G7 Canada 2025 Comprehensive Accountability Report

Executive summary

The Group of Seven (G7) was formed in 1975 during a period of economic upheaval and growing geopolitical tension. Established by like-minded countries as a platform for cooperation to foster shared economic prosperity and stability, it has since broadened its agenda to tackle critical issues such as gender equality, food security, health, quality education, climate change, biodiversity and peace and security. In addition, it has placed a strong emphasis on fostering collaboration with partner countries around the world. This report provides an overview of the G7’s achievements in meeting its development-related commitments and its role in addressing shared global challenges.

On January 1, 2025, Canada assumed the G7 presidency for the seventh time. Canada focused on three priorities:

• Protecting our communities and the world
• Building energy security and accelerating the digital transition
• Securing the partnerships of the future

In June 2025, Canada hosted the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, where leaders discussed the most pressing challenges, including the need for greater economic and financial stability, global security, technological innovation and an open and predictable trading regime. The leaders recognized the importance of cooperation with reliable partners—both existing and new—to drive inclusive economic growth and achieve concrete outcomes that benefit everyone.

In October 2025, Canada convened G7 development ministers to advance cooperation on development priorities and strengthen mutually beneficial and prosperous partnerships. Discussions identified opportunities to enhance the resilience of supply chains, develop quality infrastructure, mobilize development finance from all sources in support of sustainable development and reform the international development system to improve its efficiency and impact.

The G7 accountability process

Accountability and transparency are core principles of the G7. In 2009, the G7 Accountability Working Group (AWG) was created to monitor progress on all G7 development-related commitments. Since then, the AWG has produced a comprehensive progress report every three years to assess the implementation of these commitments. The report serves a dual purpose: to inform the public about the G7’s progress in fulfilling its international development commitments and to highlight the tangible impact of those commitments. This sixth comprehensive progress report lays out the G7’s efforts to fulfill 43 commitments across 11 thematic areas. Monitoring covers development-related commitments from the previous three years and earlier relevant commitments.

These commitments are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a global plan to build a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future.

Taking stock of the progress made

Drawing on publicly available data and voluntary contributions from G7 member governments, the report offers a snapshot of what has been achieved over the past three years. It also sheds light on persistent challenges.

• Financing for development: To advance inclusive, sustainable growth for those most in need, the G7 continued to play a leading role in advancing sustainable development by fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources. Members provided innovative financing solutions, including blended finance and private sector engagement, to close the global investment gap. Through initiatives such as Scaling Capital for Sustainable Development, participating G7 members are leveraging public and private capital to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
• Infrastructure and investment: The G7 continued to support access to infrastructure as a pathway to a more prosperous future for all. Through the G7 Ise-Shima Principles for Promoting Quality Infrastructure Investment and flagship initiatives such as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment the G7 is working to address the global infrastructure investment gap. G7 members continued to invest in sustainable and quality infrastructure projects across the globe, such as the Lobito Corridor, the Luzon Economic Corridor and the Trans-Caspian Corridor, as well as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development – Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility. In addition, some members supported transformative green infrastructure projects in Africa and worked with the African Union to implement the largest free-trade area in the world.
• Health: Through various G7 members’ support to the World Health Organization and investments in initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, as well as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents; and the Pandemic Fund, the G7 made significant progress in strengthening health systems and pandemic preparedness around the globe. This support enabled countries to address current health and health-security crises—and helps ensure all are better prepared for future ones.
• Food security and systems: To strengthen food systems in developing countries, the G7 increased its overall contribution to nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions by around US$3 billion between 2018 and 2023. It also mobilized investments in the agri-food sector and supported innovative solutions to increase both public and private funding to bolster food security. These efforts helped address food shortages and tackle hunger and food insecurity.
• Education: G7 members worked with global partners to address access to quality education, gender disparities in education and the persistence of children remaining out of school. For example, its investment in Education Cannot Wait and the Global Partnership for Education helped 12 million children—48% of whom were girls—in the Sahel region access better education between 2021 and 2024.
• Gender quality: To advance gender equality, G7 members supported initiatives that bolstered women’s economic empowerment by breaking down gender barriers and opening doors to new economic opportunities. In the area of sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence, various members contributed to key programs like the UN Population Fund-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage, the Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation and the Spotlight Initiative. Thanks in part to this support, the global incidence of female genital mutilation among girls is now one third of what it was 30 years ago.
• Governance: The G7 continued to promote inclusive and democratic governance through international and regional organizations, capacity-building activities and strong legal frameworks. For example, through the G7’s support to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, citizens and civil society members were able to hold governments and companies to account and ensure that the extraction of natural resources benefits all—instead of just a few. To combat corruption, members also promoted mechanisms to address base erosion, profit shifting and asset recovery and to improve the transparency of ownership.
• Peace and security: To address the ongoing threat of violence associated with armed conflict and crime, the G7 continued to work to build a more peaceful world. It also remained focused on ensuring women play a critical role in preventing conflict, achieving peace and addressing emerging global security challenges. Members supported the development, implementation and monitoring of National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security—both in their respective countries and globally. They also worked in partnership with African countries to prevent violent conflicts and enhance maritime security capacities, particularly in coastal states.
• Environment, climate and energy: To address challenges related to the environmental crisis, G7 members helped developing countries access financing for mitigation and adaptation measures aimed at reducing the impacts of climate change. G7 members supported climate adaptation measures in low- and middle-income countries as they transition to sustainable, low-carbon, net-zero economies. Through the G7 2030 Nature Compact, participating members committed to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 as part of the global movement to address plastic pollution and develop a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.
• Migration and forced displacement: The G7 continued to address the risks and vulnerabilities that underpin irregular migration and forced displacement, notably in cases of internal displacement caused by conflicts and violence. Between 2019 and 2023, the amount of assistance the G7 provided to developing countries for emergency response increased by more than US$8 billion. G7 members also responded to large-scale and deteriorating humanitarian situations around the globe—including those in Haiti, Palestine, Sudan and Ukraine—and worked to ensure that countries abide by international humanitarian law.
• Humanitarian assistance: In the face of unprecedented global needs, the G7 continued to demonstrate strong leadership in humanitarian response, mobilizing significant resources and partnerships to protect lives and uphold international humanitarian law. In 2024, members collectively provided over US$24.2 billion in assistance. These contributions supported life-saving interventions, resilience building and support for locally led solutions. Through collaboration with organizations such as United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the G7 advanced efforts to ensure the timely and effective delivery of aid and to strengthen systems that protect the most vulnerable. These actions reflected a shared commitment to principled humanitarian engagement, helping communities recover and rebuild in the face of complex crises.

Working together to build a better and more resilient world

Over the past three years, G7 members have worked collectively to advance shared priorities and address critical issues facing the world today. Today, as the G7 marks the 50th anniversary of its first summit, the urgency of coordinated action is growing. The progress made over the reporting period shows that the G7 remains a valuable forum for advanced economies to work together to respond to these challenges and achieve concrete outcomes.

Contents

• Methodological note
  • Baselines and indicators
  • Data sources

1. Development cooperation and the Sustainable Development Goals
   1. Financing for development
   2. Innovative financing
2. Economic development
   3. Trade, infrastructure and investment in Africa
   4. Quality infrastructure investment
   5. Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment
   6. Responsible global supply chains
   7. Digital transformation in Africa
   8. Green jobs and social protection for a just transition
3. Health
   9. Attaining universal health coverage with strong health systems and better preparedness for public health emergencies
   10. Preventing, preparing and responding to future outbreaks globally
   11. Reforming and strengthening the WHO’s capacities
   12. Mobilizing support for global health initiatives
   13. Antimicrobial resistance
   14. Neglected tropical diseases
   15. Ending preventable child deaths and improving maternal health
   16. HIV/AIDS: Prevention, treatment and anti-discrimination
   17. Polio
4. Food security and systems
   18. Broad food security and nutrition development
   19. G7 Apulia Food Systems Initiative
5. Education
   20. Quality education for women and girls
   21. Basic education in the Sahel
   22. Girls’ education targets
6. Equality
   23. Sexual and reproductive health and rights
   24. Technical and vocational education and training for women and girls
   25. Women’s economic empowerment
   26. Advancing gender equality by closing the gap in the availability of childcare
   27. Advancing gender equality through non-discriminatory legislation
7. Governance
   28. G7 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
   29. Base erosion and profit shifting
   30. Beneficial ownership transparency
   31. Asset recovery
8. Peace and security
   32. Maritime security in Africa
   33. Women, peace and security
   34. Crises and conflicts in Africa
9. Environment, climate and energy
   35. Biodiversity
   36. Climate risk finance, insurance and disaster risk reduction
   37. Marine litter
   38. Fossil fuels
   39. Climate finance
   40. Just energy transition partnerships
10. Human mobility
    41. Migration and refugees
    42. Drivers of migration
11. Humanitarian assistance
    43. Increasing humanitarian assistance

• List of abbreviations

Methodological note

Since 2009, the G7 Accountability Working Group (AWG) has monitored the implementation of G7 development and development-related commitments. The AWG produces a comprehensive accountability report (CAR) every three years, providing a full review of all active commitments.

Commitments for monitoring are drawn annually from the G7 leaders’ communiqué. In CAR years, the AWG also determines which commitments will be discontinued (“sunsetted”). The G7 presidency chairs the AWG, guiding the process, consolidating data and drafting reports.

The AWG currently monitors 43 active commitments across 11 chapters on sustainable development. Each commitment has an assessment framework specifying baseline, context, indicators and data sources.

Baselines and indicators

Each commitment includes a baseline that serves as the reference point for evaluating progress. Indicators are designed either to provide contextual information or to assess specific G7 contributions toward achieving the stated objectives. Contextual indicators—such as trends in education outcomes in a given region—offer insight into broader developments and situate G7 actions in the wider landscape. Output indicators, by contrast, measure concrete G7 interventions, which may include development cooperation projects, financial contributions to third-party initiatives or regulatory measures.

Data sources

To ensure consistency in reporting, the AWG designates specific data sources for each active commitment, including external databases and reports from multilateral organizations. In addition to publicly available sources, the AWG gathers information from relevant departments and entities in the governments of the seven G7 members and the European Union (EU) administration.

For many commitments, the G7 tracks official development assistance (ODA)—the main financial tool for development—by country, sector or objective. Figures reflect actual disbursements in current prices and exchange rates, using the latest available data—typically preliminary 2024—from the Creditor Reporting System table, which details sectoral allocations, delivery channels and policy markers such as gender equality.

Disclaimers

* The United States has not endorsed this CAR and did not participate in the drafting process. The data for the United States in this report is drawn exclusively from publicly available sources.

** G7 total amounts include EU institutions where applicable.

*** For Canada to internally count a particular project toward the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), a project must include at least one or more of the following areas: education facilities; health; water supply and sanitation; transport and storage; communications; energy policy; energy generation; hybrid energy plants; nuclear energy plants; energy distribution; agriculture; urban development; land policy and management; and reconstruction relief and rehabilitation. Canada also works to ensure that each identified project makes significant contributions to the infrastructure-related aspect of the project.

I. Development cooperation and the Sustainable Development Goals

The G7 has long played a pivotal role in mobilizing ODA that supports developing countries and contributes toward the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals are guiding efforts to create a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous world by 2030. From ending poverty and hunger to ensuring sustainable consumption patterns and access to clean and reliable energy for all, these goals inspire many international development efforts.

The members of the G7 remain committed to ensuring that scarce financial resources can make the greatest possible contribution to and impact on achieving the SDGs. In recent years, the G7 has also focused on working with new partners to support its international development efforts and on attracting and mobilizing new sources of public and private capital for sustainable development. By focusing on new and innovative forms of financing, G7 countries are demonstrating that investing in sustainable development can foster both development and financial gains.

1. Financing for development

The world faces complex and mounting problems, including poverty, inequality and climate change, in addition to concurrent humanitarian crises. For millions of people, ODA provides a lifeline during times of crisis. At the same time, it provides critical support to low- and middle-income countries to help them strengthen their capacities in key areas, such as health, education and infrastructure.

In 2024, the G7 collectively contributed the largest amount of ODA by Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development – Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) member countries. This funding is promoting the economic development of developing countries and improving the lives of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.

Between 2019 and 2023, G7 total ODA steadily increased every year, increasing by 49%, from US$113.99 billion to almost US$170.29 billion in 2023. From 2018 to 2023, aggregate ODA on a grant-equivalent basis—as a percentage of gross national income (GNI)—for G7 members steadily increased, from 0.29% in 2018 to 0.36% in 2023, before falling to 0.32% in 2024. Germany was the only G7 member country that met the 0.7% ODA and GNI target in 2023, exceeding it at 0.82%. In 2024, no G7 member country met the target.

Figure 1: G7, OECD-DAC and EU collective ODA as a percentage of GNI, 2015 to 2023

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	Flows basis			Grant-equivalent basis
Year	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Donor
G7	0.27%	0.30%	0.30%	0.29%	0.28%	0.31%	0.33%	0.36%	0.36%	0.32%
DAC members	0.33%	0.36%	0.35%	0.34%	0.33%	0.36%	0.37%	0.41%	0.42%	0.38%
DAC EU countries	0.42%	0.48%	0.46%	0.44%	0.43%	0.50%	0.50%	0.58%	0.53%	0.47%
Canada	0.28%	0.26%	0.26%	0.28%	0.27%	0.31%	0.32%	0.37%	0.38%	0.34%
France	0.37%	0.38%	0.43%	0.43%	0.44%	0.53%	0.51%	0.56%	0.48%	0.48%
Germany	0.52%	0.70%	0.67%	0.61%	0.61%	0.73%	0.76%	0.85%	0.82%	0.67%
Italy	0.22%	0.27%	0.30%	0.25%	0.22%	0.22%	0.29%	0.33%	0.27%	0.28%
Japan	0.20%	0.20%	0.23%	0.28%	0.29%	0.31%	0.34%	0.39%	0.44%	0.39%
United Kingdom	0.70%	0.70%	0.70%	0.70%	0.70%	0.70%	0.50%	0.51%	0.58%	0.50%
United States	0.17%	0.19%	0.18%	0.16%	0.15%	0.17%	0.20%	0.23%	0.24%	0.22%

Source: OECD-DAC1

Table 1: G7 members’ total ODA, 2019 to 2023

Amounts in USD (in billions)

Source: OECD-DAC1

From 2019 to 2023, G7 countries’ ODA to least developed countries (LDCs) increased by nearly US$10 billion, from almost US$32.5 billion to US$42.2 billion. Although the total amount of ODA allocated to LDCs increased during this period, the share of overall ODA allocated to these countries declined by five percentage points. From 2019 to 2023, the overall ODA the G7 provided to fragile states and conflict-affected countries increased by over US$8 billion, although their percentage share of overall ODA declined from 41% to 30%. 

Figure 2: G7 countries’ ODA for LDCs, other low-income countries, landlocked developing countries, small-island developing states (SIDS) and fragile states and conflict-affected countries, 2019 to 2023

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USD (in billions)	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Fragile states and conflict-affected countries	$43.40	$48.20	$53.70	$45.30	$51.70
Landlocked developing countries	$18.10	$19.20	$21.10	$18.80	$20.90
Least-developed countries	$32.50	$36.40	$40.80	$34.80	$42.30
Other low-income countries	$2.20	$2.30	$2.20	$1.80	$2.20
Small-island developing states	$1.90	$2.90	$3.40	$2.50	$5.00
As a percentage of total ODA
Fragile states and conflict-affected countries	41%	40%	39%	28%	30%
Landlocked developing countries	17%	16%	15%	12%	12%
Least-developed countries	30%	30%	30%	22%	25%
Other low-income countries	2%	2%	2%	1%	1%
Small-island developing states	2%	2%	2%	2%	3%

Source: OECD-DAC1

Since 2019, Italy’s ODA has shown a consistent upward trend despite some fluctuations over the years. It increased from €3.9 billion in 2019 to €6.2 billion in 2024, or from 0.22% of GNI to 0.28%, based on preliminary data. Between 2019 and 2023, Italy provided €2.066 billion in bilateral aid to LDCs and €3.5 billion in imputed multilateral costs. Due to the use of a new methodology for providing funds from the Revolving Fund for Development Co-operation, Italy’s disbursements are gradually increasing. At the same time, the high level of concessionality of soft loans from the fund means they have a high grant element, and therefore, generate more ODA.

Italy’s 2022 Budget Law also established the Italian Climate Fund (ICF) with annual allocations of €840 million from 2022 until 2026 and of €40 million from 2027 onward. The fund will support climate action in ODA-eligible developing countries to contribute to reaching the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

Similar to Italy, Canada’s ODA has shown an upward trend over the last several years, growing from almost Can$6.8 billion in 2020 to over $10.1 billion in 2024. This increase was largely driven by new, short-term resources provided in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Japan’s ODA has also shown an upward trend over the last several years, growing to approximately US$19.6 billion in 2023. This was largely driven by an increase in bilateral aid and multilateral contributions, including support for Ukraine, as well as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, due to Japan’s challenging fiscal situation, the government has been making further efforts to enhance the efficiency of its ODA and mobilize private sector finance, including through amending relevant acts and other measures.

In 2021, the United Kingdom reduced its ODA budget from 0.7% of GNI to around 0.5% as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public finances. In 2023, it increased it slightly to 0.58%. However, the U.K. government has decided to reduce its ODA budget to 0.3% of GNI by 2027. It remains committed to returning to spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA when fiscal circumstances allow.

Although France’s ODA increased from €10 billion to €15 billion between 2017 and 2022, it decreased to €13.9 billion in 2023. However, preliminary numbers show a slight increase in volume in 2024, to €14.3 billion, equivalent to 0.48% of its gross domestic product (GDP). In 2025, France’s Presidential Council for International Partnerships reaffirmed its commitment to its partnership policy, which is based on the following three pillars:

• solidarity, particularly with the least developed and most vulnerable countries
• investment in global public goods
• building alliances with partner countries on an equal footing

Figure 3: G7 bilateral ODA for developing countries with gender equality objectives, 2019 to 2023

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Year	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
USD (in billions)	$35.39	$40.21	$42.52	$45.61	$41.97
Percentage of total	39%	39%	38%	36%	35%

Source: OECD-DAC gender markers

Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (TOSSD) is an international standard for measuring a broad array of resources in support of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda). Building on the gold standard of ODA, TOSSD measures all official resources flowing into developing countries for their sustainable development, as well as private resources mobilized through official means. Resources measured include non-concessional flows, South-South cooperation, activities to address global challenges and private finance mobilized by official interventions. With its two-pillar framework, TOSSD not only tracks officially supported cross-border flows to developing countries, but also research, innovation and capacity building and expenditures to address global challenges at regional and global levels.

Between 2021 and 2023, the average TOSSD reported by the EU amounted to US$30 billion for Pillar 1 and US$16.5 billion for Pillar 2, for a total of US$46.5 billion. In 2023 alone, EU TOSSD totalled US$56 billion. This included cross-border flows and contributions to global public goods, both concessional and non-concessional.

In 2023, France’s TOSSD amounted to around US$32.9 billion, including Pillars 1 and 2—mobilized private funds are counted separately.

In 2023, Canada’s TOSSD totalled US$11.55 billion. This included over US$6.8 billion under Pillar 1 and over US$4.6 billion under Pillar 2.

Figure 4: G7 total official support for sustainable development, 2023

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Year	2023
Pillar	1	2
USD (in billions)	$105.41	$120.03

Source: TOSSD Secretariat

2. Innovative financing

It is becoming increasingly clear that greater investment is needed to achieve the SDGs and guide global efforts in creating a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous world by 2030. The current funding gap has created the need for a rapid and significant influx of non-traditional sources of international development financing from private and public sectors alike.

To address the scarcity of public funds available for sustainable development, the G7 adopted the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development in 2018. It committed to developing innovative financing models that make use of private resources to foster inclusive development and equality. Reporting on this commitment is done through three indicators:

• the share and number of private sector instruments (PSIs) in G7 members’ bilateral ODA
• the share and amount of mobilized private capital and total PSIs in relation to TOSSD
• narrative examples of funding provided by G7 members through innovative initiatives and partnerships with the private sector

Between 2019 and 2023, the volume of funding G7 members provided through innovative initiatives and partnerships remained relatively consistent, averaging approximately US$8.5 billion annually. The volume of funding provided through these innovative finance initiatives peaked in 2021 at almost US$9.5 billion. The United States provided the most funding through these means, delivering around US$31.5 billion from 2019 to 2023. The United Kingdom was the second-largest G7 contributor, providing approximately US$5 billion through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and private sector institutions.

PSIs are financing instruments used to engage the private sector in development cooperation, such as loans, guarantees, mezzanine finance and equity provided to private sector entities. In 2023 and 2024, five G7 countries used the PSI grant equivalent measure: Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. Over those two years, their total combined PSIs amounted to almost US$4.4 billion. In 2022, the EU contributed US$147 million through PSIs.

Table 2: Volume of funding for ODA provided by G7 members through innovative initiatives via PPPs and private sector institutions

Amounts in USD (in millions)

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Reporting System

Enhancing TOSSD

In 2022 and 2023, there were notable increases in contributions of EU institutions to TOSSD. Altogether, EU institutions’ total TOSSD contributions reached US$46.9 billion in 2022, increasing to more than US$53.2 billion in 2023. Under Pillar 1, which typically covers cross-border resources, EU institutions contributed approximately US$16.7 billion in 2022. In 2023, this amount increased to almost US$18.4 billion. Under Pillar 2, which includes support for global and regional public goods, the increase was even more substantial. Contributions amounted to US$30.3 billion in 2022 and grew to US$34.8 billion in 2023. This reflects the EU’s strong and growing commitment to global sustainable development.

During this period, there was also a significant increase in private finance mobilized by EU institutions. In 2022, EU institutions mobilized US$42.36 billion in private finance. This amount surged in 2023, reaching over US$140.7 billion. This sharp rise reflects the EU’s efforts to leverage private sector investment for development objectives.

Between 2020 and 2023, France mobilized an average of US$2 billion in private capital each year. This represented 6% of its TOSSD amount, including both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2. This was down from the US$3.4 billion mobilized in 2019.

Canada’s international assistance helped mobilize Can$2 billion in private capital between 2012 and 2023. This was achieved through Can$1.7 billion in investments, yielding a mobilization ratio of 1.17. In fiscal year 2022 to 2023, Can$498.6 million in government investments mobilized Can$532.2 million in private capital.

Supporting development through innovative financing mechanisms

In 2018, Canada launched the International Assistance Innovation Program. It provides funding to private sector initiatives that contribute to economic growth and other development objectives to help reduce poverty. By the end of 2024—and the closing of the initial pilot program—the program had disbursed Can$810.8 million through investments. This included 16 new projects that used repayable instruments, as well as complementary technical assistance and ecosystem-building projects, which are expected to:

• reach an estimated 4.8 million people
• abate an estimated 27 million tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs), or the equivalent of 8.2 million passenger vehicles removed from streets in one year
• mobilized approximately Can$3.5 in private capital for every Can$1 in federal money invested

During this period, Canada also piloted its Sovereign Loans Program, which provided Can$600 million in low-interest sovereign loans to five countries: Ecuador, Guyana, Jordan, Moldova and South Africa.

In 2024, a group of governments—including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom—along with private institutional investors, announced the Scaling Capital for Sustainable Development (SCALED) initiative. This initiative brings together public and private stakeholders to accelerate private capital mobilization in emerging and developing economies through standardized blended finance vehicles.

Canada’s development finance institution (DFI), Development Finance Institute Canada (FinDev Canada), also provides innovative financing solutions to mobilize private sector capital. Canada provided Can$700 million in 2024 for FinDev Canada to deliver a new concessional finance facility. FinDev Canada is also launching the Investor Leadership Network and, with other G7 DFIs, the Infrastructure Investment Council. This council will identify co-investment tools and share knowledge to increase the participation of the private sector and institutional investors in infrastructure investments.

The United Kingdom is advancing innovative financing solutions to mobilize private capital for sustainable development. British International Investment (BII), the United Kingdom’s development finance institution, channels capital to underserved markets through blended finance and risk-sharing structures. Through Financial Sector Deepening Africa, it supports the development of green and gender bonds and strengthens African capital markets. The MOBILIST program enables institutional investment via public markets, including the first African commercial climate adaptation fund and Pakistan’s first listed green bond. The United Kingdom also contributes to the Private Infrastructure Development Group. It mobilizes private investment into sustainable infrastructure projects in Africa and Asia using early-stage project development, long-term debt, guarantees and technical assistance.

In 2022, Germany launched the Power-to-X Development Fund to mobilize private investment for large-scale hydrogen projects. By the end of the reporting period, it had accumulated €270 million in funding and mobilized up to €880 million in commitments. Germany also supported the Clean Energy and Energy Inclusion for Africa Foundation. It co-invests in off-grid solar energy with crowd funders to scale up outcome-based financing and implement a result-measuring approach.

In 2023, Germany launched the Climate Syndication Platform. It is expected to mobilize up to €225 million in climate co-financing from institutional investors. Germany is also helping strengthen the financial sector in South Africa, Egypt, Mexico and the Philippines through its 30 by 30 Zero program. Through performance-based incentives, the program aims to mobilize up to US$600 million in additional private capital. In addition, Germany has co-led support for the SCALED initiative since it launched in 2024.

France is working to scale up blended finance, particularly through green, social and sustainability-linked bonds to mobilize private capital for climate-focused projects. In 2024, France, alongside Proparco and the International Finance Corporation, backed a US$300-million green, social and sustainable bond issued by Vietnam’s VPBank—the first such bond of this kind. France also supported a bond issuance by the Banco de América Central in Guatemala to boost climate and gender initiatives while fostering the country’s capital markets. This marked the second time that Guatemala had issued a thematic bond.

France is the second-largest donor to the International Finance Facility for Immunization (IFFIm), contributing €1.39 billion between 2006 and 2026 to support the vaccination programs of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In 2020, France launched the Fund for Innovation in Development, committing over €50 million to drive innovations in health, agriculture, education and gender equality—from early-stage development to scaling up high-impact solutions.

In 2023, Japan launched the Co-creation for common agenda initiative. It aims to achieve development goals through dialogue and collaboration with partner countries, as well as by mobilizing other official flows and private finance in combination with ODA. In 2024, Japan launched the Climate Resilient Debt Clause pilot program. It enables countries that receive loans through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to temporarily defer debt repayments in certain natural disaster cases. In April 2025, Japan also amended the JICA Act to expand its financial instruments to mobilize private finance.

