Consider the following statements regarding the Group of Seven (G - 7): 1. The G -7 does not have a formal constitution or a fixed headquarters. 2. G - 7 is a bloc of industrialized democracies i.e. France, Germany; China, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, and Canada. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
The United Kingdom has invited the Indian Prime Minister as a guest to attend the 47th G7 summit that is scheduled to be held in June 2021.
Group of Seven (G-7)
About:
It is an intergovernmental organization that was formed in 1975.
The bloc meets annually to discuss issues of common interest like global economic governance, international security, and energy policy.
The G-7 does not have a formal constitution or a fixed headquarters. Hence statement 1 is correct.
The decisions taken by leaders during annual summits are non-binding.
Members:
G-7 is a bloc of industrialized democracies i.e. France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, and Canada. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
The G7 was known as the ‘G8’ for several years after the original seven were joined by Russia in 1997.
The Group returned to being called G7 after Russia was expelled as a member in 2014 following the latter’s annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine.
Summit Participation:
Summits are held annually and hosted on a rotation basis by the group's members.
The groundwork for the summit, including matters to be discussed and follow-up meetings, is done by the “sherpas”, who are generally personal representatives or members of diplomatic staff such as ambassadors.
The leaders of important international organizations like the European Union, IMF, World Bank, and the United Nations are also invited.
Key Points
Other Guest Countries:
Apart from India, Australia and South Korea are also invited to participate in the proceedings of the summit as “guest countries”.
UK, India & G7:
The UK was the first P5 member to support a permanent UN Security Council seat for India and the first G7 member to invite India to a G7 Summit in 2005.
The proposed summit will be the first in-person G-7 summit in almost two years.
Objective:
Unite leading democracies to help the world build back better from the coronavirus and create a greener, more prosperous future.