C7 Summit in Rome tackles global challenges ahead of G7 Meeting
The Civil 7 — C7 is one of the official engagement groups of the G7, and provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to bring forth proposals and demands to stimulate a constructive dialogue with the G7. The C7 Summit took place at FAO headquarters in Rome (14–15 May 2024)
The Civil 7 — C7 is one of the official engagement groups of the G7. It provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to bring forth proposals and demands aimed at protecting the environment and promoting social and economic development and well-being for all, ensuring healthy lives, gender equality, human rights and the principle of leaving no one behind, in order to stimulate a constructive dialogue with the G7.
On the occasion of the Italian G7 Presidency, the C7 Summit took place at FAO headquarters in Rome (14–15 May 2024) and was organized and coordinated by the Italian Coalition Against Poverty that chairs the C7 in 2024. The UN SDG Action Campaign provided financial and communications support to the C7.
Over 700 organizations from 70 countries gathered thanks to a vibrant and inclusive process which united diverse perspectives to develop policy positions and recommendations aimed at protecting the environment, promoting social, economic development and well-being for all, gender equality, human rights and the principle of leaving no one behind.
The seven Working Groups worked on different thematic areas and presented the C7 Communiqué to the G7 Presidency during the C7 Summit.
“The current critical time requires a systemic revision of the narrative for action and the political approach determined to leave no one behind. The global challenges require policy coherence between national and international dimensions, and among sectors, to link together the future of the planet and of all human beings and to renew a bold promotion of global peacebuilding.” -Excerpt from the Preamble, C7 Communiqué
The [C7] Summit represents a crucial moment of confrontation and dialogue of the C7 with the G7 delegation,” according to Riccardo Moro, the C7 Chair, at the Civil7 (C7) International Summit.
Innovation, Solutions and Collective Action
During the C7 plenary session on Interconnections and Policy Coherence for Development, Marina Ponti, Global Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign, launched the 2024 edition of the UN SDG Action Awards and called initiatives and changemakers that bring innovative solutions in achieving the SDGs to apply.
The Role of Civil Society in Financial Reform
In an interview with Vincenzo Giardina from the Agenzia Dire, Italian Press Agency, Marina Ponti emphasized the need for an inclusive space and the role of civil society in sustainable development.
“Civil society is crucial to bring forward the demands of the most marginalized populations and sectors,” said Ponti, “It is critical to give them space because long-term solutions for peace, sustainability, and global equity require the input and attention of all voices.”
The discussion highlighted the urgent need for reforms to ensure that financial policies support inclusive and sustainable development. Watch the full interview here. The interview has also been published in prominent Italian newspaper Repubblica.
Uniting for Just Justice
The C7 Working Group coordinators discussed their key takeaways and recommendations from the C7 Communiqué during the interviews facilitated by the UN SDG Action Campaign. These discussions highlighted the critical need for coordinated global efforts to address systemic challenges and tackle pressing global issues. Watch interviews.
The Civil 7 Summit is a testament to the power of uniting to act and the importance of inclusive, participatory processes in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for all. Together, we can overcome challenges and ensure that no one is left behind.