In 2024, the European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group published its recommendations on scaling up sustainable finance in low- and middle-income countries. Under its Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub, the EU supported 25 countries across Africa (13), Asia (4) and Latin America and the Caribbean (8) through coordinated technical assistance. The EU also continued to work with its partners on the Global Green Bond Initiative. It is an EU-backed initiative that aims to build and scale up partner countries’ green bond markets by bringing together European and multilateral DFIs with other development actors. The initiative is expected to mobilize up to €20 billion in private capital in low- and middle-income countries.

In recent years, Italy has introduced direct instruments to support private sector engagement in partner countries. In 2024, it launched Sviluppo+, investing €70 million in business risk capital, offering loans from €250,000 to €10 million over three to 15 years. In 2025, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, with the Agency for Digital Italy, initiated Misura Imprese Impatto [Impact Enterprises Measurement], a €50-million co-financing scheme for innovative business projects, 70% of which is earmarked for Africa.

Italy also strengthened partnerships with international financial institutions. In 2024, it signed a framework agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), including a €100-million contribution to the Ukrainian state-owned company Ukrhydroenergo. In 2025, Italy committed €140 million to the Rome Process / Mattei Plan Financing Facility under the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), supporting strategic sectors such as climate, energy, water and transportation. That same year, a co-financing agreement with the World Bank was formalized to jointly implement development projects.

In addition, Italy is the fourth-largest donor to the IFFIm, committing €654 million to the organization between 2006 and 2030. The facility front-loads sovereign donors’ contributions to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, by issuing vaccine bonds. In June 2025, Italy committed to contributing an additional €75 million to the facility between 2026 and 2030.

II. Economic development

The world is experiencing an increase in geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions. The number of conflicts is growing and violence is intensifying in many regions. This has resulted in a range of challenges, from forced migration to food insecurity to a lack of access to health services. The rise of authoritarianism, the climate crisis and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) are all also creating new challenges.

Inclusive and sustainable economic development can provide a means to address these issues and help ensure the well-being of all people. Investing in economic development is key to eradicating poverty worldwide and creating an equitable division of wealth. For these reasons, the majority of G7 members are committed to ensuring developing countries have a strong voice in the international trade arena by providing technical assistance and ensuring they have the infrastructure they need.

3. Trade, infrastructure and investment in Africa

To create a more inclusive and equitable world, G7 countries continue to invest in sustainable and quality infrastructure projects across Africa. The New Partnership for Africa’s Development – Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF) was launched in June 2002 to address the lack of sustainable and viable infrastructure projects across the continent.

Germany, Canada and the United Kingdom remain key contributors to this multi-donor special fund, hosted by the AfDB. In 2019, Germany provided more than US$28 million to the NEPAD-IPPF; Canada contributed more than US$23 million; the United Kingdom provided around US$14 million; and the United States contributed US$1 million through U.S. Agency for International Development co-financing.

Canada entered into a new arrangement with the NEPAD-IPPF in 2024. By providing technical and financial assistance to African nations, the NEPAD-IPPF is enhancing regional integration and trade by focusing on:

• transportation
• energy, including renewable energy
• information and communication technologies
• transboundary water resources management

Through the Global Gateway, the EU has committed €57 million in several facilities to support infrastructure projects across Africa. This includes €25 million for the EU–European Investment Bank (EIB) Global Gateway Infrastructure Project Delivery Facility and €25 million for the Global Gateway EU–European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Technical Assistance Facility for Sub-Saharan Africa. The Global Gateway is the EU’s initiative to close the global investment gap, and it reflects the G7’s commitment to a values-driven, high-standard and transparent infrastructure partnership.

The EU and France’s DFI, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) [French Development Agency], have invested €145 million to improve rail infrastructure in Mozambique, including doubling the Maputo–Ressano Garcia railway to boost regional logistics. In Kenya, France has committed €82 million to expand the national electricity transmission network through concessional loans and AFD funding.

Other G7 members have contributed to key infrastructure projects in the region. For example, Japan has supported the development of the Northern Corridor in East Africa, the Nacala Corridor and the West African Growth Ring and surrounding areas. The United Kingdom has contributed to efforts by the World Bank Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facilities to improve the quality of project data through a market data gap assessment. The United Kingdom is also providing technical assistance to partner governments, such as Angola, Mozambique and South Africa, to help develop bankable project plans.

Implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the world’s largest free trade area. Launched in 2019, it brought together all 55 African Union (AU) member states, along with eight Regional Economic Communities, to create a single market for the continent. The EU and several G7 member states, including France and Germany, remain staunch supporters of the AfCFTA. Through the large-scale Team Europe Initiative to support the AfCFTA, they have contributed €1.2 billion to support:

• trade in goods
• trade in services
• competition rules
• intellectual property rights
• investment
• digital trade
• women and youth in trade

In 2020, France committed €4 million to support the first technical assistance program of the AfCFTA funded by the EU. In 2025, France committed another €1.3 million to the second phase through a program implemented by Expertise France. The initiative provides technical assistance to operationalize the free trade area to promote inclusive growth, sustainable development and deeper economic and political integration across Africa. Since 2016, Germany has also committed €227 million to support AfCFTA negotiations and implementation.

Through a memorandum of cooperation between the JICA and the AfCFTA Secretariat, Japan has promoted the implementation of the AfCFTA in the following key areas:

• trade facilitation and trade corridors
• industrialization and regional value chain
• key learnings from the experience of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• capacity development and advocacy

The JICA has also been discussing renewing the memorandum with the AfCFTA Secretariat and intends to continue to focus on the current key areas of cooperation.

In collaboration with the World Customs Organization, Japan also provided training on rules of origin to customs officers from 21 countries. As a result, 41 “master trainers” were officially recognized by the JICA and the organization in 2024. This program, along with subsequent training sessions, enables African countries and business sectors to gain a deeper understanding of international trade rules in the framework of the AfCFTA.

Through the African Trade Policy Centre, Canada is providing technical assistance to AU member states to facilitate the reforms needed to implement the AfCFTA. This includes encouraging the 54 AfCFTA signatory countries to integrate gender equality and climate considerations into trade policy reforms.

Canada is also funding a range of projects that are helping to realize the potential of the AfCFTA. For example, since 2024, it has committed Can$9.7 million to create safer and more equitable conditions for 300,000 small-scale, cross-border women traders working along the Zambia-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border. It has also committed Can$20 million to address gender-based barriers for women traders along the Tema-Ouagadougou and Abidjan-Lagos corridors. In 2024 to 2025, Canada also wrapped up a Can$15-million project that is promoting the economic empowerment of women cross-border traders in eastern Africa while reducing barriers, such as sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Canadian funding is also supporting the creation of an innovative finance network across eight East African countries. This network will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) trade regionally as well as become more gender-responsive and climate-smart.

The United Kingdom is supporting the AfCFTA with a total of up to £35 million over five years through its AfCFTA Support Programme. This program focuses on both the negotiation and implementation phases of the agreement. Support is delivered through two key implementation partners: ODI Global focuses on trade policy, while TradeMark Africa focuses on trade facilitation, including targeted support to improve freight flows along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor. Other initiatives include SheTrades Commonwealth+, United Kingdom Trade Partnerships, Economic Partnership Agreements and the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.

Supporting the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa

The Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA) aims to mobilize up to US$10 billion in private capital for transformative green infrastructure projects in Africa. Led by the AfDB, the AU and Africa50, the alliance works to accelerate the energy transition, bridge the infrastructure gap and promote climate resilience across the continent.

During the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), African and global institutions, as well as the German, French and Japanese governments and philanthropic organizations, committed more than US$75 million to the AGIA. This historic initial commitment will go a long way in financing climate-friendly infrastructure projects across the continent and accelerating Africa’s just and fair transition to net-zero CO₂ emissions.

Germany has invested €26 million in the high-risk portion of the AGIA Project Development Fund to help attract further financing for sustainable infrastructure in Africa. Italy is providing up to US$40 million to the fund through the ICF. It is also contributing up to US$5 million in grants to deliver technical assistance to support the development of investment-ready projects. These commitments aim to accelerate the preparation of green infrastructure projects across Africa and leverage significant private sector investment to close the continent’s infrastructure gap and support the energy transition.

Japan approved its first project in support of the AGIA Project Preparation in April 2025, and it plans to launch up to three more. This initial project focuses on environmental sustainability and the integration of renewable energy systems. It provides advisory services and technical assistance to AfDB regional member countries to promote PPPs and strengthen their capacity for sustainable energy infrastructure development.

The United Kingdom is supporting the AGIA’s plan to raise a total of US$500 million to develop infrastructure projects and to use that investment to mobilize up to US$10 billion in private finance. This support is going toward three key areas:

• project preparation
• project development
• financing and investment

In Ethiopia, the EU and France have committed €120 million to the Renewable Integrated Sustainable Energy and Digitalization initiative to modernize the national electricity grid and expand access to digital infrastructure.

4. Quality infrastructure investment

The global infrastructure investment gap—the difference between the projected infrastructure investment needed to meet demand and what is currently being invested—is expected to reach approximately $15 trillion by 2040 if present investment trends continue.

To close this gap and promote strong, sustainable and balanced growth, the G7 developed the Ise-Shima Principles for Promoting Quality Infrastructure Investment in 2016, setting out the following five principles for quality infrastructure development:

• effective governance, reliable operation and economic efficiency in view of life-cycle cost, as well as safety and resilience against natural disasters, terrorism and cyber-attack risks
• job creation, capacity building and transfer of expertise and know-how to local communities
• social and environmental impacts
• alignment with economic development strategies
• effective resource mobilization

Team Europe, including European institutions, EU member states, the EIB and the EBRD, advances the Ise-Shima Principles through its Global Gateway strategy. The strategy provides a comprehensive, values-driven framework for sustainable, transparent and inclusive infrastructure investment. Launched in December 2021, the Global Gateway offers a structured response to global infrastructure needs, placing particular emphasis on partner-country ownership, long-term sustainability and high environmental and social standards. As part of this strategy, the EU has initiated support for the Lobito Corridor (in southern Africa) and Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (in eastern Europe and central Asia) projects. Both initiatives are designed to meet Ise-Shima criteria, including long-term economic viability, sustainability, regional integration and open-access infrastructure.

To support quality infrastructure investment, Germany focuses on both investing in hard infrastructure projects and fostering enabling environments and project pipelines that will ensure a lasting inflow of private infrastructure investments in partner countries. It is employing this approach in numerous flagship projects. Germany’s dual approach to infrastructure investment is exemplified by the Jbel Lahdid wind farm in Morocco, a PPP co-financed with Morocco, the EU, the EIB, and Germany. Supplying electricity to one million people, the project cuts nearly 600,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, supports Morocco’s renewable energy goals and has created 1,000 jobs. It also delivered 70 kilometres of new roads, improving connectivity for 14 rural communities.

Germany supports the ELMED strategic electricity project between Tunisia and Italy through loans from KfW Development Bank (KfW), the German DFI. The initiative, part of the EU’s Global Gateway and aligned with the Italian Mattei Plan for Africa, includes a high-voltage submarine cable to connect Tunisia to the European grid. It aims to boost electricity trade, energy security and renewable integration, while reducing Tunisia’s reliance on costly fossil fuel imports and enhancing regional cooperation.

In July 2022, Italy endorsed the Compendium of Quality Infrastructure Investment Indicators and Guidance Note, developed for the G20. Italy supports the potential application of the indicators in selected infrastructure projects. Between 2022 and 2024, Italy’s public development bank, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with leading DFIs to mobilize the necessary financial resources for infrastructure investments. This collaboration has been supported through the CDP’s participation in platforms such as the G7 public development bank (PDB)-DFI coordination mechanism set up in 2024, the Finance in Common Summit and the D20 Long-Term Investors Club Summit. It has also adopted a risk-return-impact model, aimed at improving economic, social and environmental outcomes.

France’s DFI, AFD, invests between €6 and €8 billion annually in sustainable infrastructure. The AFD finances infrastructure that contributes to achieving the SDGs in sectors such as energy, transportation, water and sanitation, urban development, health, education and sport. The quality and sustainability of the infrastructure AFD finances rely on supporting local stakeholders’ capabilities in planning, originating, implementing and managing projects. These projects are technically well-designed, financially sustainable, sized to meet long-term needs and based on controlled debt, and they take into account social and environmental risks. The AFD also relies on clear public policies and solid institutions to ensure that these projects result in quality infrastructure projects.

France has contributed to the UN-hosted SOURCE platform, which helps partner countries prepare and manage infrastructure projects to international standards. With around €250,000 per country, France has supported its rollout in several African nations—including Angola, Egypt, Madagascar, South Africa and Tanzania—as well as Brazil and the Philippines.

The United Kingdom’s National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority is responsible for the application of global infrastructure standards in significant national infrastructure projects, as well as drawing in industry expertise and best practices in the United Kingdom and internationally. The United Kingdom works to promote these principles by supporting infrastructure certification schemes, such as the Blue Dot Network, of which it is a steering committee member.

Aligned with the Ise-Shima Principles and G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment, both of which Japan has taken the lead in promoting, Japan supports not only physical infrastructure, but also capacity-building and human resource development to foster self-reliance and sustainable development. Japan is implementing approximately ¥2.8 trillion in land, sea and air corridor connectivity projects and is training 5,000 individuals across ASEAN between 2023 and 2026 to support expert knowledge transfer and regional development. As one of the founding members of the Blue Dot Network, Japan has also contributed to promoting the internationally recognized certification for quality infrastructure projects.

5. Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment

The Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) was launched in 2022 as a way to mobilize public and private investment for infrastructure projects in developing countries. Through this partnership, the G7 aims to narrow the global infrastructure investment gap by mobilizing US$600 billion by 2027. In October 2025, the G7 acknowledged their achievement in mobilizing over US$410 billion to date toward the PGII.

Since its launch, the PGII has contributed to the SDGs and economic stability by offering a transparent, sustainable, high-impact and values-driven alternative to other global infrastructure financing models. It delivers investments that help address issues such as:

• climate change and the energy crisis
• supply chain resilience
• connectivity through digital infrastructure and transportation networks
• sustainable health systems
• gender equality

Global Gateway is the EU’s contribution to PGII. Between 2021 and 2024, more than US$331 billion in investments were mobilized in G7 partner countries through the Global Gateway strategy. The strategy is delivered through a Team Europe approach, which brings together the EU and EU member states, along with their financial and development institutions. It also seeks to mobilize the private sector to leverage investments for a transformational impact.

Since 2022, the United Kingdom has mobilized US$21.3 billion, of which US$8.8 billion was invested by the Government of the United Kingdom, with the remainder mobilized from the private sector. This investment is mobilized through U.K. DFI and ODA spending, including the Private Infrastructure Development Group, MOBILIST, BII and United Kingdom Export Finance.

The EU’s contribution to the PGII includes investments mobilized by financial institutions and DFIs through the EU’s guarantee scheme, the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), as well as other funds mostly coming from Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI)–Global Europe and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance III. Based on the current structure of the EU’s external cooperation, investments are essentially mobilized through EFSD+ guarantees and blending operations, and—to a lesser extent—through other EU programs. EU member states’ contributions include investments mobilized by European financial and development finance institutions outside of EFSD+ and other EU programs. For example, Germany uses a variety of instruments for its projects under the PGII, including:

• promotional loans
• concessional loans
• federal investment and export credit guarantees
• blended grants
• finance

These investments are delivered in cooperation with partners such as the EU, EIB, EBRD and World Bank.

As manager of the ICF, the CDP leverages a diverse set of financial instruments—including concessional loans, equity, quasi-equity and guarantees—to support climate-focused infrastructure projects. These tools help finance public and private initiatives, strengthen financial intermediaries, and attract private investment by mitigating key risks. The CDP also collaborates closely with multilateral developments banks (MDBs), DFIs and partners such as Africa50 and the European Market Coupling Allocation Fund through platforms such as the AGIA, enabling greater resource mobilization, risk reduction and scalability of climate-sensitive investments.

Canada has contributed more than US$6.6 billion in the PGII framework since 2021. This includes programming that supports:

• education facilities
• health
• water supply and sanitation
• transport and storage
• communications
• energy policy
• energy generation
• hybrid energy plants
• nuclear energy plants
• energy distribution
• agriculture
• urban development
• land policy and management
• reconstruction relief and rehabilitation

Supporting country-led infrastructure and investment partnerships

As part of the Global Gateway strategy, France is actively participating in several Team Europe country-led partnerships. For example, in Mongolia, it is helping to implement the Forest Partnership, which aims to protect and restore forests and ensure that they are used, governed and sustainably managed in a way that considers the needs of local communities. It also strengthens forest-based value chains, stimulates stable business environments and ensures the sustainable trade of forest products. In November 2022, during the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), the President of the European Commission and the President of Mongolia signed a memorandum of understanding, and a road map was adopted in July 2023.

Through Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) in Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa and Vietnam, the G7 works with several emerging economies and fast-growing developing countries to move away from fossil fuels and shift toward renewable energies. Canada is an active financial contributor to the G7 JETPs, which are identified as PGII flagship initiatives. In October 2025, the EU announced a comprehensive €430-million package to advance the Bac Ai Pumped Hydro Storage Project, a flagship investment under the JETP with Vietnam.

Italy is participating in the JETP with Vietnam, with a commitment of up to €500 million over five years, of which €250 million is from public resources and up to €250 million is from CDP resources. In Indonesia, Italy has committed €250 million over five years to support the JETP, all of which is from public resources.

Under the EU’s Global Gateway, Germany also contributes to several country-led partnerships, including the JETPs with a co-lead role in Senegal and Indonesia, the Lobito Corridor, the buildup of a green hydrogen economy in Namibia and the Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor.

The Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor links the electricity transmission systems of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia with those of Croatia, Hungary, Italy and Romania. In western Serbia, a 400-kilovolt double circuit transmission line, spanning 109 kilometres, is currently being built between Obrenovac and Bajina Bašta. Preparations are being made to also build an 84-kilometre link between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

With support from France and Germany, Namibia is advancing its Green Industrialization Agenda through the EU-Namibia strategic partnership on green hydrogen. In April 2025, the HyIron project—a consortium of Namibian and German firms—launched Africa’s first zero-emission iron production facility. Backed by German funding, the project currently produces 15,000 tonnes of direct reduced iron, with plans to scale up to 200,000 tonnes annually and a long-term goal of one million tonnes.

The Lobito Corridor Project is a major economic route connecting the port of Lobito, Angola, to the Katanga Province in the DRC and Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. The project encompasses the construction of the Zambia-Angola railway, rehabilitating the DRC segment of the railway, and upgrading and operationalizing the Angolan railway. It also includes:

• soft measures on transit and trade facilitation
• sustainable agricultural value chains
• access to renewable energy and climate adaptation
• education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET)
• job creation
• critical raw material value chains

As the first open-access transcontinental rail link in Africa, the project has the potential to unlock the region’s enormous economic potential, increase export opportunities and promote regional integration.

At the 2024 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Borgo Egnazia, Italy announced its decision to support efforts by the United States and the EU to promote sustainable development along the Lobito Corridor. It committed to mobilizing up to US$320 million in additional investments in support of the core rail infrastructure and related side projects, with a view to creating synergies with the AGIA.

The Lobito Corridor was also a focus of the Mattei Plan for Africa and Global Gateway: A common effort with the African continent, a high-level event held in Rome in June 2025. The event brought together representatives from involved countries, as well as financial institutions and international stakeholders, and reaffirmed the corridor’s central role in advancing connectivity, trade and sustainable infrastructure development across the region.

France has mobilized more than €550 million in the provinces crossed by the Lobito Corridor to enhance agricultural productivity, rural electrification, access to water and climate resilience in line with the 2030 Agenda. This includes private sector investments to modernize the port of Lobito.

Germany has provided €54 million bilaterally to support the raw materials sector in the DRC, aiming to foster local economic development, improve the business climate and strengthen governance in the Lobito Corridor provinces. Initiatives include promoting local private sector investment, in particular through business associations and chambers of commerce, and enhancing transparency in tax collection from the raw materials sector.

Team Europe—through the EU, seven of its member states and the EIB—has invested more than €1.9 billion in the Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+) Global Gateway flagship project. It represents a comprehensive effort to bolster Africa’s sovereignty in vaccines and health product manufacturing, with significant resources mobilized for key African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa. This significant investment is positioning these countries as regional hubs for pharmaceutical innovation. In line with the Global Gateway 360-degree approach and the PGII dual approach, MAV+ addresses:

• industrial development
• supply chains
• market shaping, demand and trade facilitation
• regulatory strengthening
• technology transfer and intellectual property management
• access to finance, including for SMEs
• research and development, higher education and skills

MAV+ also focuses on creating a conducive regulatory and policy environment while reinforcing African health institutional architecture. In addition, it brings together key European and African public and private actors in the health industry and contributes to developing research capacities and enhancing skills across the continent.

As part of the Luzon Economic Corridor project in the Philippines, Japan is proceeding with the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway. This includes preparations for an extension from Clark International Airport, near Manila, to New Clark City, and building a line between the airport and Calamba, in the province of Laguna.

In 2024, the United Kingdom pledged more than £500,000 to launch the Kenya Country Platform. This funding supports the G7 and Government of Kenya Secretariat in the transportation sector, in alignment with the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative, by enhancing coordination among the G7, World Bank, AfDB and UN for four major transportation projects in central Nairobi.

Providing technical assistance for infrastructure and investment

France’s AFD provides project preparation funds through Cities and Climate in Africa and the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa. These two schemes finance upstream studies and build local capacity to help prepare for projects that are compatible with the SDGs. With €27 million in combined grants, they have mobilized more than €1.9 billion in investments in 55 African cities, including €1.4 billion already committed by the AFD, EU and World Bank. These funds also help to bring in the private sector, particularly to support services such as street lighting, waste management and urban mobility. For instance, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Cities and Climate in Africa made it possible to launch a project to create multi-modal exchange hubs. In Djibouti and Conakry, Guinea, it resulted in feasibility studies to create climate-resilient waste treatment centres, through PPPs.

As part of the Global Gateway, Germany provided €7 million between 2021 and 2024 to the AU’s Program Infrastructure Development for Africa through its technical assistance program Green Infrastructure Corridors for Intra-African Trade. The program supports green infrastructure development by pushing projects to a financial close and promoting smart green technologies to secure private sector investment. Germany also supports the C40 Cities Finance Facility. It helps cities prepare and implement sustainable infrastructure projects across key climate action areas and equips city administrations with the skills needed to replicate and scale up successful projects.

Germany also supports several global facilities, such as the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) and the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF). The GIF is a global collaboration platform that boosts private investment in sustainable, quality infrastructure projects. It helps to mobilize private investment in infrastructure by supporting the development of a pipeline of bankable, sustainable and inclusive projects through technical assistance, collaboration and risk mitigation. The PPIAF supports governments in strengthening their policies and institutions to scale infrastructure delivery and to catalyze private participation in infrastructure.

As the manager of the ICF, the CDP oversees grants designed to support technical assistance activities linked to, or instrumental in, project preparation for investments financed by the fund—provided these investments deliver climate mitigation or adaptation benefits, or both. The CDP can allocate up to approximately €30 million each year to support technical assistance initiatives.

To support customs clearance and decrease transportation time along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, Japan is implementing training programs in collaboration with the World Customs Organization through the JICA. It is also supporting the greening of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor to contribute to carbon neutrality.

The EU is providing technical assistance to the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya Interconnector Project. By providing an additional 600 kilometres of 400-kilovolt double circuit transmission lines, it aims to enable regional power trade and increase transmission capacity in northern Zambia by linking the Southern and Eastern Africa Power Pools. The project involves two components: constructing the remaining segment of the project and providing technical assistance and project management support to Zambia’s national power utility ZESCO and its energy ministry. The project is expected to increase power transmission capacity between Zambia and Tanzania, reduce GHGs and increase capacity to transfer power in Nakonde and the surrounding area.

The project is a 2024 Global Gateway flagship project, receiving €25 million in grants for the transmission lines and associated substations and €5 million for technical assistance and project management. It is co-financed by the World Bank, which provided US$245 million in International Development Association grants, and £15 million in grants from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Since 2022, the United Kingdom has also spent over US$637 million in technical assistance linked to infrastructure and investment, primarily through its centres of expertise.

Supporting the work of the PGII Secretariat and its initiatives

During Italy’s G7 presidency in 2024, the G7 and its partners made concrete progress in advancing their PGII agenda, dedicating a special focus on Africa and its sustainable investment needs and opportunities. Furthermore, the G7 Leaders’ Communiqué underscored the importance of having a strong coordination and involvement of all G7 tracks by establishing a PGII Secretariat for effective implementation and investment coordination with partners. 

The G7 also promoted equitable partnerships with African countries in line with the SDGs, the AU Agenda 2063 and the integrated African continental plans. Among other achievements, the G7 supported the implementation of the African Virtual Investment Platform to enhance data and information sharing, transparency and public policies on investment in Africa. The platform is an unprecedented joint initiative of the AU Commission and the OECD. The EU and Italy are its main political and financial partners, alongside Korea, Portugal, Spain and Turkey. It is also supported by the United Kingdom and has been endorsed by Germany in the PGII Working Group.

The platform aims to gather quality and timely data and information to enhance the transparency of the investment landscape in African countries and improve investment-related policies. Through their support for the platform, G7 members join efforts to improve the quality of ratings and risk assessments, strengthen investor confidence and catalyze sustainable investments in Africa. The platform was successfully launched in February 2025 at the AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and there are plans to start data collection, capacity building and policy dialogue with 10 pilot countries in 2025.

The G7 has also provided support to enhance the work with DFIs, MDBs, and the private sector to enhance green investments in Africa as part of its PGII commitment. This includes advancing the coordination of country-based investments through platforms such as the AGIA.

Canada has spearheaded the operationalization of the PGII Secretariat and has further enhanced the work of the G7 PGII Expert Group on Development Finance. As an active member of the PGII Secretariat and the chair of both the PGII Secretariat and Working Group, Canada has held regular meetings, upheld the PGII profile with the organization of a G7 Development Ministers’ meeting and made efforts to make progress on agreed deliverables. Canada has also provided other support, including announcing funding to the GIF during the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit.

