The Group of 7 nations and their allies are set to convene for a summit in Alberta, Canada, starting Sunday. The meeting takes place amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and shifting global alliances under President Trump.
This annual summit includes leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, providing a platform for discussions on critical global issues. Hosted in Kananaskis, Alberta, the summit will run until late Tuesday.
While the agenda covers topics such as wildfires, the global economy, and the situation in Ukraine, a primary focus for many leaders will be their interactions with President Trump, with hopes of avoiding any discord.
Previous summits have ranged from cordial exchanges to significant confrontations, exemplified by the contentious 2018 meeting in Canada, which highlighted tensions between Trump and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
This year's summit is expected to see increased attendance, as Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited leaders from several non-member nations, including India, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Ukraine, Australia, South Korea, and the head of NATO.
Discussions on the global economy are scheduled for Monday, with additional topics including the ongoing wildfires in Alberta and issues related to drug and migrant smuggling.
On Tuesday, the discussions will expand to include Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, focusing on the war in Ukraine. However, both the economic situation and the conflict in Ukraine are anticipated to present challenges for consensus.
Significant talks are expected to occur in smaller, bilateral meetings, particularly between Trump and Canadian leaders regarding the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which has been strained due to tariffs imposed by Trump.
Traditionally, G7 summits have resulted in joint statements or actions, such as sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. However, this year, due to Trump's unconventional approach to trade and foreign policy, a lack of a joint communiqué is anticipated.
Leaders will likely aim to issue coordinated statements regarding the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, but failures to do so may underscore the growing divide between the U.S. and its allies on crucial issues.
Trump's presence adds an element of unpredictability, with Canadian sentiments towards him becoming increasingly negative amid his comments about Canada’s sovereignty. Protests are expected in nearby Calgary and Banff as the summit unfolds.