There is still intolerable inequality in today’s world – not only in terms of income, but also access to education, healthcare, or even drinking water. And in many countries, the situation for women is even worse. Beyond the individual suffering it causes, inequality makes the status quo unbearable and legitimately fuels many of the social and political protests which are destabilizing certain world regions.

Under its G7 Presidency, France is tackling the roots of inequality and working to make genuine progress towards the day when Article 1 of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen will become a reality.

“Men are born and remain free and equal in rights.”

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, from the French Revolution.

To face this challenge, France is overhauling the format of the G7: in 2019, it will be your G7, for our future – and not just a behind-closed-doors meeting between Heads of State and Government. The highlight of this year of discussions and actions will be the G7 Summit in Biarritz, southwestern France, which was held from 24 to 26 August 2019.

To provide tangible, effective and innovative solutions for the:

  • 783 million people who live below the poverty line;
  • 265 million children with no access to schooling;
  • 620 million extra children needing schooling worldwide by 2030, including 444 million in Africa;
  • 200 million women with no access to contraception;
  • More than 1 billion women who are not protected by the law if they are victims of violence at home;
  • 100 million people who are condemned to a situation of extreme poverty by 2030 if we fail to fulfil our commitments in the fight against global warming;
  • 690 million children who live in the regions most exposed to climate change, who are victims of flooding, droughts, rising waters and scarcity of resources;
  • Aspirations of young people – more than 2 billion people aged between 10 and 24 years, 90% of whom in developing countries.

And because the fight against inequality concerns all stakeholders in society, including citizens, businesses and public officials, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, has decided to renew the format of the G7.

The Biarritz Summit was a showcase for this new working method.

From 25 August, the G7 involved partner countries that share our values and our ambition to bring about change.

The goal was also to move beyond simple “final communiqués”.

 

To attain our ISO 20121 certification and Equality at a Major Event label goals, several sponsors and partners have provided invaluable support by developing green and exemplary solutions:

Our environmentally responsible actions for the Biarritz Summit