The United Kingdom has supported G7 efforts to advance infrastructure partnerships with countries, including through the PGII Secretariat. In particular, it has championed the country platform model more broadly. A key example is the Kenya Country Platform, which aligns local priorities with global investment standards to drive inclusive, sustainable development through coordinated international support.

France has actively contributed to the PGII Secretariat throughout Canada’s G7 presidency. It remains committed to continuing this work, especially on project preparation. France has mobilized over €320 million in grants, loans and guarantees for PGII flagship projects in agriculture, education, skills and jobs creation, as well as energy and climate. It supports the development of skills in the DRC’s critical mineral field.

Under the PGII, Germany has advanced the application of a dual approach to infrastructure investment. This approach supports the development of hard infrastructure investment projects, as well as the creation of enabling environments and project pipelines for long-term impact and lasting inflow of private infrastructure investments. In West Africa (Senegal) and East Africa (Northern Corridor), Germany supports technical activities in collaboration with national PPP units and regional Corridor authorities. 

The EU has actively supported the G7 PGII Secretariat, co-hosting its inaugural meeting in Brussels, Belgium, to advance the partnership’s agenda. At the Global Gateway Forum in October 2025, the EU launched a strategic partnership with the World Bank Group, combining infrastructure investment with regulatory support, skills development and enterprise growth. Through 18 high-impact projects across Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, the collaboration is accelerating project delivery and mobilizing private capital. The EU also introduced the Global Gateway Investment Hub to fast-track strategic project assessment and implementation.

Japan has also been an active member of the PGII Secretariat since its inception and throughout Canada’s G7 presidency. It remains firmly committed to continued engagement and contributing to the G7’s collective efforts to mobilize public and private investment toward quality infrastructure.

Coordinating with DFIs, MDBs and the private sector to de-risk infrastructure investment

The EIB plays a key role in supporting country-led infrastructure strategies, particularly in Africa, through concessional financing and technical assistance. With the launch of EIB Global, the bank is strengthening private sector mobilization by expanding local presence, improving delivery and aligning with EU priorities.

At the 2023 Global Gateway Forum, the EU announced a US$266-million package to boost Cabo Verde’s green transition, digital connectivity and sustainable transport. This includes a US$31-million EU grant and a US$130-million EIB loan for renewable energy projects, including pumped storage. A separate US$24-million corporate loan supports the expansion of the Cabeólica wind farm, which will add 13 megawatts of clean energy to the electrical grid.

At the 2025 Global Gateway Forum, the European Commission and European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) launched three EFSD+ guarantees totalling €742 million to mobilize private finance in value chains, renewables and private equity. This brings the EU-EDFI guarantee envelope to €1.6 billion.

At the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, the European Commission and EIB announced a €5-billion guarantee to de-risk investments and expand EIB operations beyond the EU, potentially unlocking €10 billion for clean energy, green infrastructure and SME financing. Unlike previous schemes, the guarantee also covers public entities and non-sovereign borrowers, enabling more flexible support.

Additionally, the EIB signed €30 million worth of financing agreements with Vista Group to support SMEs in Guinea and Sierra Leone under the Women for Stronger Communities and Growth initiative, which aims to mobilize €1 billion by 2027.

In 2024, the CDP, Italy’s PDB, coordinated a structured mechanism involving DFIs and PDBs from G7 countries and the EU. The work focused on several key thematic areas, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure and the priorities of the PGII. In this framework, the CDP led the G7 PGII Expert Group on Development Finance for Infrastructure and Investment, which brought together PDBs, DFIs and the World Bank in support of the PGII Secretariat. The group developed a set of operational recommendations aimed at strengthening the PGII, which were then incorporated into the 2024 Joint Action Proposal For Sustainable Infrastructure Investment in Africa. Following Italy’s G7 presidency in 2024, FinDev, Canada, assumed the leadership role on this coordination platform in 2025. It is continuing to institutionalize the mechanism initiated by the CDP and enhancing the joint impact, policy coherence and visibility of G7 institutions in partner countries.

As part of these efforts, the CDP co-organized a high-level side event during the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) called The Role of PDBs and DFIs in Mobilising Public and Private Capital for Infrastructure in the G7 PGII Framework. The event promoted an exchange between G7 and non-G7 stakeholders and explored strategies for de-risking infrastructure investment in partner countries. The CDP also supports FinDev Canada in promoting the G7 Infrastructure Investment Council, which develops practical solutions to mobilize private capital for infrastructure in emerging markets.

As part of its efforts as PGII 2025 chair, Canada has been in regular communication with FinDev Canada. It also invites FinDev Canada to participate in PGII meetings. All coordination with MDBs has been through existing funding for initiatives that contribute to the PGII mobilization target.

Germany’s contribution to de-risking infrastructure investments is done through the Global Gateway. The KfW is also involved with the G7 MDB/DFI Expert Group and contributed to the 2024 Joint Action Proposal for sustainable infrastructure in Africa. The KfW also received EU EFSD+ guarantees, and occasionally co-finances with Joint European Financiers for International Cooperation partners to de-risk investments.

Through BII, the United Kingdom actively supports G7 efforts to coordinate with other DFIs, MDBs and private sector partners to de-risk infrastructure investment in partner countries. By leveraging BII’s ability to take on higher risk during the early stages of infrastructure development, the initiative enables projects to be financed throughout construction—an investment phase typically avoided by commercial investors. For example, in 2024, BII collaborated with the Norwegian DFI Norfund and IndiGrid, a leading Indian private sector infrastructure investor, to support the Indian government’s national transmission system plan. Together, they structured a US$100-million investment to develop greenfield transmission and battery storage projects across India.

France is committed to de-risking infrastructure investments in partner countries. For instance, France is leading the Global Gateway Flagship Jigawa Solar PV project in Nigeria, proposing an alternative public-private scheme to fund the project. Now in its pilot phase, the project aims to build a public solar power plant with a capacity of 50 to 100 megawatts in Gwiwa, in the state of Jigawa. The ultimate goal is to de-risk the sector for private investment in areas such as the construction of evacuation lines, storage and institutional technical assistance.

Japan is funding US$1.6 billion in portfolio guarantees to the World Bank and the AfDB, contributing to the expansion of their lending capacity.

United Kingdom: Supporting transport projects in Kenya

The African Green Industrialisation Initiative is a multi-stakeholder program that supports green industrialization and investments across the continent. It is bringing together the G7, World Bank, AfDB, and UN to coordinate support for major transport projects in central Nairobi, Kenya. As part of this initiative, the United Kingdom has committed £500,000, or more than US$638,000, to invest in Kenya’s transportation sector through the Kenya Country Platform.

To date, the platform has advanced four projects designed to transform Nairobi’s city centre into a rail-focused, climate-resilient urban hub. Work has also begun to launch a fifth project that would extend the benefits to the wider commuter belt. The aim is to develop an integrated transportation system that could serve as a proof of concept for the broader PGII country platform.

6. Responsible global supply chains

In today’s interconnected world, the products consumers use every day come from all corners of the globe. It is critical that these products are produced ethically and safely and that work conditions adhere to international human rights. That’s why, in recent years, the G7 has focused on eradicating all forms of forced labour from global supply chains and on promoting decent work and worker’s rights.

The United Kingdom is enhancing the effectiveness and implementation of the OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct through financial contributions. The United Kingdom is also a founding member and active promoter of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. To address local implementation challenges, the United Kingdom supports in-country working groups in Chile, Colombia, the DRC, Mozambique, Nigeria and Peru.

Between 2022 and 2024, France stepped up its support for partner countries, helping to enable them to benefit from responsible global supply chains. For example, the country’s Équité 3 project supports fair trade and agro-ecological transitions across six West African countries, covering key sectors such as cocoa, cashews, shea butter, fruits and crafts. The project fosters environmental traceability to combat deforestation and support stakeholder advocacy. Through this initiative, France is aligning export-oriented value chains with sustainability standards, while also enhancing their long-term resilience.

Japan has established a platform to co-create and to collaborate on solving issues facing the cocoa industry. Japan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including NGO, academia and the private sector, to realize a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable cocoa industry in developing countries.

The EU supports several multi-stakeholder initiatives that aim to promote responsible global supply chains, including these:

• Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI)
• European Partnership for Responsible Minerals
• Extractives Global Programmatic Support, led by the World Bank

Through the Partnerships 2030 program, Germany facilitates and strengthens effective and efficient cooperation among public, private and civil society stakeholders by offering advice, support and training to multi-stakeholder initiatives. In addition, Germany supports sector dialogues with the automotive and energy industries and supports numerous other multi-stakeholder initiatives, including these:

• Partnership for Sustainable Textiles
• German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa
• European Partnership for Responsible Minerals
• Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
• Global Battery Alliance
• Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development

During its G7 presidency in 2024, Italy played an active role in adopting the G7 Agenda for Circularity on Textiles and Fashion. Its aim is to:

• promote the sustainable design of textiles and fashion products
• encourage reuse and recycling
• extend responsibility systems, transparency and traceability throughout the value chain
• address consumer information issues

Since 2024, Italy’s CDP has advanced clean energy supply chain diversification in partner countries, aligned with its Strategic Plan and Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Through the ICF and co-financing with DFIs and MDBs, the CDP has prioritized investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and the circular economy, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia. By supporting local value chains and technology transfer, the CDP promotes resilient, inclusive supply chains and economic opportunities for women, youths and vulnerable groups.

Helping partner countries leverage responsible global supply chains

To date, the EU has signed 14 strategic partnerships on sustainable raw materials value chains, each one focused on the creation of responsible global supply chains. The EU is also advancing a range of programs to support this aim, including these:

• International Conference of the Great Lakes Region’s Regional Initiative Against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources
• CONNEX initiative
• EU-African, Caribbean and Pacific development minerals program to support formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining
• AfricaMaVal project to build sustainable raw materials value chains between Africa and the EU

Through the Responsible Business Conduct program in Latin America and the Caribbean, the EU has supported initiatives to build capacity and awareness of responsible business conduct for business, governments and stakeholders in developing countries. In particular, it has focused on textiles and conflict minerals like tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold in key regions such as Asia and Latin America. These programs have been done in partnership with such organizations as the UN Development Programme (UNDP), International Labour Organization (ILO) and OECD in view of their expertise in human and labour rights and responsible business conduct, more broadly. A significant part of the EU’s contribution goes toward funding tools to facilitate transparency through supply chains and mapping standards.

France is working with SMEs in Africa to help them adapt to tightening international regulations on responsible supply chains. For example, through the newly launched Impact Trade Partnership Africa project, France will provide technical and financial assistance to small businesses facing new compliance requirements under EU due diligence frameworks. The project will facilitate joint traceability solutions, improve social and environmental governance and lower the cost of adopting sustainable standards. It will also empower African producers to meet evolving market expectations while protecting human rights and the environment.

Through the Initiative for Global Solidarity, Germany is enabling partner countries to set up help desks to advise local companies on human rights due diligence. It is also setting up a competency centre to train trade unionists worldwide. As part of the Team Europe Initiative on Sustainability in Global Value Chains, Germany is currently developing an EU due diligence navigator, to be launched at the beginning of 2026. This tool will help stakeholders in partner countries effectively implement responsible global supply chains.

In 2024, Japan launched the ASEAN-JICA Food Value Chain Development Project. The three-year technical cooperation project aims to enhance the enabling environment for promoting the food value chain in ASEAN.

The United Kingdom’s support for the Manufacturing Africa program is promoting sustainable manufacturing and job creation by developing local supply chains. Through the Growth Gateway, the United Kingdom is also enhancing trade with and investment in low- and middle-income countries. The United Kingdom allows products from 44 African countries to enter duty-free and provides preferential market access to more than 90 developing countries through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme and eight Economic Partnership Agreements. U.K. Export Finance, the United Kingdom’s export credit agency, supports infrastructure and energy projects that are aligned with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. The United Kingdom is also advancing women’s economic empowerment through the Work and Opportunities for Women program, and has delivered targeted projects to tackle forced and child labour in countries such as the DRC, India, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Helping SMEs understand due diligence and responsible supply chain management

The United Kingdom is launching a review of how it promotes responsible business conduct, with a focus on improving support for SMEs. Through its support for the UN Global Compact, both globally and through the United Kingdom Network, and as chair of the Government Group in 2024, the United Kingdom helping SMEs align with responsible business standards. The United Kingdom’s Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme is supporting efforts to combat illegal logging and promote sustainable legal trade in forest products. This benefits SMEs in producer countries by strengthening governance, market access and responsible supply chain practices.

Germany supports businesses, including SMEs, through the German Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights. It provides the private sector in Germany and Europe with advice on human rights due diligence, as well as training, workshops and a tool box for SMEs. It also provides some supports for SMEs in producing countries, such as by offering supplier trainings. Through its €50-million contribution to the ESG First Fund, Germany is also strengthening the ESG practices of businesses in Africa and Asia.

Together with nine local branches of its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan’s Small and Medium Enterprise Agency has continuously conducted seminars dedicated to SMEs since 2004 to raise awareness of human rights due diligence. Japan also contributes to the projects of the International Tropical Timber Organization, which aim to strengthen stakeholders’ capacity for promoting the use of sustainable and legal wood products and enhancing the traceability of their supply chains in countries such as Vietnam and Guatemala.

The EU is also providing SMEs support with regard to due diligence. For instance, EU guidance on due diligence provides a practical tool to help SMEs identify, assess and address potential risks in their supply chains. Its Due diligence ready! portal offers SMEs a tool for evaluating their due diligence practices and identifying areas for improvement.

Through the AFD, France supports the structuring of integrated production chains. These favour the use of local resources and aim to have social and environmental impacts be as positive as possible. The sustainable value chain approach is also a central theme of France’s Trade Capacity Building Program. With a budget of €28 million from 2023 to 2025, the program is structured around three pillars:

• providing a holistic, quality approach
• supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems and sustainable industries
• supporting regional economic integration and trade facilitation in Africa

In 2024 France approved five projects, of which three focus on sustainable value chains.

Hosting or attending voluntary National Contact Points activities

National Contact Points (NCPs) are government-appointed agencies that support governments, companies and other stakeholders in implementing responsible business conduct. They are responsible for promoting the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. They also provide a process to help resolve disputes regarding multinational enterprises’ alleged non-observance of the guidelines.

In 2022, the U.K. NCP conducted the peer review of New Zealand and Brazil. Between 2022 and 2024, the U.K. NCP participated in approximately 15 to 20 peer learning activities. The U.K. NCP participated in three OECD-hosted peer learning events per year—a total of nine events over the reporting period—in addition to attending side events hosted by other G7 NCPs. In 2024, the U.K. NCP also attended and led sessions at peer learning events hosted by the Austrian and Luxembourg NCPs, which included participation from Germany and Italy.

The French NCP hosted its peer review in 2018 and has attended NCP peer reviews four times: for Italy in 2016, Sweden in 2021, Morocco in 2022 and Kazakhstan in 2023. Since 2015, the French NCP has taken part in all the OECD-organized NCP meetings, usually attending twice per year. The French NCP has also been engaged in at least 14 other NCP peer learning activities, including:

• participating in a workshop organized by the OECD NCPs for Central and Eastern Europe in Budapest, Hungary, and in another workshop organized by the OECD Secretariat in 2020
• building e-learning modules in 2021
• participating in two training sessions organized by the OECD Secretariat in 2021
• providing capacity building to the Tunisian NCP in 2023

Implementing obligations under multilateral environmental agreements

Japan participates in several multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) regarding measures against climate change. In the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in October 2021, Japan stated that, by 2030, it aims to reduce its GHG emissions by 46% from its 2013 levels. In February 2025, Japan submitted its updated NDC, which aims to reduce its GHG emissions from its 2013 levels by 60% in 2035 and by 73% in 2040. This ambitious commitment aligns with the global 1.5°C target and with Japan’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The EU remains committed to key MEAs, such as the Paris Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity and Basel Convention. It has continued its work to implement these agreements by adopting different EU legislative files and initiatives. For instance, to advance the Paris Agreement, the EU implemented the Fit for 55 package, a series of measures to reduce the EU’s GHG emissions by 55% by 2030. 

Italy actively participates in the implementation of MEAs aimed at protecting human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals and hazardous waste, including the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm conventions. The country is also committed to implementing the Minamata Convention on Mercury, promoting the strengthening of synergies and coordination among the various multilateral environmental agreements in this area.

France actively engages in key MEAs, including the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity. France contributes to the EU’s climate targets and has adopted a National Low-Carbon Strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and National Biodiversity Strategy to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 through ecosystem protection and restoration.

Promoting respect for and compliance with internationally recognized labour rights

The G7 remains strongly committed to upholding internationally recognized labour rights, as enshrined in the 1998 Declaration for the ILO and the 1998 ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up (FPRW). Both declarations commit member states to respect and promote five categories of principles and universal rights:

• the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
• the elimination of forced or compulsory labour
• the abolition of child labour
• the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
• a safe and healthy work environment

These commitments are supported by annual review reports, global reports and technical cooperation projects.

France has ratified nine out of the 10 fundamental ILO conventions and is currently in the process of ratifying Convention No. 155 on occupational safety and health. The country has also adopted several national action plans (NAPs) that support the implementation of all 10 fundamental conventions, such as the Plan national de santé au travail [National workplace health and safety plan]. France has also developed a National Acceleration Strategy aimed at combatting forced labour, child labour, contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking. Moreover, as an active member of the ILO, France continues to promote the multilateral system and plays a proactive role in advancing the ILO’s normative framework and the FPRW, both domestically and internationally.

EU trade and investment agreements include commitments to promote and realize core ILO principles. The EU also makes efforts to ratify pending core ILO conventions and effectively implement ratified conventions. It currently has 14 trade agreements in place, covering 21 countries, which include binding labour commitments.

Since 2019, the EU-ILO Trade for Decent Work project has supported the application of international labour standards and provided training on labour aspects of responsible business conduct. It assists countries in advancing decent work while meeting requirements under EU trade agreements. The ILO-implemented initiative facilitated 12 conventions ratifications across six countries. It also strengthened national systems to monitor and report on labour rights, with eight countries fulfilling their ILO reporting obligations from 2021 to 2023.

In July 2022, Japan ratified the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105), which came into force in July 2023. This ratification required amendments to the relevant domestic laws, including legislation on government employees. This demonstrates Japan’s strong and ongoing commitment to complying with international labour standards on the abolition of forced labour.

Germany supports the implementation of ILO conventions in Asia through initiatives such as the ILO’s Better Work program, which aims to improve compliance with social and labour standards in the textile and garment sector in partner countries.

From 2022 to 2024, the United Kingdom demonstrated its compliance with FPRW reports for the following conventions: C87, C29, C100, C105 and C111. On all these conventions, it has consulted its social partners and addressed any comments or observations from them, as well as comments from the ILO’s Committee of Experts. The United Kingdom’s reporting obligations have increased each year since 2022, and it has met the ILO’s requests with comprehensive reports under Article 22 of the ILO’s constitution. These efforts demonstrate the United Kingdom’s commitments to the ILO’s declaration on the FPRW.

Supporting the Resilience Inclusive Supply-Chain Enhancement partnership

As the world transitions toward clean energy, it will need to increase mineral and metal production. The Resilient Inclusive Supply-Chain Enhancement (RISE) partnership is identifying opportunities in developing countries, starting with Africa, to provide the minerals and metals needed for this global energy transition. Launched by G7 countries and the World Bank Group in October 2023, it came into effect in 2024. RISE is helping low- and middle-income countries shift from merely exporting raw minerals to actually developing responsible mining practices and improving their processing and manufacturing capabilities.

The RISE partnership is active in Burundi, Malawi and Zambia, where it has focused on analytics, capacity building and developing reform and investment road maps to strengthen critical minerals production and value chains. Planning is underway for activities in Argentina, Chile and Peru, as well as with India and ASEAN.

As part of its G7 presidency initiatives, Italy hosted the first RISE Technical Working Group in Rome in 2024 and allocated €10 million to support its implementation, mainly in Africa. In 2025, Italy advanced plans for an investment platform in Zambia by facilitating private sector engagement and organizing high-level meetings. Key events included a September round table with the World Bank and leading companies, and a dedicated RISE session at the November conference “Africa Growth and Opportunity: Research in Action” in Palermo, Italy, linking the initiative to Italy’s Mattei Plan and major continental projects such as the Lobito Corridor.

Canada is an active member of the RISE Partnership. In May 2025, during the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, Canada announced a Can$20-million contribution to support the partnership’s expansion. Canada is focusing on better integrating developing countries and emerging economies—particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean—into global critical minerals supply chains. The G7 has endorsed this expansion and remains actively engaged in advancing the RISE Partnership.

The United Kingdom has committed £2 million between 2024 and 2027 to support the World Bank’s Extractives Global Programmatic Support (EGPS) trust fund. The RISE partnership is a key initiative in the third phase of the fund: EGPS-3. Since the creation of the trust fund in 2015, Germany has committed more than US$5 million to it.

In July 2025, Japan hosted a business matchmaking session and round table as part of the local information platform for the RISE partnership. With more than 70 companies and government organizations participating, the event focused on battery and critical minerals supply chains.

Encouraging the diversification of supply chains for clean energy products

The United Kingdom created the Global Clean Power Alliance supply chain mission to address global clean energy supply chain challenges. It is engaging international partners on in-depth proposals across four areas:

• greater data transparency
• electricity transmission challenges
• circularity
• maximized economic benefits for the Global South

At the International Energy Agency’s Summit on the Future of Energy Security in April 2025, the United Kingdom hosted a round table with 17 international partners to outline its proposals.

The United Kingdom also plans to publish a groundbreaking report with the International Energy Agency on international data challenges and is looking at partnering with industry to overcome challenges in the electricity transmission network supply chain. In addition, the United Kingdom is seeking international agreement on new standards and definitions for circularity in clean power supply chains and is exploring how to maximize economic benefits of the transition to wind, electric vehicle batteries and grid supply chains for emerging and developing economies.

Through the CDP, Italy has worked to implement initiatives in partner countries to diversify supply chains for clean energy products since 2024. It promotes sustainable growth by providing long-term capital and expertise through multi-stakeholder partnerships. A key focus has been supporting local clean energy and manufacturing value chains to reduce dependency on single suppliers. Through the ICF—and targeted co-financing with DFIs and MDBs—the CDP has prioritized investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and the circular economy in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia.

Under Sapporo 5, France promotes public and private investment in enriched uranium production to strengthen market resilience, reduce political pressure from other countries and create conditions for investment—supporting its COP28 pledge to triple nuclear capacity by 2050.

In 2023, Germany hosted the High-Level Forum on Mineral Supply Chains—Responsible Mining for the Just Transition with the EU, United Kingdom and North American Aerospace Defense Command. In addition, Germany co-funds the G7 CONNEX Initiative, which provides developing countries and emerging economies with direct support in negotiating and leveraging large-scale investment contracts in mining, infrastructure and renewable energy. In May 2024, Germany also published a position paper on responsible mineral supply chains and supported other publications on this topic.

In addition to traditional trade agreements, the EU is entering into negotiations for clean trade and investment partnerships with several partners.

7. Digital transformation in Africa

Finding innovative ways to bring about Africa’s digital transformation is essential to the region’s future economic growth. It will boost innovation, create jobs, alleviate poverty and improve people’s lives. However, many countries—particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa—still face significant challenges in digital development. The G7 remains focused on overcoming these challenges. In fact, total G7 spending on communications in Africa has almost doubled in recent years, increasing from just over US$37 million in 2019 to almost $72 million in 2023.

In 2023, Japan launched a digital talent development program as part of a larger collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia and Safaricom Ethiopia. The program aims to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital transformation by promoting the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy. In particular, the program is fostering innovation and addressing youth unemployment by fostering engineering skills for university students and youths specializing in computer science or related science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Japan is also working with Senegal to develop an interministerial data exchange platform to improve interoperability across its government agencies. The goal is to enhance service delivery, particularly for marginalized populations. Japan also hosts training on data utilization and related policies for government officials from 18 African nations.

Figure 5: G7 bilateral ODA disbursed for communications dedicated to Africa, 2019 to 2023

Text version

Year	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Canada	$1.46	$0.88	$1.59	$1.62	$0.65
France	$1.02	$2.02	$1.62	$1.37	$9.96
Germany	$0.44	$1.14	$6.50	$7.49	$7.95
Italy	$1.25	$2.16	$2.34	$0.77	$1.20
Japan	$3.98	$6.34	$4.15	$7.22	$4.48
United Kingdom	$1.57	$5.93	$3.48	$6.95	$6.08
United States	$2.65	$3.11	$4.63	$3.96	$6.52
EU institutions	$25.02	$38.08	$27.70	$25.59	$35.05
Total	$37.38	$59.67	$52.02	$54.97	$71.89

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Reporting System – grant equivalent

Bridging the digital divide

Several key EU initiatives are helping to close the digital divide and build an inclusive, secure and innovative digital ecosystem in Africa. For example, projects such as Blue Raman or Medusa aim to create equitable digital infrastructure and expand high-speed Internet access. Another example of successful EU-Africa cooperation is the Africa Connected program, which blends public and private investment to scale up digital platforms and reduce connectivity costs across the continent.

In 2024, Italy launched the Digital Flagship with Africa initiative under the Mattei Plan. Led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, along with the UNDP as the technical assistance partner, the program aims to strengthen national digital ecosystems in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mozambique and Senegal. With a total grant portfolio of €80 million across four countries—to which additional credit, co-financing components and PPPs will be added—the program focuses on enabling digital public infrastructures through interventions focusing on digital and fiscal identity, AI, e-tax and e-procurement platforms and digital agriculture.

Another major Italian initiative is the AI Hub for Sustainable Development. Launched in 2024, it represents an essential pillar of Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa and is a model of co-creation with African governments. Co-designed by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and the UNDP, the hub promotes ethical and inclusive AI across Africa through four pillars: data, green computing, enabling environment and talent.

In partnership with Smart Africa, Germany has launched several projects in areas such as AI, data governance and digital public infrastructure. For example, it has established Digital Transformation Centers, a Team Europe Initiative, in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Togo, enhancing their digital capacities, pooled expertise and local ecosystems. In December 2024, the Directorate-General for International Partnerships and the Directorate-General for Communications Networks signed an administrative arrangement with Smart Africa to intensify the joint work with Europe in areas of common interest, such as on trusted connectivity, resilient digital infrastructure and emerging technologies, including AI.

