What is C7?
The Civil 7 (C7) is an official engagement group that enables civil society organizations and actors to engage directly with the Group of Seven (G7) countries. It serves as a platform to channel the voices of global civil society and present recommendations on crucial international issues.
The C7 aims to ensure that the interests and concerns of civil society, particularly those from outside the G7 nations and notably from the Global South, are reflected in the G7’s deliberations and decisions. By incorporating these perspectives, the C7 promotes a more inclusive approach to the G7 process, advocating for solutions that address the needs of communities worldwide.
The G7 itself is an informal political forum comprising Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, the United States, and the European Union. Each year, G7 leaders gather at a summit to discuss and coordinate their stances on pressing global and regional issues. To prepare for and follow up on these summits, senior representatives known as Sherpas support the process, while ministers meet throughout the year for focused discussions in ministerial meetings. In 2025, Canada will assume the rotating G7 Presidency from Italy, guiding the G7’s work and hosting the year’s engagements, including the C7, to foster robust dialogue across sectors.