The world’s leading industrial democracies wrapped up two days of talks in Paris with a sweeping pledge to confront conflicts, protect global trade and strengthen support for civilians facing deepening crises.
The foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States met on November 9 and 10 under France’s 2026 G7 presidency, joined by the European Union’s High Representative.
Their joint statement ranged from Ukraine and the Middle East to Sudan, Haiti, the Indo-Pacific and emerging threats to critical infrastructure.
At the center of the meeting was Russia’s war in Ukraine. The ministers reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning Russian attacks on homes, civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage.
They also denounced attacks on civilian shipping in the Black Sea, warning that disruption to the route could worsen pressure on global food supplies.
The group backed continued U.S.-led efforts to pursue peace through direct negotiations and said a full, reciprocal ceasefire would be essential.
As an initial step, they called for attacks on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea to stop, arguing that this could help protect civilians and stabilize supplies of food, electricity, heating and water.
The G7 also promised to keep helping Ukraine defend itself. Ministers reviewed efforts to provide air-defense systems, interceptors and long-range capabilities, and said they would work to address Ukraine’s financing needs from 2027 onward.
With winter approaching, they pledged to increase financial and material support for the country’s energy resilience.
Alongside military and economic assistance, the ministers signaled that pressure on Moscow would continue.
They discussed tighter coordination on sanctions, with particular attention to the vessels, insurers, traders and intermediaries used to help Russia evade restrictions through its so-called shadow fleet.
They also condemned military assistance to Russia from North Korea and Iran, and cited weapons, training and dual-use components from China as enabling the war.
The Middle East formed another major part of the declaration. On Iran, the ministers supported diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting settlement addressing concerns about its nuclear program, while insisting that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon.
They condemned attacks on neighboring countries and the obstruction of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that international vessels should be able to pass freely without tolls or other restrictions.
The statement also backed defensive efforts to clear mines and protect civilian ships in the strait, a vital route for international trade and energy.
The ministers urged Tehran to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency and meet its international obligations.
In Gaza, the G7 called for the rapid and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance, the opening of additional crossings and the restoration of essential infrastructure.
The ministers backed implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolution, called for Hamas to disarm and have no role in Gaza’s future, and said Israel should progressively withdraw under the conditions set out in that resolution.
They urged all parties to continue working toward a political future that could support peaceful coexistence for Israelis and Palestinians.
The ministers also addressed escalating violence and humanitarian needs in Yemen, Lebanon and Syria.
They called for an end to Houthi attacks, safe access for humanitarian aid in Yemen and the release of detained aid workers, including UN staff.
In Lebanon, they stressed the need to respect the ceasefire and strengthen the Lebanese state’s authority over armed groups. For Syria, they voiced support for an inclusive political transition and protection of civilians.
Beyond the Middle East, Sudan emerged as one of the meeting’s most urgent humanitarian concerns.
The G7 warned that fighting, attacks on health facilities and displacement camps, and barriers to aid were increasing the risk of famine in parts of Darfur and Kordofan.
Ministers condemned abuses against civilians, including conflict-related sexual violence, and called on the warring parties to negotiate a permanent ceasefire and allow rapid, unimpeded humanitarian access.
The statement widened its focus to the Indo-Pacific, where ministers opposed unilateral efforts to change the status quo by force or coercion.
They emphasized freedom of navigation and overflight, expressed concern about tensions in the East and South China Seas, and called for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
They also condemned North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and raised concerns about cybercrime, cryptocurrency theft and growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Other crises received attention too. The G7 welcomed continued international efforts to restore security in Haiti and called for credible democratic elections, while recognizing the country’s severe humanitarian needs.
In Cuba, it highlighted shortages of food, fuel and medicine. In Venezuela, ministers supported reconciliation talks and called for free and fair elections and the release of political prisoners.
The declaration also looked beyond immediate conflicts to the systems that connect economies and enable daily life.
The ministers condemned cyberattacks, sabotage and foreign information campaigns, and called for stronger protection of undersea cables, energy infrastructure, ports and satellites.
Together with Brazil and South Korea, the G7 launched a ports network aimed at improving cooperation against drug trafficking.
Food security and the stability of supply chains ran through many of the discussions. The ministers linked threats to shipping in the Black Sea and Strait of Hormuz, conflict and climate pressures to the risk of higher food insecurity.
They said the G7 had mobilized $2.5 billion in international funding in 2026 to address the Middle East crisis and reaffirmed their broader commitment to resilient food systems.
The breadth of the statement reflected the G7’s central concern: crises that begin in one place can quickly affect people and economies far beyond it.
Whether the commitments translate into meaningful change will depend on what the member states do next—on the battlefield, in negotiations and in the humanitarian corridors they say must remain open.