Germany’s FAIR Forward – AI for All initiative is supporting the development of Kenya’s national AI strategy. Launched in 2025, it promotes ethical, inclusive and locally driven AI. In Somalia, Germany introduced a standardized and open-source e-government portal. This is increasing access to services such as business registration and school certificates, improving efficiency, transparency and accessibility.

Through its Data Economy initiative, Germany has also worked with partners to launch green data centre guidelines and identify 20 promising digital infrastructure projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. As part of the International Digital Dialogues program, Germany has promoted long-term policy exchange, regulatory alignment and sustainable digital transformation in Ghana and Kenya. This has been achieved by cooperating with regional partners on enhancing connectivity, digital public infrastructure, e-government, interoperability, data protection and AI governance.

Between 2021 and 2023, French DFIs invested €493.5 million in Africa’s digital transition, both bilaterally and as part of the Team Europe Initiative. The majority of this funding went toward hard infrastructure—with a focus on AI and satellite data—in the form of development enablers and tools for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Other French flagship projects include a sovereign loan by the AFD to Rwanda’s space agency. Combined with technical assistance from Expertise France, this is helping to:

• create a satellite data hub
• implement applications to combat deforestation
• improve and protect agricultural areas
• monitor water resources
• prevent flood risks

Beyond ODA, France prioritizes creating incentives for private sector investment in developing countries’ technology ecosystems. A key element is improving access to clear, reliable data on local market conditions, as perceived risk tends to exceed actual risk when such information is lacking. To address this, the AFD publishes the annual AI Investment Potential Index. By identifying regional disparities and strategic opportunities, this index represents a major step toward systematically assessing global readiness and attractiveness for AI-related investments.

Figure 6: Percentage of students in Africa graduating from a science, technology, engineering or mathematics program, disaggregated by sex, in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal indicator 4.4.2 methodology, 2024

Text version

2024	Male	Female
Africa average	63.5%	36.5%

Source: Global Gender Gap Report, World Economic Forum

Sharing best practices with African partners

The EU is sharing regulatory practices with African nations through regional projects such as Data Governance in Africa, which is enabling the flow of cross-border data and harmonizing regulations, and the Safe Digital Boost for Africa, which is strengthening cybersecurity, e-governance and e-payments. The Africa-Europe Digital Regulators Partnership is also helping 43 countries develop policies to promote market openness and secure communication networks.

The Datafid project, funded by a €2.5-million subsidy from the French government, is enabling fiscal administrations and customs to better detect fraud by tapping into digital technologies and data science. This is resulting in improved tax collection in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

In 2024, the United Kingdom published Digital Development Strategy, 2024 to 2030. It outlines the United Kingdom’s approach of working with developing countries—including those in Africa—to support inclusive, responsible and sustainable digital transformation. A key example of this commitment is the Digital Access Programme, which focuses on:

• catalyzing affordable and sustainable digital connectivity for underserved communities
• promoting digital literacy and skills
• fostering locally relevant digital content
• supporting cybersecurity, online safety and data protection
• nurturing tech entrepreneurship and digital innovation
• creating skilled jobs in local digital economies

In particular, the United Kingdom partners with local and global organizations to enhance the capabilities of telecommunications regulators, promote the use of digital standards, strengthen AI-related strategies and capabilities and support innovative approaches to digital sustainability. The United Kingdom also worked with partners in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa to design, fund and deliver the Africa-focused component of the program. By the end of 2024, the program had delivered sustainable, inclusive digital transformation solutions to more than 15 million people in around 5,000 communities. This has helped reduce the digital connectivity gap in five partner countries by an average of more than 25%.

The United Kingdom shares telecommunications policy and regulation expertise, evidence and models with African countries, including on spectrum management and online safety. It also shares standards for inclusive digital transformation and has partnered with the International Telecommunication Union and Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation to:

• deliver tailored technical assistance and capacity building for African telecommunications regulators and information and communications technology authorities
• enhance the design and rollout of Universal Service Funds
• make telecommunications policy knowledge freely accessible to African stakeholders through the International Telecommunication Union Academy’s online platform

EU: Strengthening connectivity, innovation and digital cooperation in Nigeria

Africa’s digital development is a key part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. As part of this strategy, the EU committed €820 million to support Nigeria’s digital transformation between 2021 and 2024. Through €160 million in grants and €660 million in loans, the EU-Nigeria Digital Economy Package is leading to targeted investments and partnerships that are strengthening connectivity, innovation and digital cooperation in Nigeria.

In particular, this EU investment is supporting the expansion of fibre optic networks and data centres. This is improving high-speed connectivity in the country, while also promoting the digitalization of public services. It is also fostering digital entrepreneurship by supporting start-ups and technological innovation as well as investments in digital skills development, especially for youth and women. In addition, the EU-Nigeria Digital Economy Package is advancing digital governance by promoting strong regulatory frameworks that ensure privacy, cybersecurity and an open, rights-based digital environment.

8. Green jobs and social protection for a just transition

A just transition will ensure that the shift to a sustainable economy is fair and that the future is greener, healthier and more prosperous for everyone. It will also create new jobs in environmentally friendly production processes and outputs, while seeking to ensure that social protection systems are able to support individuals and communities from any negative impacts.

In 2022, the G7 collectively spent more than US$1 billion on social protection in developing countries, and it increased spending to more than US$1.3 billion in 2023. The EU and Germany led ODA expenditures in this area. The EU contributed more than US$624 million, while Germany contributed US$226 million. Canada and Italy spent the least, contributing US$13.4 million and US$22.3 million, respectively. In terms of share, the EU leads by spending 2.3% of its bilateral ODA on social protection in developing countries, with Canada and the United States having the smallest shares (0.21% and 0.28%, respectively).

Between 2019 and 2023, German ODA for promoting employment and skills in green sectors increased substantially, rising from US$1.4 billion between 2019 and 2021 to $1.7 billion between 2020 and 2022 and up to US$1.8 billion between 2021 and 2023.

In 2022, France contributed US$270.4 million, or 2.9% of its overall bilateral ODA, to employment and skills promotion in either green sectors or greening traditional sectors of the economy. In 2023, this amount increased to US$271.4 million, or 3.2% of the overall bilateral ODA.

Italy is implementing several projects to promote a sustainable and innovative model of circular labour mobility between Italy and third countries, including skills development programs. For example, by fostering PPPs and enhancing cross-border collaboration, the NET-Work YOU program creates a structured pathway for young Egyptians to gain certified competencies in the green economy and gain the tools needed to reintegrate into Egypt’s labour market.

Providing bilateral ODA for social protection

In 2023, the G7 collectively provided US$1.3 billion in bilateral ODA toward social protection. This was a 23% increase compared to 2022 levels.

In 2022, the EU contributed more than €398 million in ODA to social protection, which was 2.3% of its total ODA for the year. Of this, more than €79 million went to relevant social protection projects of international organizations or MDBs. In 2024, the ODA amount allocated to social protection by the EU increased to more than €457 million, with over €83 million going to relevant projects of international organizations or MDBs.

Germany has been the largest bilateral donor to social protection among DAC countries since 2020, contributing €296 million in 2022 and €192 million in 2024. It promotes coordinated support with key partners such as the World Bank and UN. In the Sahel, Germany has provided €254 million to the UN World Food Programme–United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) joint program Supporting Social Protection Systems in the Sahel and €130 million to the World Bank’s Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Program to strengthen shock-responsive systems. It also supports the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Mauritania to integrate refugees into national social protection frameworks.

In 2022, Italy provided €50 million to support social protection efforts, with more than €13.1 million going to international organizations or MDBs. In 2024, Italy’s official ODA for social protection decreased to €32.7 million, with more than two-thirds going to fund-relevant social protection projects of international organizations or MDBs.

In 2023, Japan contributed approximately $149 million in ODA to social protection, partnering with international organizations such as the UNDP, the UN Conference on Trade and Development and UNICEF.

The United Kingdom works in partnership with MDBs and other multilateral organizations to advance social protection, as well as with governments to enhance social protection objectives. For example, between 2018 and 2024, the United Kingdom provided £8.5 million to the World Bank’s Rapid Social Response Adaptive and Dynamic Social Protection Umbrella Trust Fund Gender Window. This initiative supports gender-transformative social protection policies, systems and programs, with the goal of reducing coverage gaps and boosting socio-economic outcomes for women and girls. Since 2024, the United Kingdom has committed £8 million to the World Bank’s Social Protection Response (SPR) Multi-Donor Umbrella Trust Fund, which seeks to advance social protection globally and at the country level. For instance, the SPR has funded the launch of the Fragility, Conflict and Violence window. In Nepal, the Resilience, Adaptation and Inclusion in Nepal program is supporting the World Bank’s SPR in delivering technical assistance to make the country’s social protection systems more adaptive and responsive to shocks.

Promoting and creating green jobs and social protection for a just transition

The EU is also providing substantial support to green and climate objectives, including through actions to address employment and skills. For example, it is helping to create green and decent jobs in Uganda through its more than €3.2-million contribution to WeWork-EU in 2023. This initiative aims to increase the supply of qualified workers and the employability of youth, women and men, especially in green economy sectors in Uganda.

In 2024, the EU provided more than €1.9 million to the Initiative for Marketable Practices in Agri-business, Circular Economy and Technology (IMPACT) Project in Somalia. It is boosting green skills by focusing on renewable energy, circular economy and sustainable agribusiness and by addressing the shortage of skilled workers in these sectors—something that is crucial in Somalia’s shift to a sustainable economy. The initiative prioritizes marginalized groups, including women, youth and rural communities, while expanding access to renewable energy, advancing the circular economy and developing sustainable agri-food value chains.

In 2024, the EU also contributed more than €4.2 million to Skills for Employment, an initiative designed to enable youth in Mozambique to lead the green and socio-economic transformation of the country. It also focuses on enhancing opportunities for Mozambican youth, particularly for women and young people with a disability, to obtain decent employment.

The EU is also implementing an ambitious and comprehensive just transition policy framework. In 2022, EU member states adopted the Council of the European Union’s recommendation on ensuring a fair transition toward climate neutrality. It provides guidance to member states on developing policy packages in the field of quality green jobs, skills, social protection and access to essential services. The EU regularly monitors its implementation by member states, including through dialogues with social partners and civil society organizations (CSOs), to guarantee a whole-of-society approach in the design and implementation of fair transition policies.

Gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment is a key part of the EU’s Global Gateway investment. The EU is also working closely with international financial institutions to increase gender-smart investments for an inclusive green transition. For example, it supports the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank’s Dutch Fund for Climate and Development, which invests in climate, biodiversity and gender. It also works with the AFD’s AccelerET to meet its commitment to deploying at least 30% of the EU guarantee to promote a gender-responsive green transition.

The EU’s Just Transition Mechanism is mobilizing up to €55 billion between 2021 and 2027 to support carbon-intensive regions in the EU that are most affected by a green transition. It contains tailored plans to support workers and communities, including new green employment opportunities. The Social Climate Fund is providing €86 billion between 2026 and 2032 to EU member states. It will help vulnerable households, micro-enterprises and transport users that are particularly affected by the social and economic impacts arising from carbon pricing. In addition, the EU recently adopted Clean Industrial Deal. It aims to support companies in the green transition, strengthening the EU’s industrial base while also creating quality jobs in green sectors.

Through its Jobs and Inclusive Growth Centre of Expertise, the United Kingdom is transforming the sustainability of industries while also driving economic growth and creating new and better green jobs. It is working bilaterally with partner governments to develop green growth-related policies and strategies and is supporting regional initiatives such as the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative. Through programs that work directly with businesses, investors and the wider private sector to evolve new industries, the United Kingdom is exploiting new commercial opportunities and driving investment in green jobs, particularly in the manufacturing, agriculture and services sectors.

The United Kingdom has also actively championed the inclusion of social protection language in key policy processes leading up to the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), ensuring that people remain at the heart of discussions on the green transition. For instance, during negotiations under the UNFCCC’s Just Transition Work Program and in the G20 Development Working Group, the United Kingdom has advocated for the use of social protection systems to support communities dependent on climate-sensitive livelihoods. It also promoted language on active labour market policies to help retrain workers in high-emission or climate-vulnerable sectors. In addition, the United Kingdom has invested in research and evidence on how social protection systems can contribute to climate resilience. This includes conducting research on climate finance for social protection and examining how social protection in crisis contexts can support climate change adaptation and foster more-sustainable, climate-resilient livelihood pathways.

France is involved in numerous international cooperation and technical assistance initiatives to develop resilient and sustainable social protection systems, especially at the European level. These include the Team Europe Initiative for Sub-Saharan Africa for Social Protection, USP2030, the Social Protection Inter-Agency Cooperation Board and the Environment, Society and Policy Group.

France is also involved in the UN’s Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions and in the P4H Network, of which it is a co-founder and active member. France also shares its technical expertise through its development agencies, the AFD and Expertise France, and it provides international training through its social security school, EN3S. Expertise France and EN3S are currently mapping resources and training needs regarding social protection in Africa.

In 2024, Germany initiated the International Task Force on Linking Adaptive Social Protection and Climate Financing to promote the integration of social protection into climate strategies, commitments and financing. Together with its members, the task force demonstrates how social protection can be leveraged as a tool for inclusive and equitable climate action. The task force will also support the Brazilian COP30 presidency declaration on hunger, poverty and climate action.

In South Africa, the German-funded Career Path Development for Employment project supports green employment in two just transition regions. Using an integrated approach that combines labour market policies, TVET and private sector development, the project focuses on retraining and upskilling vulnerable groups such as youth and informal workers.

A new German-funded project, the Just Energy Transition in Coal Regions in India initiative, is supporting the sustainable closure and repurposing of coal mines. The project emphasizes skills development, social protection, economic diversification, gender equality and participatory planning in affected regions.

Germany also supports environmental sustainability through the eco.business Fund. It provides financing and technical assistance to financial institutions and businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. By mobilizing capital and building capacity for a green economy, the fund focuses on promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism.

Italy is providing almost €2.5 million to support the social integration and re-employment of Ukrainian citizens living in Italy. This is part of broader international efforts to support Ukraine’s economic and social recovery by investing in human capital, including through partnerships between vocational education and training actors from Italy and from Ukraine’s Lviv district. Among other things, this program aims to:

• select, place, orient and train 160 beneficiaries
• find jobs and internships in Italy for 110 people
• find placements in Ukraine for 50 beneficiaries
• create self-employment or enterprise opportunities for 50 beneficiaries

The project also aligns with the Skills Alliance for Ukraine platform, launched in 2024, in which Italy’s Ministry of Labour and Social Policies actively participates.

By providing funding to the ILO, Japan contributed to a development cooperation project that targets vulnerable agrarian community members affected by drought in southern Madagascar. From 2022 to 2023, the project helped create green jobs and supported skills development opportunities for green work. It also enhanced community resilience against natural disasters and supported adaptation to climate change through employment-intensive green works.

Through its contribution to the UNDP, Japan supports the Government of India in implementing its NDC through gender-responsive mitigation and adaptation interventions. These measures include adopting efficient and clean energy solutions and promoting green and climate-resilient livelihoods for a just transition. The project focuses on improving livelihood through decentralized renewable energy solutions, with a focus on women.

Contributing to achieving social protection for all by 2030

In 2023 and 2024, Germany contributed €27 million to the Multi-stakeholder Engagement to Implement the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions and the World Bank Social Protection and Jobs Compass (M-GA), and it contributed another €20 million in 2025. Germany has ensured that the partnership is highlighted at international negotiations around social protection—such as G20 and COP30 meetings and the World Summit for Social Development—as key to accelerating progress toward achieving social protection for all by 2030. Germany has provided technical assistance to countries, including Uzbekistan, to support the implementation of the M-GA. It has also been actively involved in shaping the M-GA and ensuring that it adapts to lessons learned.

France has provided €300,000 to the Global Accelerator (GA) and promoted it at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development. The country has also provided the partnership with support from specialized French experts and bilateral technical resources through the AFD and Expertise France.

Direct support to the GA on jobs and social protection for just transitions is part of the EU’s financial contribution to the USP2030’s Digital Convergence Initiative. The EU contributes €18 million to it. This includes €3 million for the ILO and €3 million for the World Bank Rapid Social Response Trust Fund. It also participates as an observer in the steering group of the GA. Countries addressing aspects of digital transformation under the GA can draw support from the initiative in coordination with the GA’s Technical Support Facility. A recent evaluation of EU social protection programs from 2014 to 2023 found that its support is aligned with the GA’s goals of extending social protection coverage and decent job creation, especially in green, digital and care economies.

The EU is making significant progress toward universal social protection by assisting member states in bridging coverage gaps, especially for non-standard workers and the self-employed. The 2019 Council Recommendation on access to social protection has been pivotal in bringing about reforms through national plans by fostering mutual learning and establishing a comprehensive monitoring framework. Looking forward, the EU plans to intensify its actions by organizing a new round of mutual learning events, refining monitoring tools and providing targeted support for vulnerable groups.

The EU Anti-Poverty Strategy and the European Affordable Housing Plan, underline the EU’s dedication to fostering inclusive social systems. These initiatives align with the European Pillar of Social Rights and are crucial in addressing demographic changes, adapting to labour market transformations and ensuring equitable protection across all employment forms. Furthermore, the EU’s New economic governance framework aims to ensure sound public finances and sustainable growth, while the Social Convergence Framework enhances the visibility of social challenges. Maintaining adequate pensions in an aging society, promoting supplementary savings and tackling gender inequalities are also key components of this comprehensive approach.

The United Kingdom is co-chairing, alongside Somalia, the High-Level Panel on Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict Settings. It aims to drive meaningful change in these contexts where social protection is often overlooked despite its proven potential. The United Kingdom also works with partner governments and multilateral organizations to build robust national social protection systems. Through access to technical expertise, research, systems-strengthening support and catalytic funding, partners are better able to work toward universal systems.

The United Kingdom is focused on driving more-inclusive approaches to reach and benefit the most marginalized places and groups—particularly in fragile and conflict contexts, and women and children. The country supports cash transfers in a range of humanitarian emergencies, while also developing shock-responsive social protection systems that can quickly respond to climate-related disasters and economic crises. Through engagement with multilateral climate funds, the United Kingdom also aims to support partners’ abilities to unlock increased levels of climate finance for social protection and ensure social protection is part of national climate plans.

Working to increase access to social protection for another one billion people by 2025

Through the global program on Improving Synergies between Social Protection and Public Finance Management, the EU has helped to introduce policies and programs that have expanded social protection coverage. Implemented by the ILO, UNICEF and the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors between 2019 and 2023, the program provided an estimated 13 million people in 24 countries with improved social protection systems. It has also helped to enhance the design and financing of national social protection systems.

Between 2022 and 2025, the EU implemented 50 bilateral social protection programs in partner countries. For example, it provided budgetary support to Bangladesh, Cambodia, The Gambia, Morocco, Palestine and Paraguay. Through international organizations, the EU has also contributed to increasing coverage for previously excluded groups in Ethiopia, Iraq, Lesotho and Malawi. Some other programs, such as in Kyrgyzstan, have not had the same impact on increased coverage due to their lack of sustainability.

Since the adoption of the 2019 Council Recommendation on access to social protection, several EU member states have undertaken reforms to enhance formal coverage, particularly for non-standard workers and the self-employed. These efforts have been backed by substantial investments through instruments such as the Recovery and Resilience Plans. However, some gaps in effective access and adequacy remain, with many member states not fully addressing existing challenges. For example, temporary workers, part-time workers and the self-employed, especially those in emerging forms of employment, such as platform work, continue to face vulnerabilities.

While emergency measures during the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily extended social protection to some uncovered groups, these have not consistently resulted in long-term systemic changes. Although the EU has promoted mutual learning and the development of monitoring frameworks to track progress, disparities persist across member states when it comes to ambition and implementation. Greater targeted support for specific vulnerable groups and enhanced digital tools are needed to achieve more-equitable social protection across the EU.

To better address health risks, France has made universal health coverage (UHC) a priority of its 2023 to 2027 Global Health Strategy in a broader approach to social protection. In 2023, France also supported 18 countries and territories in establishing UHC and national social protection systems.

Germany: Supporting green jobs through dual training in South Africa

According to a 2018 ILO report, creating a more climate-friendly global economy could create as many as 25 million new, high-quality jobs. Recognizing this opportunity, Germany has made promoting these green jobs a priority in recent years—both in traditional sectors such as manufacturing and construction, as well as in emerging fields such as renewable energy.

One of the many steps Germany is taking to promote a more-efficient, socially just and green economy is to support skills development for a just transition. The Career Path Development for Employment in South Africa project promotes green skills through a dual training model: it combines classroom-based learning in TVET and training institutions with hands-on, industry-based experience. The project also supports South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnerships, aligning environmental goals with sustainable employment outcomes.

III. Health

Ensuring people around the world can live healthy lives is fundamental to achieving the 2030 Agenda. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had long-lasting effects on health outcomes around the world. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) World health statistics 2025 report, life expectancy fell by 1.8 years between 2019 and 2021—the largest drop in modern history. Recent gains in the reduction of maternal and child deaths have stalled while premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer, are on the rise.

These health-related issues are due, in part, to underinvestment in primary health care by many countries. They are also fuelled by shortages in skilled health workers and a lack of key health services, such as child immunization and safe childbirth. According to the WHO, it is expected there will be a global shortfall of 11 million health workers by 2030, particularly in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions. The G7 acknowledges the importance of health policy to the well-being of people around the globe and has made several health-related commitments in recent years.

9. Attaining universal health coverage with strong health systems and better preparedness for public health emergencies

UHC ensures all people have access to the quality health services they need, when and where they need them—from promotion and prevention to treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. It also prevents financial hardship from medical costs and is a key component of global efforts to reduce poverty and achieve broader SDGs.

Funding from G7 countries to advance UHC, resilient health systems, primary health care service delivery and a skilled health workforce peaked in 2021 and 2022 at more than US$2.14 billion, possibly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite decreasing in 2023, support for health systems strengthening (HSS) has not dropped below the 2019 level of US$1.5 billion.

Between 2019 and 2023, Japan’s support for HSS increased by 71%, while France’s increased by 176% and the United States’ rose by 213%. Meanwhile, Italy’s support for HSS decreased by half over the same period, the EU’s decreased by 45% and the United Kingdom’s decreased by 33%. Canada’s and Germany’s funding remained relatively stable.

Integrating health system strengthening in key initiatives, partnerships and multilateral organizations

The Global Fund to Fight Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Tuberculosis and Malaria is an international financing partnership that aims to attract and invest resources to end these three devastating epidemics. Established in 2002, it brings together governments, civil society, the private sector and affected communities to strengthen health systems in over 100 countries, helping build a healthier, safer and more equitable world. It invests in strengthening health product value chains, increasing supply capacity and lowering health product prices through market shaping.

In 2024, the Global Fund invested US$2.7 billion in health and community systems strengthening. For example, it invested more than US$294 million in expanding and strengthening laboratory and diagnostics capacities. It also invested more than US$200 million in surveillance systems to strengthen early detection and reporting capabilities for all hazards. The fund also provided around US$233 million in 2024 to expand access to life-saving medical oxygen across 51 countries. Since 2002, the Global Fund has disbursed US$69.9 billion to support programs run by local experts and to strengthen health and community systems.

France is the Global Fund’s second-largest public donor, contributing around €1.6 billion to the partnership between 2023 and 2025. France actively supports strengthening health system capacity across fragile countries, in line with the Global Fund Strategy (2023 to 2028).

Canada also supported the adoption of the most recent Global Fund Strategy. The strategy includes four mutually reinforcing objectives, including maximizing people-centred integrated systems for health to deliver impact, resilience and sustainability. Canada, working closely with other Global Fund board members, played an active role in successfully advocating for gender equality considerations to be included in the strategy. Between 2023 and 2025, Canada contributed approximately Can$1.2 billion to the fund.

Between 2023 and 2025, Italy contributed €185 million to the Global Fund, while Germany provided €1.3 billion, including €100 million for debt swaps through the Global Fund’s Debt2Health mechanism. Germany is also the partnership’s fourth-largest public donor. Through the global initiative BACKUP Health, Germany has been providing bilateral technical support to partner countries to help plan and implement their Global Fund grants.

As a member of the Global Fund’s board, the European Commission has pushed for it to evolve from a vertical fund to a more horizontal one with a strong focus on HSS. Japan, also a board member, has contributed to developing its current strategic framework, which was developed through recommendations and perspectives collected through the development of its current strategy. To maximize the impact in ending the three diseases, the importance of enhancing HSS was successfully incorporated and articulated in this strategy as “resilient and sustainable systems for health.”

The Global Fund’s board also approved a suite of catalytic investments to be taken forward into Grant Cycle 8, with the United Kingdom successfully leading an initiative to secure additional funding for priority areas such as HSS. The United Kingdom also supports collaborative workstreams between the Global Fund, Gavi and the Global Financing Facility, including those covering HSS and joint malaria implementation.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a public-private global health partnership created in 2000 to improve access to new and under-used vaccines for children living in the world’s poorest countries. In 2023, with Gavi’s support, countries immunized more than 69 million children through routine immunization, with around 300 million children getting immunized between 2021 and 2025.

As part of the Team Europe constituency, the European Commission has been pushing for keeping and reinforcing Gavi’s focus on HSS to ensure an integrated approach to primary health care delivery, including immunization programs. The European Commission also aims to ensure that HSS remains a key focus post-replenishment, when resources are limited.

The EU, together with the Gates Foundation, co-hosted Gavi’s high-level pledging summit in June 2025, where a record number of donors pledged more than US$9 billion toward a target budget of US$11.9 billion. The funding will support Gavi’s ambitious strategy to protect 500 million children and save at least 8 million lives between 2026 and 2030.

The United Kingdom has been influential in shaping the organization’s new five-year strategy, Gavi 6.0. It includes Gavi’s first HSS, which focuses on equity and sustainability through an integrated approach that is embedded in primary health care. Gavi has also committed to aligning its strategy with the Lusaka Agenda, including ensuring that future support is in line with national health and immunization strategies.

Canada pledged Can$600 million to Gavi between 2021 and 2025. In 2025, Canada endorsed the adoption of Gavi’s new approach to strengthen health systems to reach missed communities and help systems respond to emergency needs. In 2024, Canada also announced a Can$85-million contribution to Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator to support the sustainable growth of Africa’s manufacturing base.

