures, stronger private‑capital mobilisation, faster debt‑restructuring processes and greater emphasis on women’s empowerment and critical‑minerals supply chains. Partner countries Kenya and South Korea joined the declaration, while invited nations such as Egypt, India, Brazil and Kenya highlighted the summit’s broader outreach.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi used the summit to underscore Cairo’s strategic role for Europe, meeting EU leaders to discuss migration, energy routes and regional conflict resolution. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the adoption of nine separate declarations covering cancer research, Ebola, drug smuggling and other urgent issues, noting the consensus on strengthening Ukraine’s air‑defence and diversifying energy supply chains.

The summit also featured a viral exchange between India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reflecting growing strategic ties between their countries. Overall, the G7’s commitments aim to reshape development finance, reduce debt vulnerabilities and bolster global economic stability.