FAQs

The objective of the Civil 7 (C7) is to engage with the Canadian government and G7 heads of state to elevate civil society positions into G7 Summit decisions. Through an inclusive process, Working Groups develop policy recommendations on key themes of global importance, which are then delivered to G7 representatives. A primary focus involves amplifying perspectives from civil society partners in the Global South, who are disproportionately affected by G7 decisions regarding conflicts, pandemics, and climate change, yet have limited opportunities for international influence.

After long meeting behind closed doors, G7 governments now actively seek dialogue with non-state actors. The C7 functions as one of the eight official G7 Engagement Groups, alongside Business 7, Labour 7, Pride 7, Think Tank 7, Urban 7, Women 7, and Youth 7. Through structured exchanges with G7 representatives, these Engagement Groups contribute recommendations addressing current G7 priorities, seeking their integration into formal agreements and policies.

The G7 shapes global trends, tackles complex and large-scale challenges, and responds to emerging global crises. It offers global leadership and acts as a strong catalyst on issues that are later addressed in other international and regional conversations. Unlike the G20, the G7 positions itself as a community of values strengthening multilateralism. Despite questions about its exclusivity, the ongoing polycrisis demonstrates the critical importance of international coordination, with the G7 serving as an informal forum for discussing structural issues and coordinating actions toward the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Involvement in the C7 process enables civil society actors to expand their international networks and develop actionable policy recommendations on topics relevant to them. The priorities brought about by the C7 are greatly valued by the Government of Canada and other G7 countries, providing platforms for representing civil society positions internationally, raising concerns, and contributing expertise. Participation is voluntary and unremunerated.

The Steering Committee is responsible for the strategic direction of the C7 process. It meets at regular intervals to steer the production of the communiqué, organize the Summit, coordinate with other Engagement Groups, and guide overall advocacy efforts.

Working Groups serve as spaces for exchanging perspectives with other members of global civil society on important themes for 2025 and beyond. Participants, supported by coordinators, produce their thematic communiqué sections. Members contribute ideas freely and constructively to advance shared objectives, with all sections combined into one unified document providing focus and coherence to 2025 G7 advocacy.

Working Group themes are determined by a thoughtful balance between the G7 priorities of the Government of Canada and the priorities of Canadian and international civil society. Previous C7 and C20 processes also inform the selection of priority themes for 2025.

Working Groups are led by coordinators who guide and moderate dialogue. They produce finalized thematic communiqué sections and validate content with participants. Coordinators receive support from the C7 Secretariat. Working Group proposals require confirmation by the Steering Committee.

Cooperation Canada leads the coordination of the C7 process this year. Internationally, it organizes the frameworks needed to produce the final Communiqué and utilize it as an advocacy tool with the G7. Accompanying the Canadian government’s G7 presidency, it advances focused policy recommendations on topics crucial to global civil society and identified as priorities by the Government of Canada, while facilitating structured dialogue between the G7 and civil society.