Germany contributed €600 million in core funding to Gavi for 2021 to 2025 and helped shape its new 2026 to 2030 strategy, which introduces a health systems approach focused on equity and sustainability through full integration with primary care. Germany is also the largest donor to Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, providing US$300 million to support regional vaccine production and equitable access in Africa. Japan has also contributed to the initiative as a Gavi board and committee member and supports Gavi’s mission for ensuring equitable access to affordable and safe vaccines. In addition, between 2021 and 2025, Italy allocated a total of €250 million to Gavi. Italy also supported the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, pledging €16 million to the partnership between 2022 and 2025. France pledged €500 million to Gavi for the 2021 to 2025 funding cycle, in addition to €500 million to support the new Gavi 6.0 strategy.

The Pandemic Fund is a multilateral financing mechanism that provides dedicated funding to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capacities in low- and middle-income countries. EU member states are collectively the largest donor to the Pandemic Fund and the European Commission is the second-largest individual donor. 

While the fund focuses its resources on the elements of surveillance, laboratory systems and workforce most critical to preventing diseases that have pandemic potential, it also recognizes the co-benefits of strengthening health systems. As a board member, leading a constituency alongside Spain and the Netherlands, France supports the role of the Pandemic Fund in strengthening health systems. Between 2022 and 2025, France committed €50 million to the fund.

In 2024, Canada supported the adoption of the Pandemic Fund Medium-Term Strategic Plan (2024 to 2029).

The WHO plays a critical role in UHC. It sets global standards and provides policy guidance to support countries in strengthening their health systems. Between 2023 and 2024, France provided the WHO with €138 million in funding to reinforce the organization’s central role in supporting countries to build more sustainable and resilient health systems and help them to prevent, prepare and respond to health emergencies.

Since 2011, the European Commission has contributed to the WHO’s UHC Partnership (UHCP) with the objective of supporting efforts to build resilient health systems and achieve UHC. In 2022, the EU pledged €125 million to the UHCP program, €61 million of which was delivered to the partnership in 2022, providing assistance to WHO country offices and governments through health policy advisers in 120 countries. Another €40 million was delivered in 2025, with an additional contribution expected in 2027.

Between 2020 and 2024, the United Kingdom committed £340 million in core funding to the WHO. This provided the organization with the flexibility to allocate funding where it was needed most, including to support HSS. The United Kingdom has also been an active supporter of the WHO UHCP program.

Italy has continued to prioritize health system strengthening by actively contributing to the WHO, Gavi and the Global Fund through both financial support and technical expertise. Italy has promoted HSS in multilateral board discussions and supported integrated strategies focusing on UHC and emergency preparedness.

The Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) is a country-led partnership and a multi-donor trust fund hosted by the World Bank. The GFF works with countries to strengthen maternal and child health, as well as health systems, and improve access to care through prioritized plans, aligned public and private financing, and policy reform. Canada has committed to contributing Can$150 million between 2021 and 2026 to support the GFF’s health systems approach to identify systemic weaknesses critical for improving the health of women, children and adolescents and implement health system reforms and actions to strengthen their health workforce, service delivery, supply chains and data and reporting systems.

Germany prioritizes health system strengthening, and it actively uses its board and committee memberships at the Global Fund, Gavi and the GFF to keep it high on the agenda and ensure that HSS investments continue to have a sustainable impact in partner countries. Between 2022 and 2024, Germany provided the GFF with a total of €75 million. It also played a key role in positioning HSS in the Global Fund’s new strategy. In 2023, Germany contributed to the successful development of the UN’s Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, emphasizing strong and resilient health systems and providing €100,000 to the multi-stakeholder platform UHC2030 to support this process.

Figure 7: G7 bilateral support for health system strengthening, 2019 to 2023

Text version

Time period	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Donor
EU institutions	$184.01	$274.72	$233.13	$109.61	$101.79
Canada	$50.41	$34.77	$71.11	$60.97	$46.89
France	$87.43	$63.22	$109.70	$163.70	$241.03
Germany	$216.11	$278.22	$399.79	$312.51	$268.68
Italy	$48.27	$39.67	$46.23	$39.62	$24.14
Japan	$165.46	$112.11	$382.50	$548.34	$282.21
United Kingdom	$621.51	$655.29	$522.52	$422.87	$414.57
United States	$144.29	$93.13	$378.26	$485.79	$451.24

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Reporting System – grant equivalent

Developing a skilled health workforce, including midwives, nurses and physicians

The WHO Academy, located in Lyon, France, was established to respond to critical gaps in health worker education worldwide and strives to enhance the lifelong learning capacity of the health workforce. Launched in December 2024, the academy has benefited from a €120-million financial investment from France. The academy is playing a pivotal role in making the WHO’s technical and normative guidance and policy recommendations more rapidly accessible, fostering a well-informed, skilled and adaptable global health workforce. Italy also collaborates closely with the WHO Academy and regional capacity-building programs to reinforce primary health care services and public health intelligence systems in low- and middle-income countries.

Building the capacity of health workers is a key component of all bilateral and regional German health programs financed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Germany is working with partner countries to enhance training institutions and develop curriculums. It is also providing training and mentoring for nurses, midwives and doctors in maternal and neonatal care. Other German-funded projects have built the capacity of biotechnicians and bioengineers in pharmaceutical and laboratory processes.

The Hospital Partnerships program brings together German health institutions and medical professionals from low- and middle-income countries to enhance the quality of care and foster mutual exchange and learning. Since 2017, the BMZ has committed more than €119 million to the program, helping it to implement approximately 650 projects in more than 70 countries. The program has trained over 40,000 medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians and psychologists. By holding regular networking activities across projects and providing training and training materials, it is also supporting overall knowledge exchange.

Italy supports the scale-up of the skilled health workforce through targeted national and international programs. Notably, through the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Italy co-leads initiatives such as the IIS-G20 Laboratorium, supporting the development of a competent and sustainable public health and emergency workforce. The program has implemented accredited training programs focused on emergency response, digital health and inter-professional education. Among these is a pilot e-learning course developed on epidemic intelligence, which was implemented with the WHO’s Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These courses benefited hundreds of public health professionals across the G20 and in low- and middle-income countries. It was also provided on the OpenWHO.org platform for six months and is now available on the WHO Academy platform. Moreover, Italy actively collaborates in WHO initiatives to develop the health workforce and strengthen health professionals’ competencies.

The JICA has been enhancing health systems through many collaborations in Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia and the Philippines and in African countries, including Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The JICA’s work has focused on hospital management to achieve quality and safety of hospital services and develop the capacity of the health workforce, including the education system for doctors and nurses.

In addition, the JICA has been implementing projects to improve maternal and child health through comprehensive continuum of care approach and to strengthen prevention and control of NCDs. The approach includes developing the capacity of community health workers and health professionals, promoting the use of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook and improving nutrition in countries such as Angola, Cambodia, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Indonesia, Mozambique, Pakistan, Senegal and Tajikistan.

The EU Global Health Strategy recognizes the importance of addressing workforce imbalances and fostering skills. The strategy’s first progress report provides an overview of EU actions in this regard. Key EU initiatives in this area include talent partnerships, a Team Europe Initiative on opportunity-driven vocational training and developing capacity and skills through higher education and research.

To strengthen the global health workforce, the United Kingdom provides significant investments to multilateral organizations and global health institutions as well as through its in-country programs to encourage better, more efficient and more aligned ways of working on Human Resource for Health (HRH). The United Kingdom provides HRH technical support, uses diplomatic efforts and intergovernmental forums and invests in research programs to fill gaps in HRH evidence. This technical work includes the United Kingdom’s National Health Service working collaboratively with counterparts in countries such as Malawi, Nepal and Zimbabwe.

Japan: Working to extend universal health coverage to all  

As chair of the G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023, Japan led discussions on global health. The goal was to develop and strengthen the abilities of global health institutions to address public health emergencies, achieve more resilient, equitable and sustainable UHC, as well as promote health innovation. 

As part of its efforts to promote UHC, Japan has committed to establishing a UHC Knowledge Hub in 2025, in partnership with the WHO and World Bank. Through the UHC Knowledge Hub, Japan will support the collection and sharing of knowledge on UHC and promote capacity-building for finance and health authorities in developing countries. Japan, alongside the WHO and World Bank, will also regularly host UHC high-level forums to further strengthen global momentum toward achieving UHC.

10. Preventing, preparing and responding to future outbreaks globally

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the deaths of more than 7 million people globally and had long-lasting and dramatic economic and social consequences. COVID-19 also demonstrated how critical it is to have systems in place that can quickly find and track new viruses as they spread. However, many experts warn that, despite the lessons learned from COVID-19, the world remains ill-prepared for the next pandemic.

The International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) are legally binding and require WHO member states to detect, assess, report and respond to public health events to prevent to the spread of disease globally. They are important because they provide a framework to enhance surveillance and the response to events that could threaten global health and economies—such as pandemics.

Between 2022 and 2024, average global IHR capacities decreased by 3%, although this represents a return to 2021 levels. The Western Pacific saw the greatest change, decreasing by 8%. IHR capacities fell by 4% in the Americas and Africa and by between 1% and 3% in all other regions.

In 2023, France provided support to 39 countries and territories to build capacity in the field of international health security, including 24 countries that were provided support for the first time. This support included technical or financial assistance. Between 2022 and 2025, through development cooperation, Germany helped 44 countries strengthen their pandemic prevention, preparedness and response abilities.

Through the International Health Regulations Strengthening Project, the United Kingdom works bilaterally in three regions—Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific—with four priority partner countries: Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Zambia. Through the project, the United Kingdom supports countries with the WHO’s Joint External Evaluation (JEE) process, including post-JEE actions. In addition, the United Kingdom’s core funding, £340 million between 2020 and 2024, provided the WHO the flexibility to allocate funding where needed, including to support these evaluation processes. The United Kingdom Public Health Rapid Support Team deploys technical experts to low- and middle-income countries to support outbreak response. It also builds the evidence base, leadership, systems and technical capacity for improved response. Since it was established in 2016, the team has deployed 52 times—31 times since 2022 to support responses to Marburg virus disease, mpox, cholera and Sudan ebolavirus.

Since the G20 Joint Finance-Health Task Force was created in 2021, Italy has supported the forum as co-chair, alongside Indonesia. Italy has helped to foster dialogue between finance and health tracks for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. It continues to champion innovative response financing and multilateralism through key global health initiatives—such as the Global Fund, Gavi, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the Pandemic Fund—aligned with the G7 health agenda and the Pandemic Fund’s 2024 to 2029 Strategic Plan.

Japan shares information with other countries concerning national legislation, which includes the location and organizational framework of the National IHR Authorities—something that is newly mandated under the amended IHR.

Strengthening WHO IHR capacities and other collaborative surveillance

Germany’s BMZ has strengthened specific WHO IHR capacities in low- and middle-income countries in various ways. For example, through its support to the East African Community (EAC), Germany is enhancing pandemic preparedness in partner countries. In particular, it is bolstering their capacities to prevent and control infectious diseases with epidemic potential through the EAC Secretariat. This support includes developing a communication and warning system and using the One Health approach to promote structural cooperation among different disciplines.

Through its support for the global program for Pandemic Resilience, One Health, the BMZ has promoted a One Health approach to strengthen capacities for pandemic prevention and control at national, regional and global levels. Between 2022 and 2025, the German Epidemic Preparedness Team was deployed 25 times to more than 13 countries.

The United Kingdom supports IHR core capacity building in low- and middle-income countries through its IHR Strengthening Project. It focuses on key areas, including:

• national public health institute and regional body capabilities
• multisectoral coordination
• public health laboratory networks
• workforce capacity

From 2024 to 2029, the United Kingdom-ASEAN Health Security Partnership will also help countries in Southeast Asia build capacities to prevent, detect and respond to health threats.

Through the WHO Academy, France is strengthening workforces in low- and middle-income countries by providing the entire global health care ecosystem—caregivers, public officials, business leaders and representatives of civil society—access to courses rooted in current WHO guidance. The WHO Academy fosters a well-informed, skilled and adaptable global health workforce by helping make the WHO’s technical and normative guidance and policy recommendations more rapidly accessible.

G7 support for the Global Fund relies on its partnership model to advance its objective to end AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, and each partner is responsible for advancing the aspects of this strategy. For example, implementer countries are responsible for developing and implementing National Action Plans for Health Security, following the IHRs. The Global Fund’s Secretariat is responsible for promoting the development of the NAPs and the technical partners support the translation of IHR technical guidelines into effective implementation at the country level.

At the WHO Global Poison Centre Network meeting in February 2023, Canada made a presentation on the benefits of domestic and global toxicovigilance networks. The presentation featured Toxicovigilance Canada, a pan-Canadian network that works to prevent, treat and reduce the harm caused by exposure to drugs, poison and chemicals. This strategic consultation contributed to the development of network components of the WHO Chemicals Road Map and Target A6 of the Global Framework on Chemicals. The aim of this target is for all countries to have access to poison centres by 2030, strengthening their capacity to prevent and respond to poisonings and to provide training in chemical risk prevention and clinical toxicology.

In February 2025, at the Global Health Security Initiative Symposium, Enhancing public health management of chemical incidents through collaboration with poison centres, Canada brought together representative of poison centres and public health organizations to share case studies and experiences in managing chemical incidents. These discussions emphasized how poison centre expertise supports public health efforts in surveillance, preparedness, response and recovery. It also identified key gaps and opportunities to strengthen joint action.

As a WHO National Influenza Centre, Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory contributes to the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. It is a global surveillance, preparedness and response mechanism for seasonal, pandemic and zoonotic influenza. It also acts as a global platform for monitoring influenza epidemiology and disease.

In 2024, Canada, the United States and Mexico launched an updated framework for regional cooperation to address health security threats. The North American Preparedness for Animal and Human Pandemics Initiative (NAPAHPI) fosters collaboration across 12 thematic areas and adopts a One Health approach. It involves multiple sectors such as human health, animal health, foreign affairs and security. As the lead of the NAPAHPI Trilateral Executive Secretariat since February 2024, Canada has played a central role in advancing the initiative’s activities, including:

• facilitating and contributing to outbreak-related information-sharing
• participating in preparedness exercises
• guiding the initiative’s overall strategic and policy direction

Through its Centre for Research on Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies (CRPPHE), housed in the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada is supporting evidence-informed responses to pandemics and other health emergencies. Between 2021 and 2025, the CRPPHE invested more than Can$90 million in both rapid response and longer-term research on pandemics and health emergencies. This included:

• critical research infrastructure to maintain Canada’s pandemic preparedness and readiness
• One Health research to reduce the risks of avian influenza outbreaks in humans, animals and the environment
• improving diagnostics and treatment strategies for post COVID-19 condition
• pandemic research innovations through data science, modelling, AI, surveillance, and modernizing clinical trials research

Italy is a long-standing supporter of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which plays an essential role in research and development of vaccines and pandemic countermeasures. The coalition has successfully advanced seven vaccines that received emergency use authorization during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations’ Investors Council, Italy contributed €15 million in 2020 to 2021 and committed an additional €20 million for 2022 to 2026 to foster collaboration between Italian research centres and biomedical industries.

Table 3: Global change in score of WHO IHRs capacities: Comparing 2022 and 2024

Source: WHO States Parties Self-Assessment Annual Reporting Tool

Contributing to collaborative surveillance at national, regional and global levels

Germany contributed to strengthening collaborative surveillance at national, regional and global levels, and to better overall multisectoral coordination in various ways. From 2018 to 2025, Germany helped strengthen epidemiological services and surveillance, improve pandemic prevention and implement a One Health approach in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region through its support for several key programs.

Through the Pandemic Prevention and Response through One Health Approach initiative, Germany also contributed to the strengthening of multisectoral coordination by supporting the Quadripartite—the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), WHO and World Organisation for Animal Health—to develop resources such as:

• One Health Joint Plan of Action and implementation guide
• ASEAN One Health Joint Plan of Action
• Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s Zoonotic Disease: Prevention and Control Strategy 2025 to 2029

It also supported several partner countries in establishing surveillance systems, including the Surveillance, Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System and the Surveillance and Information Sharing Operational Tool.

Under Japan’s chairpersonship, the G7 held its first high-level expert meeting on One Health, with participation from relevant health, agriculture and environment ministries. During the meeting, each country shared specific initiatives related to One Health and discussed the status of international efforts.

Preventing and combatting health threats, including pandemics, by applying a One Health approach is one of the EU Global Health Strategy’s three priorities. The first progress report on the implementation of the strategy provides an overview of EU actions in these areas. For example, it includes:

• a summary of EU support for the Pandemic Fund
• a review of the Team Europe Initiative on health security using the One Health approach in Africa
• a review of the efforts made to strengthen global laboratory and surveillance capacities for preparedness

In 2023, France provided almost €101 million, including more than €23 million of EU funding, to finance projects integrating the One Health approach, including Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence’s projects in Africa and Asia.

At the World Health Assembly in May 2025, WHO member states adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which will take effect once negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex are finalized and 60 states have ratified it. This international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response should ensure that member states take comprehensive action to better prevent pandemics and improve disease surveillance so the world can promptly detect and respond to emerging pandemic threats. The inclusion of a One Health approach in the agreement strengthens multisectoral collaboration, helping to better address the emergence of pandemic risks.

As part of the Italy’s G7 presidency, the CDP contributed to launching the Initiative for Emergency Financing and MCMs, in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (the United States’ DFI), the EIB and the International Finance Corporation. The initiative aims to enhance the responsiveness of DFIs through innovative financial tools that enable rapid and flexible support for the procurement, production and distribution of MCMs—including vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics—during the early stages of health emergencies. By bridging financing gaps in emergency response and reinforcing the enabling conditions for HSS, it aligns with the broader G7 agenda on pandemic preparedness and response. The initiative supports partner countries in scaling up resilient and inclusive health infrastructure, supply chains and local manufacturing capacities—key priorities also reflected in the strategies of Gavi, the Global Fund and the WHO. It also promotes coordination and coherence across the global health architecture.

Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory provides mobile laboratory diagnostic support for high-consequence pathogen outbreaks, when requested by the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). The National Microbiology Laboratory is also part of national and international coordination efforts for monitoring and responding to outbreaks of highly pathogenic agents. Organizations and networks include:

• the WHO’s Emerging and Dangerous Pathogens Laboratory Network
• Doctors Without Borders
• the Global Health Security Action Group Laboratory Network
• the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network
• the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Federal Surge Laboratory Network

The National Microbiology Laboratory has worked with the Institut Pasteur du Laos [the Pasteur institute of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic] since 2022 to build national diagnostic and surveillance capacity so that emerging pathogen threats can be quickly detected and responded to. The National Microbiology Laboratory has worked with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health since 2016 to establish a biobank for the safe storage of Ebola samples originating from the 2014 to 2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak. It is also collaborating with the Uganda Virus Research Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Uganda’s Ministry of Health to help isolate and characterize Sudan virus from clinical materials obtained during the 2022 and 2025 outbreaks.

Under the Canada-South Africa Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Health Cooperation, signed in May 2024, Canada is also working with South Africa on genomic surveillance, infectious disease prevention and health research initiatives, among other areas.

Between 2022 and 2024, Canada provided more than US$8.2 million to the WHO Strengthening and Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies (SURGE) initiative through its Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity. SURGE aims to enhance emergency preparedness and response abilities by strengthening workforce capabilities, improving coordination and ensuring effective communication during public health crises. Its priorities include rapid deployment of trained experts in 24 to 48 hours, improved planning and collaboration among ministries and partners and robust risk communication and community engagement in countries in Africa.

Canada also invests in the Global Fund to strengthen early detection and reporting capabilities for all hazards. In 2024, with support from Canada and other donors, the Global Fund invested US$2.7 billion in health and community systems strengthening. This included US$294 million to expand and strengthen laboratory and diagnostics capacities and US$200 million to support surveillance systems.

Contributing to global partnerships and initiatives

In May 2022, the EU’s president announced a €427-million contribution to the proposed Global Pandemic Preparedness Fund, now called the Pandemic Fund. The fund’s aim was to improve pandemic prevention, preparedness and response abilities to help avoid a repetition of the devastating health and socio-economic impact of COVID-19 in the future. This announcement confirmed the commitment to the United States-EU Agenda for Beating the Global Pandemic: Vaccinating the World, Saving Lives Now and Building Back Better Health Security, made in September 2021.

The Pandemic Fund was initially launched in November 2022 by the G20. As a World Bank-hosted Financial Intermediary Fund, it provides a dedicated stream of additional, long-term, grant funding to low- and middle-income countries to strengthen their pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capacities. The fund has been designed to incentivize and catalyze additional resources to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics, including through the mobilization of domestic resources.

With its contribution of €427 million, the EU is the second-largest donor to the Pandemic Fund, while Germany is the third largest, contributing more than €169 million to the fund since 2022. Italy contributed €100 million in 2022 to support the fund’s activities. Italy’s commitment was renewed in 2025 with a further contribution of €50 million, to be disbursed in 2026 and 2027. The United Kingdom has committed £25 million to the Pandemic Fund, and France has pledged €50 million. Canada is a founding donor and board member of the fund and contributed US$50 million as seed funding in 2022 to 2023.

Between 2022 and 2024, the Pandemic Fund awarded a total of US$885 million in grants to support 47 projects in 75 countries that focused on its three programmatic areas: strengthening disease surveillance and early warnings, laboratory systems and health workforce.

In 2024, in response to the mpox outbreak in Africa, the Pandemic Fund Governing Board fast-tracked a US$128.9-million contribution to fund five projects in 10 countries impacted by the outbreak.

The Pandemic Fund promotes a One Health approach and includes One Health as one of its four underlying themes in its Strategic Plan (2024 to 2029). Eighteen out of the 19 projects funded through its first call for proposals were aligned with a One Health approach. For example, in Mongolia, a US$15.5-million grant catalyzed the establishment of a national One Health Steering Committee. In Bhutan, US$5 million in funding is expected to support the operationalization of the Bhutan One Health Secretariat. This will strengthen disease surveillance, provide joint field training to increase workforce capacities and build a national workforce registry.

To respond to the 2024 mpox outbreak in Africa, Germany’s Ministry of Health provided more than US$1.5 million for the WHO appeal: mpox public health emergency 2024. Its Foreign Office provided an additional US$2.1 million to the appeal, while BMZ contributed €22.75 million for mpox surveillance and data management. Germany also provided more than US$547,000 for a project led by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Koch Institute to support laboratory diagnostics in the DRC and Burundi.

In 2024 to 2025, Canada contributed Can$1 million to the WHO Mpox global strategic preparedness and response plan and donated 200,000 mpox vaccines through the WHO Access and Allocation Mechanism.

Between 2015 and 2024, the United Kingdom contributed US$27 million to the WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies. Japan has contributed approximately US$22 million to the WHO since 2022 to support its health emergency response, including mpox-related activities. While not directly channelled through the Contingency Fund for Emergencies, Japan’s contributions reflect its commitment to rapid and flexible emergency health responses. Japan also provided US$1 million to the Financial Intermediary Fund to strengthen the WHO’s coordination role. Through the WHO’s Western Pacific Region office, Japan also supported training and coordination efforts in Western Pacific Region countries.

In 2023, France contributed €9 million to the WHO Emergencies Programme and other special programs. In December 2023, France signed several funding agreements, totalling €25.5 million, to support critical health priorities. A large part of the contribution—€6 million—is aimed at covering the humanitarian response. This includes €650,000 for the Contingency Fund for Emergencies. In 2024, France also contributed €2 million to the WHO’s cholera emergency appeal.

France is deeply committed to reinforcing regional production of health products, particularly in Africa. In June 2024, it hosted the launch of the investment case for Gavi’s strategic cycle (2026 to 2030). The event also celebrated the launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, an initiative coordinated by Gavi to support pharmaceutical manufacturing and vaccine sovereignty in Africa, to enhance the region’s resilience to outbreaks and pandemics.

France has reallocated €100 million to African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator and Team Europe is its largest donor, already pledging more than US$800 million. The European Commission has contributed a total of US$233 million. In 2024, Italy provided US$150 million to the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator and Germany provided €300 million.

Italy also contributed US$59 million to the First Response Fund. It is part of the Day Zero Facility, established by Gavi and designed to promptly react to health emergencies with immediate funding for vaccines.

Through the Pandemic Fund, Italy finances projects aimed at enhancing pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capacities in low- and middle-income countries. To date, it has approved US$338 million in grants for 19 projects across 37 countries. This investment is strengthening disease surveillance, early warning systems, laboratory networks and health workforce training.

Since 2023, Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory has supported the work of the Rapid Response Mobile Laboratory initiative, as well as the GOARN Strategic Group for Diagnostic Surge Capacities (GOARN-DiSC). Canada’s support to the GOARN-DiSC aims to:

• bring adaptable and accessible laboratory capacity to resource-limited settings
• reinforce outbreak response and disease surveillance
• contribute to the development and maintenance of core capacities required under the IHR 2005

Canada has invested in global research partnerships to support pandemic preparedness and response. For example, a Can$5.5-million contribution from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s CRPPHE and the International Research Development Centre, has enabled researchers in Canada, Nigeria and the DRC to work together to study mpox transmission and evaluate the safety and real-world effectiveness of mpox vaccines and treatments.

In 2023, the CRPPHE partnered with International Research Development Centre and the Public Health Agency of Canada to provide more than Can$4.8 million to support clinical trial research on the safety and efficacy of three candidate vaccines against Ebola. In 2015, the infrastructure, expertise and technical capacities developed through this funding facilitated the rapid deployment of a vaccine trial in response to Sudan virus disease outbreaks in Uganda.

The CIHR is also a founding member of the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness. This network supports coordination and information sharing among major global funding organizations through its working groups, guidance, tools and many resources. The aim is to increase preparedness and speed up the research response to outbreaks with pandemic potential around the world.

11. Reforming and strengthening the WHO’s capacities

The scale and complexity of health crises in the 21st century require a rapid response and the ability to effectively move people, resources and supplies where they are needed most. The WHO’s technical expertise, global reach and range of partnerships are able to meet these challenges. In 2023, the WHO responded to 72 health emergencies, reaching millions of people.

The G7 has long played a key role in strengthening the WHO’s capacity to respond to health crises. These contributions have significantly enhanced the WHO’s ability to address global health emergencies in a timely and coordinated manner.

The EU and its member states are the largest financial contributors to the WHO and will continue to advocate for a strong and resilient organization. In 2024, the EU provided €250 million to the WHO Investment Round, a transformative step toward mobilizing more focused and impactful financing for global health. The EU also supports a wide range of WHO programs, focusing on strengthening and addressing areas, such as:

• UHC
• health systems in all six WHO regions
• health security
• antimicrobial resistance
• laboratory capacities in Africa
• wastewater surveillance
• health information systems in Europe and the world

Germany is the largest single contributor to the WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies. Since 2016, Germany has provided almost €137 million to the fund, enabling the WHO’s rapid response to outbreaks. Since 2014, the United Kingdom has contributed more than US$27 million to the fund. From 2022 to 2024, Canada provided Can$5 million to this fund. France contributed €650,000 in 2023.

Since 2014, Germany has also provided around €1.9 billion to support the WHO’s emergency operations and crisis response, including more than €200 million to the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme. In 2023, France contributed €9 million to the Health Emergencies Programme and other special programs. In December 2023, France also signed funding agreements totalling €25.5 million to support critical health priorities, with almost a quarter of this funding going toward the WHO’s humanitarian response capacities.

Since 2014, the United Kingdom has contributed over US$27 million to the Contingency Fund for Emergencies and over US$323 million to the Health Emergencies Programme. This is in addition to US$733 million in fully flexible core voluntary contributions over the same period, which has allowed the WHO the flexibility to allocate funding to strengthen its crisis response capacity and other priorities.

In 2024 to 2025, Canada contributed Can$1 million to the Health Emergencies Programme in support of the WHO’s Mpox global strategic preparedness and response plan and around Can$250,000 to develop an approach to measure the WHO’s delivery of essential public health services during emergency situations. In addition, Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program contributed more than Can$15 million between 2022 and 2024 to bolster the Health Emergencies Programme’s health security and biosecurity activities.

Between 2022 and 2024, Italy has continued to provide voluntary contributions to the WHO, including core and thematic funding supporting crisis response, particularly through the Health Emergencies Programme and the Contingency Fund for Emergencies. Italy contributed financially to strengthen the WHO’s operational readiness and emergency response capacity, with additional funds earmarked for specific crises such as pandemics and humanitarian emergencies. For 2023 to 2024, Italy allocated around US$33 million dollars through voluntary contributions to the WHO.

Between 2022 and 2024, Japan provided approximately US$22 million to the WHO, including support for health emergencies and the mpox response. This contribution demonstrates Japan’s commitment to global health security. In response to a request from the WHO and the DRC, Japan also donated mpox vaccines to the DRC to bolster its outbreak response efforts.

Supporting WHO’s reform processes

Since 2014, Germany has actively supported the WHO’s reform processes through both financial contributions and political engagement. By earmarking substantial funding for the WHO and flexible funding through its assessed and core voluntary contributions, Germany is helping the organization implement governance and management reforms. As the co-host of the 2024 WHO Investment Round, Germany promoted sustainable WHO financing. It has also advocated in G7, EU and World Health Assembly negotiations for increased assessed contributions. In addition, Germany provides technical support through secondments by participating in WHO governance structures and by shaping the new WHO results-based management and accountability frameworks.

Canada supported the WHO reform processes through its 2022 to 2025 term on the Executive Board and in its role as 2024 to 2025 vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response. In particular, Canada focused on enabling the committee to provide more effective guidance and oversight of the Health Emergencies Programme. Canada also actively took part in the development of the WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work, including ensuring a strong results framework. Additionally, Canada served as an institutional lead for the 2019 to 2023 Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network assessment of the WHO, making key technical contributions that advanced the organization’s institutional effectiveness.

Italy proactively supports WHO reforms through both financial support and engagement in governing bodies and technical groups. For example, Italian experts contributed to consultations related to strengthening the One Health approach and WHO budget reforms. They also participate in working groups related to strengthening governance, transparency and accountability in the organization.

To support the WHO’s ability to address global health emergencies in a timely and coordinated manner, G7 members also participated in the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations to develop a Pandemic Agreement. For instance, Japan has compiled possible actions that will contribute to the ongoing reform of the WHO and provided a total of US$90 million in voluntary contributions to support the WHO’s reform efforts and enhance global preparedness and response capabilities.

Between 2020 and 2024, the United Kingdom’s £340-million voluntary core investment supported the WHO’s reform agenda. It enabled the organization to implement the changes and improvements needed to achieve its reform targets. The United Kingdom’s contribution also supported a more efficient use of resources, as well as better coordination of global health initiatives and improved health outcomes worldwide. The United Kingdom’s core voluntary contribution to the WHO reflects its recognition that WHO needs flexible and predictable multi-year support to enable it to be the strongest, most agile and effective organization it can be to tackle current challenges of today and future health crises. To incentivize the WHO’s performance and reform, 30% of the United Kingdom’s annual core voluntary funding was conditional on achieving agreed annual deliverables. In addition, the United Kingdom has supported WHO reform as a member of its Executive Board, vice-chair of the WHO Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC) for Europe and chair of the SCRC governance sub-group.

France, in collaboration with other G7 member states, has been closely involved in the governance of the WHO through its active participation on the WHO Executive Board and at the World Health Assembly. It has pushed for a stronger, more flexible, accountable and efficient WHO.

Within the limits of its observer role and in the context of EU coordination, the EU has engaged in technical exchanges to support the WHO’s reorganization and prioritization. For example, through European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, it facilitated coordination between the WHO and partners via integrated actions, such as nutrition programs in Eastern Africa and cholera response in the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region. The EU also collaborates with global coordination structures, such as the Global Task Force on Cholera Control. At the cluster level, discussions include integrated humanitarian response strategies, such as the Global Nutrition Cluster’s strategic plan for 2026 to 2030 aligning wasting-related activities with WHO guidance.

Enhancing coordination to support health crises

Collaboration between the WHO and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is critical for the rapid delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance during disease outbreaks, natural disasters and other complex emergencies. Italy has established different channels to engage with the OCHA. For example, Italy cooperates with the OCHA on global emergencies by providing qualified staff, logistics and technical support. It also promotes the OCHA’s role through awareness-raising campaigns, organizing conferences and establishing specific partnerships to strengthen the international humanitarian system.

Italy also supports coordinated crisis response through its emergency action fund and humanitarian rescue operations and regularly contributes to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund. In addition, Italy provides a dedicate warehouse in Brindisi where the OCHA can store humanitarian goods and supplies, enabling its prompt response to humanitarian emergencies at the global level. Furthermore, Italy takes part in the OCHA Donor Support Group, which gathers all the main donors around the UN system and establishes the sector’s guidelines and policies.

Since 2014, Germany has supported the WHO’s role in the humanitarian system through substantial funding for emergency appeals and the Contingency Fund for Emergencies. These contributions have enabled the health organization to act swiftly in times of crisis and fulfill its role as the lead agency of the Global Health Cluster. In G7, World Health Assembly and UN discussions, Germany has also advocated for stronger coordination between the WHO and the OCHA, underlining the need for coherent global health emergency governance.

The United Kingdom’s core funding to the WHO and the OCHA supports general coordination and cluster leadership. The United Kingdom also supports the WHO’s Policy on Engagement with Global Health Partnerships and Hosting Arrangements, which helps guide collaboration with organizations such as the OCHA. In addition, the United Kingdom actively engages in the UN Economic and Social Council Humanitarian Affairs Segment, a key platform for discussing coordination among humanitarian actors.

Through the revision of the International Health Regulations and the adoption of a pandemic treaty, France supports a strengthened global health architecture and multilateralism. Japan has supported efforts to improve coordination and harmonization of global health actors at the global and country levels, especially through the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office.

France: Providing training to health care professionals from all over the world

Thanks in part to a €120-million financial investment from France, the WHO Academy is addressing critical gaps in health workforce training. It aims to improve the quality of care in low- and middle-income countries, as well as ensure access to health care products. Inaugurated by France’s President Emmanuel Macron and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesusthe in December 2024, the academy aims to be the global reference centre for lifelong training of health care professionals.

Among other things, the academy’s simulation centre is using cutting-edge technology and pedagogy to offer interactive, immersive experiences that reproduce real-life public health situations, including emergency and crisis contexts. The academy is also playing a pivotal role in improving access to the WHO’s technical and normative guidance and policy recommendations. This is fostering a well-informed, skilled and adaptable global health workforce. It is also improving the quality of health services and preparing health care systems for future pandemics.

12. Mobilizing support for global health initiatives

Every year, millions of people around the world become infected with preventable diseases such as HIV, malaria and TB. In 2023, there were 39.9 million people living with HIV globally and an estimated 10.8 million people fell ill with TB, including 1.3 million children. There were 263 million cases of malaria: Approximately 597,000 people died of the disease in 2023, 76% of whom were children under the age of 5.

The Global Fund is a partnership designed to accelerate the end of these three epidemics by supporting national programs that fight these diseases and by strengthening health care systems. Over the last two decades, the Global Fund has cut the combined death rate from AIDS, TB and malaria by 63%—and saved 70 million lives. G7 members have played a key role in this success.

In recent years, the G7’s financial support to the Global Fund has grown significantly, with each country’s contribution increasing anywhere from 220% to 650%. For example, Germany provided the Global Fund with more than €1.2 billion between 2023 and 2025, up from just €159 million in 2006 to 2007. The United Kingdom’s contribution to the fund increased from £200 million in 2006 to 2007 to £1 billion between 2023 and 2025. France remains the second-largest donor to the Global Fund, with more than €7.4 billion contributed since its creation. 

At the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference in September 2022, G7 members pledged more than US$12.2 billion.

This funding has contributed to significant progress in recent years. According to the Global Fund 2025 Results Report, in 2024, the organization disbursed US$4.8 billion. This funding helped:

• distribute 162 million mosquito nets to prevent malaria
• treat 7.4 million people with TB
• increase the number of people on antiretroviral therapy to over 25 million

These steps are making a difference. Although TB killed an estimated 1.3 million people in 2023, rates have decreased by 40% in countries where the Global Fund invested between 2002 and 2023. TB treatment coverage also reached 75% in 2023, up from 45% in 2010.

In particular, the fund has made considerable strides in lowering TB rates in Bangladesh, where deaths from TB have fallen by 55% since 2002. Still, an estimated 42,000 people in the country died from the disease in 2022, excluding HIV-positive TB patients. TB remains one of the most common causes of death among people living with HIV.

In countries where the Global Fund invests, 79% of people living with HIV were on antiretroviral therapy in 2024. This was an increase from just 22% in 2010. In 2024, approximately 12.3 million people were reached with HIV-prevention services, and 648,000 mothers with HIV were provided medicine that kept them alive and prevented transmission to their babies.

The Global Fund provides 59% of all international financing for malaria programs. As of June 2025, it had invested more than US$20.3 billion in programs to fight the disease. As a result, the percentage of the population that had access to long-lasting insecticide-treated nets reached 61% in 2023, up from 29% in 2010. In Sub-Saharan Africa, malaria programs supported by the Global Fund have increased the percentage of the population with insecticide-treated nets from 4% in 2002 to 61% in 2023. This has contributed to a 51% reduction in the malaria mortality rate since 2002.

Supporting the work of Gavi

Gavi is a public and private health partnership that is working to increase immunization access in 57 low- and middle-income countries. It helps buy and deliver vaccines that immunize children against 19 infectious diseases, including:

• cholera
• diphtheria
• measles
• meningitis
• polio
• tetanus
• yellow fever

According to Gavi’s 2024 progress report, since its establishment in 2000, the alliance has helped vaccinate more than 1.2 billion children in 78 countries (as of January 2024). It has also administered 2.1 billion vaccinations through preventative campaigns, helping to avert an estimated 18.8 million deaths. Nevertheless, approximately 1.5 million children still die from vaccine-preventable illness every year, and around 14 million infants are still not able to access life-saving vaccines.

Over the years, G7 pledges to Gavi have increased to support its growing vaccine portfolio, including new malaria vaccines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, G7 countries stepped up with significant contributions for the COVAX initiative, co-led by Gavi. These included more than US$9 billion for COVID-19 vaccination and delivery for low- and middle-income countries.

This support has helped Gavi work to prevent millions of deaths around the world. According to Gavi’s 2023 progress report, in 2023, the alliance provided vaccines to 69 million children in 57 countries, which helped to avert an estimated 1.3 million deaths. Between 2021 and 2022, the mortality rate for children under the age of 5 in countries where Gavi operates fell from 55.3 to 53.6 deaths per 1,000 live births—putting Gavi on track to achieve a 10% reduction by 2025.

Despite this progress, the number of children in Gavi-supported countries who have not received a single vaccine as part of their routine immunization program was 11 million in 2023, significantly higher than 9.3 million in 2019.

The initiative also stepped up its HPV vaccination program in 2023, with more than 14 million girls fully immunized with the HPV vaccine, thanks to Gavi’s support.

Table 4: G7 Seventh Replenishment pledges to the Global Fund

Amounts in USD (in millions)

Source: Global Fund

Table 5: G7 pledges to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Amounts in USD (in millions)

Source: Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

13. Antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent global public health issue. It is estimated that it was associated with nearly 5 million deaths globally in 2019 alone. It demands urgent collective action to protect human, animal and plant health, as well as ensure food safety and security.

All G7 countries have developed national AMR action plans. Five plans are at the top “sustained” level, meaning they have dedicated finances in their national budgets. Germany’s plan remains at the “developed” level, having been approved and under implementation. Between 2022 and 2024, Canada moved up from the “limited” to the “developed” level. All G7 AMR action plans apply the One Health approach.

The World Organisation for Animal Health has been collecting data on antimicrobial use in animals since 2015. ANIMUSE, the global database on animal antimicrobial use, facilitates access to this crucial and growing collection of information. Canada first submitted data to ANIMUSE in 2025 and is in the process of making historic data public in the database. France has reported to ANIMUSE since its first collection round and has agreed to make its data public as well.

France is working on improving the integration of antimicrobial use and AMR surveillance. It has funded several projects and programs at national and European regional levels through the Team Europe Initiative Sustainable Health Security using a One Health Approach, European Joint Action on AMR and Healthcare-Associated Infections and European Partnership on One Health AMR, among others. It is also supporting global programs through the Pandemic Fund, the Global Fund and Unitaid. In addition, France collaborates closely with international entities, such as the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership and International Centre for AMR Solutions.

Canada continues to support integrated One Health surveillance of AMR domestically through the Canadian Integrated Program for AMR Surveillance (CIPARS). CIPARS recently updated its dashboard with existing Veterinary Antimicrobial Sale Reporting data to show information up to 2023. In addition, updates have been made to the Veterinary Antimicrobial Sale Reporting system to strengthen reporting on medically important antimicrobials that are available for veterinary use in Canada. Since 2022, CIPARS has incorporated reporting of AMR in:

• bacteria from surface water sampling at FoodNet Canada sentinel sites
• Salmonella from the food-animal environment
• select animal pathogens

Through CIPARS, Canada has monthly meetings with the U.S. National AMR Surveillance System and is a regular participant in relevant surveillance action items in the Transatlantic Taskforce on AMR.

In 2023, the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System launched online dashboards on AMR and antimicrobial use in both humans and animals. The dashboards present information from multiple surveillance systems and highlight AMR pathogens of concern.

Canada contributes surveillance data annually through the WHO’s Global AMR and Use Surveillance System and provides technical expertise to the FAO to develop its InFARM system. Canada also reports annual progress on the implementation of its NAP to the Tracking AMR Country Self-Assessment Survey.

The Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with Health Canada, is working on the development of an economic pull incentive pilot project to improve access to antimicrobials that address unmet priority health needs for people in Canada. Canada has also provided Can$300,000 to SECURE, an initiative developed by the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership and the WHO that aims to expand access to essential lifesaving antibiotics for countries and populations in need and ensuring their appropriate use.

Germany’s surveillance systems on AMR and antimicrobial consumption are being continuously expanded. This data will form the basis for its integrated One Health surveillance system that is currently being developed. The data is also used to fulfill the reporting requirements in the European AMR Surveillance Network and the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption Network, as well as the Global AMR and Use Surveillance System.

Since 2022, Germany has supported the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund through a contribution of more than US$3.7 million. This has supported 14 countries and has helped the implementation of global surveillance systems. The fund supports country-level efforts by sharing tools, standards and ensuring consistency across sectors. For example, in 2024, it helped to further develop and launch the Global Integrated System of Surveillance for AMR.

Germany also contributed more than €126 million to the regional Team Europe Initiative with Africa on sustainable health security using a One Health approach. The initiative aims to strengthen cross-sectoral prevention, preparedness and response to outbreaks of infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. With co-funding from the EU, France and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, current workstreams focus on One Health coordination, zoonoses, food safety, climate change and AMR.

The AMR Research Center (link in Japanese) at Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases conducts annual integrated surveillance based on the One Health approach. This includes Tricycle surveillance, following the WHO-recommended protocol, which monitors extended-spectrum ESBL-producing E. coli across three sectors: human, food and the environment. In addition, the AMR Research Center conducts surveillance of foodborne pathogenic bacteria originating from livestock products and foodborne illness cases, focusing on:

• Salmonella species
• Campylobacter species
• Enterococcus species (from food only)
• coli
• Staphylococcus aureus

The AMR Research Center also provides AMR data to the Global AMR and Use Surveillance System, including aggregated data from the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance, gonococcal surveillance data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and annual surveillance data on foodborne pathogens collected by a consortium of local health institutes.

Since 2022, the EU has advanced integrated surveillance systems under the One Health approach by strengthening its regulatory framework. This includes developing new legislation mandating harmonized data collection on AMR and antimicrobial use in animals across member states. The EU has supported and contributed to global surveillance initiatives such as the Global AMR and Use Surveillance System, ANIMUSE, InFARM and the Global Integrated System of Surveillance for AMR, aligning its systems and reporting mechanisms to facilitate global data sharing and comparability. It has also enhanced cooperation with regional partners to support capacity building and interoperability of AMR surveillance systems. These efforts aim to improve detection, analysis and response capabilities across sectors, contributing to a coordinated international approach to AMR.

To increase access to antimicrobial treatment for underserved populations in low- and middle-income countries, the European Commission has been focusing on priority signalling by supporting WHO publications on the following areas:

• identifying priority bacterial and fungal pathogens
• analyzing the pipeline of antibacterial and antifungal agents, diagnostics and vaccines
• developing target product profiles

To improve access to newly approved antibiotics and support joint procurement to improve access and reduce shortages of older antibiotics and TB drugs, the European Commission is exploring pull incentives such as revenue guarantees. In 2023 to 2024, it worked with the European Medicines Agency to monitor the supply and demand of antibiotics in winter due to community outbreaks. It has also published relevant studies to provide evidence and plan future actions on preparedness and market access. Study topics include:

• barriers to tackling AMR
• the feasibility of stockpiling
• how to bring AMR medical countermeasures to the market

The European Commission is also working on push funding through calls for proposals, tenders targeting specific products and support for international organizations advancing preclinical development and clinical trials.

In addition, the EU is supporting the Joint Action on AMR and Healthcare-Associated Infections, the establishment of the UN Independent Panel on Evidence for Action Against AMR and the WHO Novel Medicines Platform, among others.

As a member of the EU, Italy participates to the EU-Joint Action on AMR and Healthcare-Associated Infections 2 project and contributes to the European Partnership on One Health AMR, which aims to invest €250 million in AMR research. Through the Istituto Superiore di Sanità [national institute of health], Italy strengthens national One Health surveillance and integrates cross-sectoral data to support its annual AMR reporting.

The United Kingdom’s 2024 to 2029 AMR NAP includes commitments to strengthening national and global surveillance capabilities. The United Kingdom has undertaken several activities to promote integrated surveillance systems, including for AMR.

The United Kingdom’s Fleming Fund is the largest ODA investment in global AMR surveillance. It has partnered with more than 30 low- and middle-income countries to establish sustainable One Health surveillance systems for AMR. The United Kingdom also advocates for data transparency and supports submission of data to global databases such as the Global AMR and Use Surveillance System, ANIMUSE, the Global Integrated System of Surveillance for AMR and InFARM.

The United Kingdom is also a key funder to the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund, strengthening the capacity of low- and middle-income countries and the implementation of NAPs. The United Kingdom, alongside other G7 countries, actively participates in the Codex Alimentarius Task Force and contributed to the development of the Guidelines on Integrated Monitoring and Surveillance in 2021.

Strengthening research and innovation partnerships

Through the Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF), the United Kingdom is supporting research and innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, preventatives and alternatives to benefit low- and middle-income countries. This involves working with seven delivery partners and providing funding to over 115 research projects in more than 30 countries. Through its portfolio, GAMRIF funds Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X), a global non-profit partnership accelerating antibacterial products to address drug-resistant bacteria. CARB-X has progressed at least five products to the first phase of clinical trials. The fund has also contributed to the first-ever Stewardship and Access Plan Development Guide for product developers.

GAMRIF also invests in the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership, a non-profit product development partnership. This funding is supporting the development of zoliflodacin, a first-in-class oral antibiotic for drug-resistant gonorrhoea, which is now under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If approved, zoliflodacin could become the first new treatment in over 30 years. The partnership also targets serious bacterial infections in hospitals, including sepsis in children and adults. It is currently supporting a clinical trial that is evaluating life-saving antibiotic combinations for neonatal sepsis across nine hospitals in Africa and Asia.

Through a partnership with the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership, GAMRIF supports a project that, in collaboration with CARB-X and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, is ensuring global access to the antibiotic cefiderocol and transforming access to antibiotics. GAMRIF is also partnering with the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to build global regulatory capacity in low- and middle-income countries.

Germany, through KfW, has committed €11 million to the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership until 2029 to ensure more sustainable, equitable and affordable access to new antibiotics that fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Japan has also provided US$6.4 million to the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership and CARB-X to support research and innovation of new treatments.

Through U.K. funding, TB Alliance has developed BPaL/M, a radically more effective and shorter drug regimen for treating drug-resistant TB. This innovative treatment costs less than $1 a day and is estimated to save between 15,000 and 43,000 lives globally by 2025.

The United Kingdom has made significant progress in implementing a pull incentive for new antibiotics. By August 2024, its National Health Service tendered contracts with an estimated value of almost £1.9 billion over 16 years for new antimicrobial medicines. Throughout 2025, the United Kingdom actively shared learnings from its experience to help accelerate the development of pull incentives across the G7.

In 2025, Italy contributed US$21 million to CARB-X for push incentives. To promote the development of and access to antibiotics for multi-resistant germs, Italy set in place pull incentives by allocating €100 million per year in the National Fund for Innovative Medicines. This will go toward the reimbursement of “reserve” antibiotics, according to the WHO AWaRe classification.

In partnership with the pharmaceutical industry, the EU co-funded the Innovative Health Initiative’s COMBACTE-CARE project. It played a key role in the development of the new antibiotic Emblaveo, which was authorized in the EU in 2024. Two of the Emblaveo clinical studies were backed by COMBACTE-CARE. Given the major public health benefits of this new antibiotic, it was evaluated under the European Medicines Agency’s accelerated assessment mechanism.

In 2025, the new European Partnership on One Health AMR was launched. It brings together 53 organizations from 30 countries under an ambitious framework of programs consisting of funding for research and innovation projects, capacity strengthening, knowledge translation and data exploitation and impact. The partnership has approximately €250 million in pooled funding for research and innovation projects, including an EU contribution of up to €75 million over the next 10 years.

The Global Health-European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership 3 (EDCTP3)—a European Commission and EDCTP Association joint undertaking—is investing in collaborative clinical research in Africa to develop local solutions with potential for broader application in addressing the global challenge of AMR. In 2024, a specific call was made to focus on tackling AMR through research and development in novel and existing antimicrobials.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has also invested Can$6.3 million in CARB-X. This funding aims to strengthen the Canadian AMR research and development ecosystem by increasing the number of Canadian product developers applying to enter the CARB-X portfolio. It will also contribute to global pooled efforts to stimulate research and development for the antimicrobial pipeline.

In addition, the Public Health Agency of Canada has committed to contributing Can$3.2 million over five years to the Medical Counter Measures program to pilot a centralized service that provides phage therapy in Canada. The Phage Science, Therapeutics, and Research program is currently engaged with the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada and Health Canada to develop clinical and regulatory guidelines for providing phage therapy across the country.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are working with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada to develop a National One Health AMR Research Strategy. This strategy will establish a set of AMR research priorities to build scientific knowledge and enable partners to increase coordination and collaboration on One Health AMR.

Improving national antimicrobial resistance capacity in G7-supported partner countries

In 2016, Germany initiated the Global Health Protection Programme, which makes the expertise and core competencies of specialized German institutions available internationally. It supports partner countries and aims to strengthen health systems at the national, regional and international levels, particularly with regard to the prevention and management of epidemics and pandemics. One of the focuses of the program is addressing AMR.

Germany also supports the One Health Research, Education and Outreach Centre in Africa, which provides interdisciplinary training on AMR, focusing on the human-animal-environment interface. The centre also builds institutional capacity and promotes responsible antimicrobial use across sectors.

Since 2022, the EU has contributed €500,000 to the Multi-Partner Trust Fund to combat AMR through strategic collaboration and support for localized One Health NAPs. The fund enables countries to access Quadripartite support, global tools and resources for surveillance, policy development and monitoring. The Multi-Partner Trust Fund currently finances projects in 14 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mongolia, Peru, Tajikistan and Zimbabwe.

Japan’s information technology-based national AMR surveillance system, the Asian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (ASIARS-Net), was recommended for use in combination with the computerized microbiology laboratory data management and analysis program WHONET at the 2018 Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Risk Overview meeting. In 2022, ASIARS-Net was piloted in three large hospitals in Thailand (each processing over 20,000 isolates per year), and a training course on its use was conducted in Vietnam.

Japan’s AMR Clinical Reference Center also provided advice on the development of the Western Pacific Region Antimicrobial Consumption Surveillance System, which was launched by the WHO’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific. The centre also reviewed and discussed Bhutan’s NAP at the request of Bhutan’s Ministry of Health.

Through the Fleming Fund, the United Kingdom has partnered with more than 30 countries, resulting in improved surveillance and response mechanisms, strengthened data generation, updated and cost NAPs and enhanced global reporting. The United Kingdom's £6.8-million contribution to the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund complements this support, enabling broader engagement, implementation across sectors at the country level and development of the Independent Panel on Evidence for Action Against AMR.

Through GAMRIF, the United Kingdom has provided funding that directly supports researchers in low- and middle-income countries and fosters equitable partnerships with hospital infection control institutions to boost AMR capacity. In addition, GAMRIF delivers targeted capacity building, including commercialization and regulatory support, for example through its partnership with the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Canada has been investing in the Joint Programming Initiative on AMR, a global organization supported by 29 countries, to address AMR with a One Health approach. The initiative funds research that fills the gaps on AMR and supplies countries with guidance on how to align their AMR research at national and international levels.

Through regionally and bilaterally funded projects, France is helping increase national capacities to combat AMR in countries such as Armenia, Cambodia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

14. Neglected tropical diseases

Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) are estimated to affect more than 1 billion people worldwide. These viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins are associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory contributes to NTD research on an ongoing basis by: 

• developing diagnostic assays for detecting high-consequence pathogens
• developing lateral flow assays detecting filoviruses
• collaborating with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
• collaborating with Diosynvax
• collaborating with the Public Health Agency

Canada has committed to providing Can$15 million betwee023 and 2027 to the new Improved Health of Communities, Women, and Children Through the Elimination of Trachoma in the Americas initiative. This partnership with the Pan American Health Organization is supporting the efforts of 10 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to eliminate trachoma, a contagious bacterial eye infection. The initiative aims to increase access to and demand for SAFE interventions (surgery to avoid visual impairment, antibiotics to reduce infection, facial cleanliness to prevent infection and environmental improvement to reduce transmission), with gender and cultural approaches. It will also support surveillance actions and reinforce prevention capacities to avoid the reintroduction of the disease in Mexico, the first country in the region to eliminate trachoma.

The CIHR also funds research on NTDs. It invested approximately Can$19 million between January 2022 and August 2025 to support research on diseases such as leishmaniasis, dengue and Chlamydia trachomatis.

The fight against NTDs is also a key part of France’s global health strategy. France is committed to helping address these diseases. For example, it has contributed to several disease control projects through Unitaid, including funding a program to fight Chagas disease in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Paraguay and contributing to the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Coalition Plus and Medicines Patent Pool programs to address hepatitis C and HIV co-infections.

Until 2023, France provided significant support for the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, a global non-profit product development partnership. Since 2022, the United Kingdom has provided the initiative with £23.7 million to support the research and development of novel treatments. The initiative aims to discover, develop and deliver affordable and patient-friendly treatments for people suffering from neglected diseases, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries. France also supports research institutions working to combat NTDs, particularly in diagnostic methods, training and research, including the Institut Pasteur [Pasteur Institute] and the Institut de Recherche pour le développement [National Research Institute for Sustainable Development].

France supports the development of effective immunization strategies through initiatives, such as Gavi. In particular, France focuses on strengthening regional production, such as through the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, to develop vaccines against NTDs. France also supports the G20’s Global Coalition for Local and Regional Production, Innovation and Equitable Access and works to mobilize the private sector support needed to accelerate the deployment of NTD diagnostics, treatments and vaccines.

Germany has committed to providing €18 million between 2022 and 2027 to support NTD control and research in Central African Economic and Monetary Community countries. Between 2021 and 2024, Germany also provided €5 million to the WHO’s Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases. In addition, it has committed €10 million between 2022 and 2026 to the World Organisation for Animal Health for rabies elimination and transboundary animal disease control in Namibia and Cameroon.

Since 2022, Germany has supported several NTD measures through the Global Health Protection Programme. This includes training on NTD diagnostics in Madagascar and rabies control in Namibia. In addition, Germany provides institutional funding for the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, contributing €12.5 million in 2024 alone. Between 2023 and 2027, Germany also committed €30 million to support the product development partnership Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, with the aim of improving access to health products for treatment of NTDs.

Germany is also a long-standing donor to the WHO’s Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) since 1974, providing €1.6 million in funding since 2022. The United Kingdom also provided £9.8 million to the program in support of research for diseases of poverty. The TDR supports and promotes young scientists’ research in areas such as prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control of tropical diseases that disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries.

Japan contributes to the Access and Delivery Partnership, which brings together the UNDP, WHO, TDR and PATH. The partnership enables countries to strengthen their policies, human capacities, systems and regulations to ensure the delivery of medicines, vaccines and diagnostics to those in need.

From 2022 to 2024, Japan contributed around ¥13.8 billion to the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, an international PPP between the Government of Japan, pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust and UNDP that supports research and development for NTDs, malaria and TB. It collaborates with Japan’s cutting-edge technology and innovation sectors to create new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics. Japan also provided ¥882 million for technical cooperation and international joint research on diseases, such as lymphatic filariasis, Chagas disease, rabies, schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

In 2024, Japan hosted a global meeting to develop a comprehensive road map for the rollout of the drug praziquantel to treat worm infections in preschool-aged children. Japan also led an event titled The Tokyo Commitment: Ensuring Children’s Access to the New Paediatric Treatment Option for Schistosomiasis to ensure equitable and sustainable access to treatments for schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic flatworms.

In 2024, the United Kingdom committed £15 million for its Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis in Africa program, under the Reaching the Last Mile Fund initiative. As part of the broader WHO’s 2021 to 2030 NTD road map, the program aims to support elimination of lymphatic filariasis across 11 African countries by 2030. It has disbursed £6.1 million to date.

Addressing NTDs is also a focus of the research and development component of the EU Global Gateway’s MAV+ initiative, as well as the EU’s Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking. In 2024, EDCTP3 called for accelerating development and integration of therapeutics against NTDs and is focusing on accelerating the development of prophylactic vaccines against NTDs in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2025.

15. Ending preventable child deaths and improving maternal health

In recent decades, the world has seen remarkable progress when it comes to reducing child mortality rates. In fact, the global under-5 mortality rate has fallen by 52% since 2000. However, progress has slowed and too many children are still needlessly dying due to preventable causes. In 2023, an estimated 4.8 million children died before the age of 5, including 2.3 million newborns. Among these children, the top causes of death were malaria, lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, NCDs and injuries—all usually treatable conditions.

Although significant progress has also been made in maternal health the last two decades, maternal mortality rates still also remain unacceptably high. In 2023, approximately 260,000 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth—with approximately 92% of these deaths happening in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Approximately 70% of these deaths happened in Sub-Saharan Africa. Sadly, most of these deaths could have been prevented by skilled health professionals before, during or after childbirth.

The good news is that, between 2000 and 2023, the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births dropped by about 40% worldwide. Since 2000, child deaths have decreased by more than half and stillbirths by over a third. In 2022, child deaths dropped slightly below 5 million for the first time ever—thanks in part to support from investments by G7 members and other countries around the world.

Working toward preventing child and maternal deaths

When countries report ODA disbursements to the OECD, they indicate their contribution to reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH). Projects are then assigned a RMNCH marker if they:

• contribute directly to improving the health of mothers and children
• improve women’s and children’s access to basic health measures
• strengthen health systems with the aim of improving access to health services specific to RMNCH
• have the objective of training health care professionals with reference to RMNCH

Projects can be assigned one of four scores, depending on how much of their funding supports RMNCH.

Between 2015 and 2023, G7 ODA dedicated to these initiatives increased from more than $5.5 billion to over $9.2 billion, and the share their total ODA spending increased from 6% to 7%. This funding is contributing to making significant inroads in preventing the deaths of women and their children.

From 2015 to 2020, the global maternal mortality ratio—measured in deaths per 100,000 live births—declined from 159 to 143. This decrease was most notable in Africa, where the rate declined from 433 to 386, and in Southeast Asia, where it dropped from 147 to 112. The most significant decreases occurred in low-income countries, where the maternal mortality rate was 456 in 2020, compared to 512 in 2015. Meanwhile, in both the Americas and Europe, the maternal mortality ratio increased slightly during this period.

Over the same period, the number of adolescent girls giving birth also went down, indicating that efforts to advance sexual and reproductive health rights may be moving the needle in the right direction. Between 2015 and 2024, the adolescent fertility rate (per 1,000 females aged 15 to 19 years) dropped globally, from 46 to almost 38. Meanwhile, the number of girls aged 10 to 14 years giving birth per 1,000 females decreased from almost 3.7 in 2015 to 0.47 in 2023 in Africa; in Southeast Asia, it dropped from 0.94 to zero in 2023.

Newborn mortality rates also decreased significantly between 2015 and 2022. Globally, the number of infants dying per 1,000 live births decreased from over 19 to just over 17. The number of deaths of children under the age of 5 also decreased during this period, dropping from 43 to just over 37 per 1,000 live births. In Southeast Asia, the number decreased from almost 32 to just under 24, while in Africa, the rate went from over 71 to just less than 58 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Immunization is critical for reducing mortality in children under 5. In particular, ensuring that children receive three doses of the diphtheria-tetanus and pertussis (DTP3) vaccine can protect them against infectious diseases that can cause serious illness or even be fatal. Although DTP3 immunization coverage among 1-year-olds increased in Africa from 2015 to 2023, it decreased in the rest of the world. In fact, the percentage of infants receiving the critical vaccine decreased from 85% to 84% globally during this period. The most notable was the change in Southeast Asia, which went from a vaccination rate of slightly more than 92% in 2015 to 85% in 2023.

Since 2011, France has supported maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health through the Muskoka Fund in six West and Central African countries, contributing to major health improvements, including a 24% drop in maternal mortality and a 30% reduction in child mortality. As a top donor to the Global Fund and Unitaid, France has helped expand access to HIV, TB and malaria treatments, saving 100,000 children annually. Through Gavi, France has supported the vaccination of over 1 billion children, preventing 18 million deaths. The AFD also funds maternal and child health initiatives in Haiti, Lebanon and across Africa by strengthening health systems and access to care.

In November 2025, the U.K. government published a narrative report on its multisectoral approach to supporting global efforts to end preventable maternal, child and newborn deaths, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal targets, since 2021.

Figure 8: G7 contribution to ending preventable child deaths and improving maternal health, measured by the OECD-DAC reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health marker, 2015 to 2023

Text version

Country	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Canada	$655.06	$794.15	$442.44	$294.87	$492.17	$723.56	$1,748.27	$627.84	$335.43
France	$15.88	$2.14	$29.67	$46.95	$52.51	$51.68	$44.31	$134.59	$203.30
Germany	$1,337.46	$2,092.22	$1,782.90	$2,396.06	$2,249.88	$2,928.67	$3,052.19	$4,080.71	$1,979.17
Italy	$103.69	$48.91	$130.02	$175.69	$172.99	$127.80	$184.95	$203.19	$146.75
Japan	$1,027.99	$652.41	$295.86	$329.38	$252.47	$338.38	$910.70	$1,728.57	$384.02
United Kingdom	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$941.61	$794.47	$162.19	$258.49	$477.65
United States	$1,395.66	$1,382.22	$1,182.41	$1,515.62	$1,282.56	$1,819.83	$2,463.45	$1,640.18	$3,311.26
EU institutions	$992.31	$2,646.17	$1,663.36	$1,655.76	$2,833.12	$1,732.41	$4,869.15	$1,299.65	$2,436.03
Total	$5,528.06	$7,618.23	$5,526.65	$6,414.33	$8,277.30	$8,516.79	$13,435.21	$9,973.22	$9,273.61

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Report System – other markers

Italy: Improving health data management in East Africa

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda face challenges when it comes to collecting and using health data. To address these issues, Italy is working with the three East African countries to establish a regional health program that will improve data management for evaluating health care performance. Three ministries of health and a total of 33 health facilities are benefiting from the program. 

The program aims to improve maternal and child health in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It is also providing support to local health systems to help them achieve UHC. To do this, Italy is helping to:

• provide training, equipment and medical devices
• provide structural interventions
• increase access to mobile ultrasound services

The program also aims to improve the quality of data collection and information sharing.

Figure 9: Extent to which countries have laws and regulations that guarantee women aged 15 to 49 access to sexual and reproductive health care, information and education (Sustainable Development Goal 5.6.2), 2022

Text version

Year	2022
Africa	73%
Americas	78%
Eastern Mediterranean	66%
Europe	87%
Global	76%
South-East Asia	84%
Western Pacific	55%

Source: WHO Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Ageing Data Portal

16. HIV/AIDS: Prevention, treatment and anti-discrimination

Since the start of the HIV epidemic in 1990, more than 44 million people around the world have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Although HIV infections have been reduced by 61% since their peak in 1996, the disease remains a significant global health issue. More than four decades after the first detected case, there is still no cure for the disease.

In 2024, 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally, 1.4 million of whom were children. Another 1.3 million people became newly infected and 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses. Africa remains disproportionately affected by the disease. Two thirds of people living with HIV live in Africa.

In 2021, at the UN General Assembly on HIV, member states committed to targets that would achieve the SDG of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Unfortunately, the world is not on track to reach this goal. Increased access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care has made HIV a manageable chronic health condition for many, but access to treatments and other preventative measures still isn’t available to all people around the globe.

The members of the G7 have long been committed to changing this. They are working toward the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. In 2022, G7 members pledged more than US$12.2 billion at the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference in New York. It was part of US$14.25 billion successfully raised by the fund to fight HIV, AIDS and TB and strengthen health systems for future pandemics. Today, the Global Fund provides 26% of all international financing for HIV programs.

G7 members are all donors to the UN Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS and support its governance through the Programme Coordinating Board and biennial Economic and Social Council resolutions.

Between 2007 and 2023, overall G7 support for HIV and AIDS almost doubled, increasing from US$3.9 billion to more almost to US$7.4 billion annually. While most members’ contributions remained relatively stable between 2021 and 2023, France’s disbursements increased from US$230 million to US$320 million, Japan’s from US$100 million to US$170 million and the United Kingdom’s increased from US$385 million to US$714 million.

These contributions are helping ensure that people around the world can get timely, life-changing—and life-saving—treatments for HIV and AIDS. In 2024, 46.6 million HIV tests were taken in countries where the Global Fund invests, with 11.7 million of these being taken by priority and key populations.

Approximately 77% of all people living with HIV were also able to access treatment in 2024. Around 84% of pregnant women living with disease had access to antiretroviral medicines to prevent transmission of HIV to their child. As of the end of December 2024, approximately 31 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy globally. This up from 7.7 million in 2010, but still short of the 34-million target UN member states agreed to reach by 2025.

Still, HIV infections have declined by 40% globally, from 2.1 million in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2024, demonstrating the difference that enhanced access to HIV treatments can make. However, these hard-won gains are being threatened by myriad interconnected factors, including conflicts and a historic funding crisis.

Figure 10: G7 support for HIV and AIDS prevention as measured by the UNAIDS and Kaiser Family Foundation methodology (which is based on OECD-DAC reporting)

Text version

Year	G7 total
2007	$3,895.50
2008	$6,368.00
2009	$6,308.00
2010	$5,802.90
2011	$6,555.00
2012	$6,963.00
2013	$7,504.00
2014	$7,685.00
2015	$6,708.00
2016	$6,254.00
2017	$7,481.00
2018	$7,316.00
2019	$7,199.00
2020	$7,669.00
2021	$6,893.00
2022	$7,643.00
2023	$7,366.00

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation

17. Polio

Polio is a highly infectious and vaccine-preventable disease that can infect the central nervous system and damage nerve cells that activate muscles. It mainly affects children under the age of 5. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was created in 1988 after the World Health Assembly passed a resolution to eradicate polio. Led by the WHO, it works with its partners, including G7 members, to ensure that every child receives several doses of the polio vaccine—with the goal of getting polio cases down to zero.

Polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases to just 98 wild polio virus cases in 2024. Today, GPEI concentrates its efforts on the two remaining endemic countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and almost 40 other polio-affected countries around the world.

Since 2011, G7 countries, together with the EU, have contributed almost US$4.2 billion to GPEI. From 2022 to 2024, they contributed US$944 million, including $195 million from the EU. Between 2022 and 2025, Germany delivered €139 million to the initiative. The United Kingdom allocated £125 million of fully flexible funding to GPEI between 2021 and 2025.

Figure 11: G7 contributions to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 2011 to 2023

Text version

Year	Total
2011	$315.68
2012	$321.81
2013	$477.05
2014	$387.28
2015	$386.11
2016	$357.63
2017	$483.83
2018	$409.19
2019	$352.89
2020	$384.34
2021	$322.69
2022	$407.25
2023	$398.78
Average	$384.96
Total	$5004.53

Source: Global Polio Eradication Initiative

Figure 12: Total number of vaccine-derived poliovirus cases and wild poliovirus cases by type, 2011 to 2023

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Year	Vaccine-derived poliovirus cases	Wild poliovirus cases
2011	66	650
2012	71	223
2013	65	416
2014	56	359
2015	32	74
2016	5	37
2017	96	22
2018	104	33
2019	378	176
2020	1,113	140
2021	691	6
2022	877	30
2023	528	12
2024	293	99
2025	11	7

Source: Global Polio Eradication Initiative

In October 2022, France announced it would contribute €50 million to support the implementation of GPEI’s Polio Eradication Strategy 2022 to 2026. France has historically delivered support to the fight against polio through Gavi.

In addition to providing a direct contribution to GPEI, Gavi and the WHO, France funds polio eradication efforts through its development agency, the AFD. In partnership with the Gates Foundation, it is providing €55 million in concessional loans to Pakistani health institutions and the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program. Of this, €35 million is financed by the AFD and the remainder is from the Gates Foundation. This loan, delivered in early October 2024, is part of an agreement signed by the AFD and the foundation in 2023 to support the eradication of polio in Pakistan and to establish health systems that are more resilient to climate change.

Japan has made continuous voluntary contributions to the WHO for polio eradication, a portion of which is provided to the GPEI. It also continues to work with UNICEF to support efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Between 2022 and 2024, Japan provided US$45 million to fight polio in these countries through UNICEF. Since 2011, Japan supplemented its traditional grant financing with innovative financing, in partnership with the Gates Foundation. Under this loan conversion model, Japan provided approximately US$103 million in development assistance loans to Pakistan and approximately US$75.3 million in funding to Nigeria for vaccines and operations costs.

Since 2011, Canada has provided over Can$658 million to the GPEI’s polio eradication efforts. Between 2022 and 2024, Canada’s contribution was Can$217 million. In September 2024, Canada announced Can$151 million in renewed funding for the GPEI through to 2027.

Italy contributes to polio eradication through its contribution to Gavi. Gavi supports countries in integrating the inactivated polio vaccine—either as a stand-alone vaccine or as a part of the new hexavalent vaccine—into essential immunization programs to boost population immunity and help prevent new outbreaks.

Supporting the development of national polio transition plans

The GPEI aimed to stop wild poliovirus transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan by 2023 and to certify the eradication of circulating vaccine-derived polio by 2026. Thanks in part to G7 support, cases did decrease in 2023. However, challenges persist in ensuring vaccination access, particularly in Afghanistan. The goal of interrupting vaccine-derived polio transmission has also been missed due to recent political and security issues. In particular, the DRC, Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen continue to face significant obstacles affecting vaccination efforts. The GPEI has subsequently extended its strategy, with the aim of eliminating both wild and circulating vaccine-derived polio viruses by 2029.

Sixteen countries that have been identified as a priority for transition planning receive over 90% of the GPEI’s funding. Four others—Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen—have fragile health systems and have been added to the GPEI’s list of priority countries. The WHO and UNICEF work with these countries to develop and implement national polio transition plans.

As of 2023, 12 out of the 20 priority countries had developed and endorsed their plans. Four countries, including Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and Yemen, had developed draft plans but had yet to endorse them. Four countries from the eastern Mediterranean region, as well as Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Pakistan, had not yet developed their plans.

IV.  Food security and systems

Food insecurity and malnutrition are spreading faster than the world’s ability to respond. Driven by conflicts, socio-economic shocks, climate change, natural disasters and other factors, global hunger has hit record highs in recent years. In fact, globally, one in three people cannot afford a healthy diet, underscoring the urgency of nutrition-focused investments.

In 2024, an estimated 673 million people faced hunger. This was a decrease of 15 million people compared to 2023. Yet, progress has been uneven, with hunger continuing to rise in many regions of Africa and Western Asia. 

The G7 remains an important partner for strengthening the response to these urgent challenges. Our investments and partnerships are strengthening food security and reducing malnutrition in partner countries, supporting millions of people with improved access to nutritious food and sustainable livelihoods. 

18. Broad food security and nutrition development

An estimated 2.8 billion people in the world cannot afford a healthy diet: one that follows nutritional guidelines and provides enough variety to meet all of a person’s dietary needs. According to UNICEF, malnutrition affects 45 million children under the age of 5 and claims 1 million young lives every year. Nutrition-specific interventions are critical to addressing these issues.

G7 annual contributions for nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions (marked as principal or significant) rose from $7.4 billion in 2018 to $10.4 billion in 2023, peaking at $13.8 billion in 2022. In 2023, the United Kingdom spent £239.2 million on these types of interventions, the majority of which went toward nutrition-sensitive initiatives. Together with UNICEF, the United Kingdom co-founded the Child Nutrition Fund to reach 350 million women and children with nutrition services. Through the Child Nutrition Fund, the United Kingdom contributed to a £7.5-million matching deal with Nigeria for small-quantity, lipid-based supplements and ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), a high-energy, nutrient-rich paste used to treat severe acute malnutrition in children.

Figure 13: Percentage of G7 ODA committed to nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions

Notes: Includes principal and significant policy markers

Text version

Donor	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Canada	5%	31%	52%	10%	4%	6%
France	1%	1%	3%	1%	1%	6%
Germany	0%	0%	1%	0%	0%	0%
Italy	7%	10%	9%	17%	19%	18%
Japan	12%	7%	13%	13%	8%	4%
United Kingdom	0%	28%	13%	15%	14%	12%
United States	17%	19%	9%	20%	23%	15%
EU institutions	1%	6%	7%	3%	5%	6%

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Report System – other markers

In addition to facilitating U.K. match funding through the Child Nutrition Fund, the Child Wasting Innovation Programme has helped to diversify the local supplier base for key goods. The United Kingdom’s investment has also helped several national governments integrate RUTF into their supply chain systems and has supported the development of cost-effective RUTF formulations that use locally available ingredients.

Japan is also improving nutrition in developing countries in many ways, including by contributing to MDBs. For example, Japan is mobilizing funds for maternal and child health and nutrition through the World Bank’s Global Financing Facility. Through trust funds, Japan is also helping to develop policies related to nutritional improvement in developing countries.

In December 2021, Japan hosted the Nutrition for Growth Summit, where its Prime Minister announced that Japan would provide over ¥300 billion in nutrition-related support over three years. More than half of this funding had been provided by the end of 2023.

At the Nutrition for Growth Summit, the EU pledged €3.4 billion for nutrition for the 2024 to 2027, building on previous commitments from 2013 and 2021. The EU has exceeded its 2021 to 2024 pledge and is on track to helping decrease the number of stunted children by 7 million; 71% of nutrition-related funding was directed to Africa, with additional support to countries with high stunting rates in Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.

This past March, France organized the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit, which aimed to fight all forms of malnutrition. This event mobilized US$30.5 billion in support of global nutrition goals, of which more than one quarter—a total pledge of €6.5 billion—came from EU and its member states. France itself has pledged US$800 million, US$520 million of which will be implemented through its development agency, the AFD. In the lead up to the 2025 summit, the United Kingdom co-launched the Global Compact on Nutrition Integration to accelerate action to end malnutrition. To date, 84 countries and organizations have signed on to be part of this collective effort to mobilize, sustain and implement nutrition integration commitments.

In addition to its commitment to nutrition, between 2014 and 2020, the EU allocated more than €10 billion to improve food security in partner countries, including more than €6 billion in Africa. Between 2022 and 2024, the EU disbursed more than €8.4 billion in grants for short-term food assistance and sustainable food systems investments.

In 2023, Canada allocated Can$99 million to nutrition-specific projects geared to help more than 754,000 women and adolescent girls access essential nutritional services. It also committed another Can$1.6 billion to nutrition-sensitive projects. Thanks to Canada’s support, Nutrition International has been able to achieve some substantial results, including:

• avoiding 511,000 cases of stunting
• saving the lives of 150,000 children
• preventing 304 neural tube defects through food-fortification efforts

In 2021, Italy contributed over US$182 million to promoting nutrition and food security in partner countries. In 2022, this contribution increased to more than US$312 million. For example, Italy partnered with the UN World Food Programme on a project to support capacity-building activities that will improve the nutritional situation in Sudan. Italy’s €2.5 million contribution to the initiative has strengthened the Scaling Up Nutrition Secretariat, improved monitoring systems and promoted evidence-based nutrition programming in Sudan. In addition, Italy supported a project aimed at combatting malnutrition in Kassala State, improving maternal and child nutrition in Sudan by:

• enhancing preventive and therapeutic services in health centres
• training over 400 health staff and 300 community health workers
• promoting improved nutrition and hygiene practices in households

In 2023, Germany spent over US$359 million on nutrition efforts, reaching 2.2 million people—half of them women and 6.5% under the age of 2. Its Food and Nutrition Security, Enhanced Resilience program has improved nutrition for 5.4 million people since 2014, including over one million in 2023. The German development bank KfW also launched new projects in 20 countries, expected to benefit 5.4 million people.

At the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit, Germany committed €870 million (2022 to 2027) to nutrition initiatives and remains actively engaged in the Scaling Up Nutrition movement.

Supporting agri-food systems

By combining institutional support with direct assistance to small-scale producers, Italy is working to promote sustainable and diversified agri-food systems in African countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Mozambique, Senegal, Sudan and Tunisia. For example, in Mozambique, Italy is supporting the Integrated Agricultural Development Programme of the Beira Corridor. Implemented by the FAO, the initiative is investing in regenerative businesses by applying:

• land degradation neutrality principles
• good agriculture practices to support ecosystem restoration in farm fields
• information and communication technology to increase the effectiveness of services, reduce emissions and improve the use of resources

As part of the Mattei Plan for Africa, Italy also launched the Strengthening Agri-food Ecosystems in Ghana, the Republic of the Congo and Senegal, in Partnership with the Italian Private Sector initiative. Led by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, the initiative is promoting an innovative PPP to boost food sovereignty and rural development by creating model farms across in Congo, Ghana and Senegal, with plans to expand to Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and Kenya. The initiative combines advanced technologies, climate-smart practices and community-driven approaches while also investing in local skills development and employment generation—especially for youths and women. The project is also strengthening agri-food value chains to reduce import dependence and enhance the long-term resilience of agri-food systems.

To help strengthen food security and promote sustainable and diversified agri-food systems, Italy co-organized the UN Food Systems Summit +2 in 2023. In 2025, it co-organized the UN Food Systems Summit +4 with Ethiopia, putting Africa at the centre of the global food security agenda.

In 2023, the United Kingdom’s Global Food Security Summit brought together experts and policy makers from around the world to raise the profile of the immediate food insecurity needs and to galvanize action for long-term solutions. The United Kingdom is working to mobilize targeted private investment in the agri-food sector and increase access to finance for more sustainable approaches, especially for smallholders and small agribusinesses. For example, it is contributing to the new Financing for Agri-SMEs in Africa fund and supporting a new local currency pilot for agri-food through the International Finance Corporation’s Global Agriculture and Food Security Program Private Sector Window.

By 2026, the United Kingdom’s funding to the Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness will provide nearly 600,000 smallholder farmers in 23 African and Asian countries with agribusiness support. It is also shaping how DFIs, local lending institutions and other entities de-risk investments, increase benefits to smallholder supply chains and boost environmental sustainability.

Through the Just Rural Transition initiative, the United Kingdom is incentivizing more environmentally sustainable land management and effective spending on food and farming. In addition, the United Kingdom’s support to the Global Land Governance program is promoting more effective, efficient and equitable rural and urban land governance. The United Kingdom is also focusing on developing resilient food systems in climate-vulnerable, fragile and conflict-affected places. For example, through its support to the Building Local Resilience in Syria program, the United Kingdom has helped half a million people benefit from livestock health services, irrigation access and agricultural inputs.

In 2023, Canada distributed Can$501 million to agri-food systems, more than half of which went to Sub-Saharan Africa. Canada also contributed Can$15 million to CGIAR to strengthen institutional capacity across its global network in 2023. This support is driving progress in agricultural innovation and resilience. With Canada’s assistance, CGIAR has provided training on enhanced rice processing techniques to women in Benin, resulting in an additional 140 kilograms of milled rice and an extra Can$73 per tonne of paddy. In India and Bangladesh, farmers saw profits rise by 40%, thanks to improved access to inputs and services. In Latin America, more than 2,000 households in Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras benefited from the validation of locally adapted varieties of maize, rice and beans.

Canada is also a founding member of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and is one of its top donors. Between 2022 and 2024, it contributed Can$112.5 million to IFAD12, the organization’s new business model. In particular, the IFAD has focused on:

• supporting rural agricultural development and nutrition in fragile contexts
• building climate resilience and biodiversity
• fostering private-sector engagement

In addition, Canada has provided Can$340 million in loans to support climate-smart agricultural programming for rural populations in low-income and developing countries. In 2024, it also provided a Can$100-million loan to the IFAD’s Private Sector Financing Programme to attract private investment in small-scale agriculture.

Since 2006, the EU has provided over €850 million to the IFAD, with an active portfolio exceeding €350 million. It also co-financed more than US$500 million in CGIAR grants to advance agricultural research. These efforts have delivered drought-tolerant crops and climate-smart technologies, benefiting over 300,000 smallholders in more than 25 countries.

France is also a founding member of the IFAD and is currently its second-largest contributor, providing US$150 million in 2023. Its contribution is making food systems more resilient, sustainable and inclusive. It is also supporting the world’s poorest rural populations as well as small-scale farmers, who are essential to reducing poverty and ensuring long-lasting global food security.

Since 2015, France has also provided more than €900 million to the French Initiative for Food Security and Nutrition, which has delivered emergency assistance and supported long-term resilience in 58 countries. This includes cash-based transfers, RUTF and fresh-food vouchers, in addition to funding school food programs, revenue-generating activities and sustainable agriculture training sessions. For example, in 2024, France delivered a total of €10.5 million to three projects in Sudan to combat food and nutritional insecurity resulting from the ongoing conflict.

Through the Fonds Équipe France [team France fund] (in French) program, France has distributed almost €26 million to 59 projects that are supporting innovation, training and capacity building in food security, sustainable agriculture and nutrition.

Between 2019 and 2025, France also contributed €38 million to the EU’s Development Smart Innovation Through Research in Agriculture (DeSIRA) initiative. The initiative supports the adaptation of agricultural practices to climate change, agro-ecological intensification and family farming. Cocoa4future, one of DeSIRA’s flagship projects, has brought together national and European research and innovation organizations, farmer organizations, marketing services and companies in the cocoa sector to promote agroforestry systems in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.  

Through the Global Gateway strategy, the EU is mobilizing up to €300 billion between 2021 and 2027 to support long-term investments in resilient and sustainable food systems. This includes leveraging private-sector engagement, promoting climate-resilient crops and agro-ecological practices, enhancing local processing and investing in research and innovation. The EU supports research and innovation in agriculture and food systems transformation through several mechanisms. The DeSIRA Program, with over €340 million invested by the EU in more than 70 projects across Africa, Latin America and Asia, promoted responsible innovations for sustainable food systems, focusing on agro-ecological transition. In 2023, DeSIRA projects reported 952 farm-level innovations. Key priorities included climate-smart agriculture, agro-ecology, natural resource management, digitalization and resilient value chains.

Through the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD), Japan is working to improve the quantity and quality of rice production in 32 African countries by:

• developing irrigation facilities and superior rice varieties, including a hybrid Asian and African rice
• promoting seed multiplication and dissemination
• providing support for the dissemination of production technologies

At the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8) in 2022, Japan announced it would train 150,000 people through CARD to meet the goal of doubling rice production in Africa by 2030.

Using the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) Approach, Japan is encouraging a shift from subsistence farming to income-generating farming across Africa. The aim is to improve farmers’ incomes by changing their mindsets and improving their farming and cultivation skills. Since the project started, it has been expanded to around 60 countries across the globe, supporting the transition toward market-oriented farming through training programs and by dispatching experts. At TICAD8, Japan claimed that introducing the SHEP Approach would benefit 1 million farmers.

At TICAD8, Japan also committed to strengthening food production through co-financing the AfDB’s Emergency Food Production Facility, providing US$320 million to Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Tanzania in 2024.

At the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in August 2025, Japan reviewed the progress of the Africa Food Security Initiative, which includes CARD and SHEP, and the resulting Yokohama Declaration reaffirmed the commitment to transforming Africa’s agri-food systems.

In addition, Japan has supported the Agricultural Market Information System, launched under France’s G20 presidency in 2011, by sharing data and contributing funds. The aim is to improve food security by increasing transparency in international agricultural markets. At the G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its engagement with the system.

In 2023, Germany launched the Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems initiative to promote resilient, sustainable and equitable food systems, investing €2 billion annually in agriculture and food security—of which 25% supports 300 projects for small farms in Africa. These projects integrate climate protection, reduce import dependence and improve nutrition.

Germany also increased its support for the Global Alliance for Food Security, co-founded with the World Bank, and leads the G7’s CompensACTION initiative to ensure fair compensation for smallholder farmers contributing to biodiversity and climate adaptation.

France: Promoting traditional foods in South Africa and Senegal

Launched in July 2024, the Food and Microbiota in Africa project aims to reduce the burden of malnutrition and prevent non-communicable diseases in South Africa and Senegal. To do this, African and European researchers are working together to explore whether promoting traditional African foods could improve gut microbiota.

The project is focusing primarily on South Africa, which has a higher rate of overweight or obese women and children. This could be associated with changes in gut microbiota due to an under-consumption of traditional African foods. The researchers are studying the effects of consuming fermented plant-based foods, whole-grain flours, leafy vegetables and foods that are rich in resistant starch on gut microbiota.

As a counterpoint, the project is looking at Senegal, where obesity is less of an issue and many traditional dishes include plant-based foods. By the end of the project, the aim is to ensure that those in South Africa’s and Senegal’s food systems better understand the health, environmental and socioeconomic benefits of eating traditional African foods.

Figure 14: G7 bilateral ODA for agriculture, fishing, food security and nutrition, 2019 to 2023

Text version

Sector	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Basic nutrition	$601.40	$564.74	$617.89	$622.57	$750.97
Agriculture, forestry and fishing	$4,074.60	$4,357.54	$4,206.98	$4,216.49	$4,671.69
Food assistance	$1,129.79	$1,228.32	$1,669.62	$1,380.19	$854.09
Emergency food assistance	$4,880.01	$4,315.83	$5,221.36	$6,063.30	$4,479.38

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Reporting System – grant equivalent

19. G7 Apulia Food Systems Initiative

The G7 Apulia Food Systems Initiative is central to the G7’s efforts to fight against global malnutrition. Launched in 2024, it recognizes the need for innovative solutions to increase both public and private funding to bolster food security.

Italy has actively supported the initiative’s objectives by working with African partner countries and Mediterranean neighbours to develop programs focused on sustainable agriculture, nutrition and food security. For example, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation has expanded its initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa to support smallholder farmers, enhance value chains and improve access to nutritious food, especially in fragile contexts.

Italy also contributes to capacity building and knowledge sharing on sustainable food systems, agro-ecology and water management. It is also co-financing multilateral projects with the IFAD and the FAO to foster resilient agricultural practices and empower women and youths in rural areas.

The Italy-funded Bridging Sectors and Levels of Intervention for Higher Impact in Africa project, with a €2-million contribution to the African Union Development Agency, is also supporting Africa-led efforts to coordinate regional plans that tackle issues such as:

• food systems
• climate action
• infrastructure
• trade
• food insecurity and climate vulnerability

This project also aims to translate such plans into bankable investment channels, creating synergies with infrastructure development and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The G7 Collaborative on Sustainable Food Systems, promoted by Italy through CDP in partnership with all G7 PDBs and DFIs, was officially endorsed in 2024. The initiative advances climate-resilient agri-food systems via best practice sharing, capacity building and mobilization of private investment.

In 2025, the CDP—working with FinDev Canada and BII—is contributing to the development of a shared impact framework and strengthening strategic engagement with global stakeholders, including Rome-based UN agencies.

To support the underlying goals of the Apulia Food Systems Initiative, France is focusing on agro-ecological intensification, integrated soil health management and diet diversification. For example, through a €10-million DeSIRA+ contribution, France has provided long-standing support to ECOWAS projects, particularly those focused on agro-ecological intensification. Promoting agro-ecology for productive and sustainable agriculture that is adapted to the local context and that restores or preserves soil is a major challenge in Africa. It is also central to the Great Green Wall Accelerator initiative, which aims to:

• restore 100 million hectares of degraded land
• sequester 250 million tonnes of carbon in the soil
• create 10 million green jobs in 11 Sahelian states

France also supports the international “4 per 1000” Initiative, which brings together more than 700 partners and 41 states with an aim to increase carbon sequestration in agricultural soils, strengthening soil resilience to climate change and contributing positively to climate change mitigation. In addition, through the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, France is actively sharing with developing countries its experience in agroforestry and in using geographical indications and agro-ecological approaches. The Apulia Food Systems Initiative also supports the use of the Advancing Climate Resilience and Transformation in African Coffee initiative as the coordination platform for experience sharing among G7 members, producing countries and the private sector.

In 2025, Canada contributed Can$9.5 million to CGIAR’s Biodiversity for Resilient Ecosystems in Agricultural Landscapes project. This funding is supporting its Multifunctional Landscape Program, which is working to conserve and restore biodiversity in intensively farmed and climate-stressed regions of Colombia, Kenya and Peru. By collaborating with land managers and farmers, the project seeks to conserve or sustainably manage 40,000 hectares of land, plant 100,000 native trees and conserve up to 30 threatened native species through community seed banks and tree nurseries.

In December 2023, together with the World Bank, the United Kingdom co-convened the Global Policy Dialogue for Sustainable Agriculture. The aim was to bring about policy reforms to shift public and private investment to sustainable agriculture practices. As co-chair alongside FinDev and the CDP, BII brought together G7 PDBs and DFIs to enhance co-investment for sustainable agriculture and transform food systems.

The United Kingdom is also fostering more private sector investment in smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. This is generating jobs and incomes, including through the Partnerships for Forests program, which is promoting sustainability and resilience in the coffee sector.

At the UN COP16 Convention to Combat Desertification in 2024, Germany announced a €30-million contribution to protect plant diversity, which will be allocated to the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) and the Crop Diversity Endowment Fund. VACS aims to promote the conservation and use of climate-resilient and neglected crops in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, while the Crop Trust’s endowment fund supports crop diversification through gene banks.

Through its partnership with CGIAR, the United Kingdom also actively supports VACs, fostering more resilient food systems through climate-adapted nutritious crops and healthy soils. In 2024, Japan disbursed US$6 million to support the VACS’ Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems initiative, which strengthens integrated soil and crop management to ensure sustainable food systems in Africa.

In collaboration with Germany’s BMZ, the FAO implemented two projects as part of the multilateral Sharm el Sheik joint program, announced at COP28. For example, the Enhancing Agrifood Negotiations project is working with agricultural experts to promote agriculture and food security negotiations by supporting research and knowledge development, capacity building and country exchanges.

Germany is also making an important contribution to the Team Europe Initiative on Deforestation-free Value Chains, which supports partners in implementing the EU deforestation regulation in sectors such as coffee production.

Italy: Promoting sustainable coffee production in Africa

As part of its Mattei Plan, Italy is working to promote sustainable coffee production in Africa. The Sustainable Coffee Value Chains in Africa initiative has been developed in partnership with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as well as the World Bank and European Forest Institute. Building on Italy’s experience in the coffee sector, the initiative aims to improve climate resilience, strengthen smallholder value chains and ensure compliance with EU sustainability standards.

In particular, the program is promoting PPPs and co-financing opportunities with international donors, including the European Commission. It also includes an international coordination structure that will be launched as part of the Italian-led Team Europe Initiative on sustainable coffee. Although it is starting in just five countries, the initiative is designed to reach all 25 African coffee-producing countries in the future.

Together with the CDP, the EU has set up TERRA, a guarantee worth €109.5 million that aims to accelerate the development of sustainable agri-food systems through integrated capacity building and enhanced access to innovative finance in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Tanzania, Türkiye, Uganda and, more broadly, East Africa. 

V. Education

Quality inclusive and equitable education is integral to sustainable development and to achieving the 2030 Agenda. However, there was a sharp drop in education aid in 2024—the steepest decline since the 1990s. In 2024, only 29% of education funding requests in humanitarian appeals were met, showing that education is one of the most underfunded sectors within humanitarian responses.

It is estimated that the number of children who are out of school globally has risen to a staggering 272 million, an increase of 21 million when compared to the October 2024 estimate. According to the 2025 Global Education Monitoring Report, gender disparities persist globally at all education levels despite recent strides toward achieving equal access to school for girls and boys. In countries facing fragility, conflict and violence, girls are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys. While at the secondary level, girls living in conflict regions are 90% more likely to be out of school.

G7 members have long been major donors to education, especially with regard to initiatives that help ensure girls’ access to learning.

20. Quality education for women and girls

There are 122 million girls still out of school around the world today. Girls living in Sub-Saharan Africa remain far less likely to go to school at any education level. While in Afghanistan, 60% of girls don’t have access to primary education and 74% of girls are not attending lower secondary school.

Ensuring that all girls have access to quality education reduces inequality and contributes to building more stable, resilient and prosperous societies and economies. When girls receive an education, they are less likely to marry and have children young, and they are more likely to earn higher incomes.

At the 2018 G7 Summit, in Charlevoix, Québec, Canada, G7 leaders committed to supporting quality education and skills training for girls, adolescent girls and women in fragile, crisis and conflict-affected situations—and to dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing safe and quality education.

Although the G7 remains committed to reaching this goal, its total ODA directed toward achieving gender equality at all education levels decreased from almost US$1.15 billion in 2018 to around US$1.12 billion in 2023. In 2022, the G7’s contribution hit a low of US$865 million. In 2023, 50% of the G7’s funding for education went toward basic education; 36% went toward secondary education; and the rest went to post-secondary education.

Despite a slight decrease in the G7’s funding for education in recent years, the gaps that have existed between boys’ and girls’ access to quality education are starting to shrink. In 2023, there was a marked increase in net female enrolment in education. Just five years prior, more males were enrolled in primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education in least developed, fragile and conflict-affected countries. But, by 2023, females outnumbered males at all levels. At the primary level, 79.12% of females were enrolled, compared to 79.11% of males. At the lower secondary level, 72.2% of females were enrolled, compared to 69.5% of males; and, at the upper secondary level, 50.5% of females were enrolled, compared to 47.7% of males.

Girls are also closing the gap when it comes to completion rates. In 2022, 82% of boys and girls finished primary education, and 69% of girls completed lower secondary education, compared to 70% of boys. Globally in 2022, 44% of girls completed upper secondary education, compared to 46% of boys. However, from 2018 to 2023, tertiary education completion rates for females dropped from 77% to 59%, and males’ rates also decreased significantly.

Canada: Helping women acquire the skills needed for sustainable livelihoods

Canada’s support for the Learning Through Education and Access to Employment Pathways initiative is helping women in Kenya acquire the valuable skills needed to build sustainable livelihoods. Implemented by the World University Service of Canada, the program provides tailored training and peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities to adolescent girls and young women in Kalobeyei Settlement, the Kakuma Refugee Camp and surrounding host communities in Kenya. It also offers coaching on business development, financial literacy and eliminating gender-based biases. 

Since March 2022, more than 833 young women have received vocational skills training through the program. The initiative is evidence that women and girls can be powerful agents of change and improve their own lives and those of their families, members of their communities and people throughout their countries—if they’re provided with the right support and services.

Figure 15: G7 members’ bilateral ODA for education in fragile states (in USD in millions and as percentage of total ODA for education), including contributions with gender markers 0 to 2, 2018 to 2023

Text version

USD (in millions)	Year
Gender marker	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
2 - Principal	$174.98	$233.74	$210.40	$208.28	$212.83	$267.20
1 - Significant	$1,432.40	$1,459.78	$1,553.67	$1,305.42	$1,115.33	$1,313.24
0 - Screened; not targeted	$784.05	$636.86	$617.36	$671.42	$536.84	$669.31
Not screened	$79.44	$58.44	$60.44	$58.33	$162.67	$143.62
Fragile states total	$2,470.87	$2,388.82	$2,441.88	$2,243.44	$2,027.67	$2,393.38
Percentage of total ODA for education	39%	37%	36%	36%	32%	36%

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Report System – gender markers

21. Basic education in the Sahel

The Sahel is home to almost 100 million people and spans five countries: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. To address the education crises facing this region, the G7 remains focused on supporting partnerships and initiatives that ensure children in the region, especially girls, have access to inclusive education.

Table 6: Net enrolment rate (%), disaggregated by level of education, in Sahel region countries, 2019 to 2023

Note: Blanks represent “not applicable”

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics database

From 2019 to 2023, dedicated bilateral ODA for education, disbursed from the G7 to the Sahel region, increased from US$196.9 million to more than US$229 million. During this same period, government expenditures on education, as a percentage of GDP, and government expenditures in the Sahel region, have both risen. Still, the region has experienced a decline in net enrolment rates for primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education.

Figure 16: G7 bilateral ODA to Sahel region countries for education, 2019 to 2023

Text version

Time period	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Sector
Education, level unspecified	$31.4	$22.0	$32.2	$31.2	$44.6
Basic education	$97.6	$85.7	$100.9	$110.8	$94.6
Secondary education	$31.6	$38.9	$28.7	$21.5	$36.4
Post-secondary education	$36.2	$42.8	$45.7	$45.7	$53.7
Total	$196.9	$189.3	$207.6	$209.1	$229.3

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Report System – grant equivalent

G7 members provide critical support to the region through programs such as Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). These initiatives foster the inclusion of refugee children in national education systems, as well as the integration of local languages in the curriculums.

Between 2021 and 2024, the GPE helped 12 million children in the Sahel gain access to better education, 48% of whom were girls. Between 2022 and 2024, Germany provided €164 million to the GPE. From 2021 to 2025, France was the GPE’s third-largest donor and served as an implementing partner through the AFD’s work in the region. Japan provided US$31 million during this same period. Canada ranks 6th among donors, contributing Can$300 million between 2021 and 2025. For the period between 2021 and 2026, the United Kingdom was the largest bilateral donor to the GPE, with its pledge of £430 million. The EU also continues to fund the GPE through its €700-million commitment for the period of 2021 to 2027. Italy also pledged €25 million to the GPE and allocated half of this pledge to support quality education projects for girls in Africa. Furthermore, together with Nigeria, Italy has taken on the role of co-host of the GPE’s replenishment campaign for the 2026 to 2030 cycle. The campaign was formally launched at the international level during a high-level side event at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. 

In 2022 and 2023, the ECW provided humanitarian assistance to restart essential education services. It reached more than 1.2 million children and adolescents in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Niger, more than 47% of whom were girls. Since the ECW was launched in 2016, the EU has provided €27.5 million to the program. Between 2022 and 2024, Germany contributed €160 million to the ECW, while France provided €2 million in 2022, which was earmarked for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Between 2019 and 2023, the U.K. contributed £90 million, which included £30 million ring-fenced for the Sahel. For the ECW’s current strategic plan (2023 to 2026), the United Kingdom has committed £80 million. In 2024, Japan provided US$3.05 million to the ECW, which included a portion earmarked for Burkina Faso to ensure continuity of learning for climate-affected and displaced girls and boys.

Initiated in 2019 under France’s G7 presidency, the Gender at the Centre Initiative (GCI) is promoting gender equality in education in 11 countries in Africa, including throughout the Sahel. Coordinated by the UN Girls’ Education Initiative and UNESCO’s International Institute for Educational Planning, the GCI brings together education ministries, civil society, G7 donors and the GPE. France has been the GCI’s main contributor since its creation. Germany provided €2.6 million to the initiative between 2019 and 2024, with over half of these funds channelled to activities in the Sahel. Between 2020 and 2023, the United Kingdom’s £800,000 contribution to the GCI helped governments in the Sahel strengthen their technical gender capacity to make education systems more responsive to girls’ needs. With an overall contribution of €1 million to the GCI between 2021 and 2024, the EU is also promoting gender equality and inclusion in the education sector in Sahel countries.

Through the AFD, France directed more than €90 million toward education in Sahel countries between 2022 and 2024. In recent years, France has increasingly aligned its commitments to education and employability with the principles of the Sahel Alliance’s Integrated Territorial Approach. The approach aims to strengthen the relevance, effectiveness and impact of aid to the region. In 2022, in the Sahel Alliance’s Education and Employability sector group, France promoted employment opportunities by focusing on informal learning and job creation. In 2021, France also facilitated an international workshop on education in emergencies, and, since 2023, it has been focusing its financial assistance on Senegal, Chad and Mauritania.

France has also supported European and multilateral initiatives on teacher development and governance, as well as other education reforms. With the support of funds from the EU, Expertise France has led projects such as the Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa and the Partenariat Afrique-Europe pour échanger sur les réformes de l’éducation (Africa-Europe Partnership to Exchange on Education Reforms).

The United Kingdom has also contributed £3.6 million to the World Bank’s Inclusion Support Programme for Refugee Education, which supports the inclusion of refugees in national education systems in 15 countries, including Chad.

Canada’s Can$50-million contribution to the Support to Senegal’s National Education Program is helping to ensure that boys and girls in Senegal—including the most vulnerable—can exercise their right to quality education. Working closely with the Government of Senegal and other donors, the program aims to enhance learning outcomes and strengthen equity and transparency in the country’s education system. Canada has also supported Senegal’s Ministry of National Education in achieving key reforms to improve learning outcomes, gender equity and institutional performance in the education sector.

In Mali, Canada’s Can$10-million contribution to the Promoting Girls’ Education in Mali project is improving adolescent girls’ access to and retention in school. The project has reached over 878,000 people with awareness campaigns, trained 975 teachers on reducing gender barriers and equipped 90schools with girl-friendly water and sanitation facilities. The project’s dual approach underscores Canada's commitment to quality and gender-sensitive education in the region.

During Germany’s presidency of the Sahel Alliance—a multi-donor network aimed at improving joint implementation, coordination and communication between donors on the Sahel—from 2023 to 2025, Germany made education, TVET and employment a priority. In 2025, Germany also joined forces with the World Bank to launch the Sahel Regional Engagement for Learning and Collaboration in Education (RELANCE) project. It supports quality education in the Sahel, with a focus on refugees and internally displaced persons, as well as host communities. Through the project, Germany will provide Chad and Mauritania with grants totalling approximately US$56 million, and the World Bank will provide roughly US$80 million in long-term financing. RELANCE aims to enable participating countries to harmonize and better manage their education systems. It will also offer education access and remediation to the high number of out-of-school youths in the region.

In 2022, Germany also co-initiated the Feminist Network for Gender Transformative Education, providing €1.35 million to the program. This program brings together countries from across the Global South, including those in the Sahel region.

In 2024, the EU launched its €100-million Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa program in partnership with UNESCO and the African Union Commission. The program is designed to tackle the critical shortage of qualified teachers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The program’s facility is implemented by France, Belgium and Finland.

Between 2020 and 2024, the EU provided €9.9 million to the Strengthening Teaching in the Sahel Region program, implemented by UNESCO. It seeks to improve teacher governance and teacher training in Sahel countries, as well as gender balance in the profession. To ensure the greatest impact, the European Commission and EU member states have come together to form multi-sector Team Europe Initiatives in all Sahel countries that include support for the education sector. The EU also contributed €1 million to the GCI, which promotes gender equality and inclusion in the education sector, including in several countries in the Sahel.

In 2023 and 2024, Italy provided more than €1.9 million to the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel project, which promotes safety, well-being and access to education and training for children in Burkina Faso by raising awareness among community members and empowering local and traditional authorities.

Japan provided US$8.2 million to the School for All project in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger between 2021 and 2025. The project works to improve the quality of and access to children’s education through the active participation of parents, teachers and community members. The project has expanded to around 75,000 primary and secondary schools in 11 African countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

In 2024, Japan provided US$3.3 million to a capacity-building project that supports teachers’ capacities in promoting continuous and inclusive access to safe and quality education for girls in West Africa. In 2022, Japan also provided almost US$780,000 to a project to improve secondary schools in Niamey, Niger.

22. Girls’ education targets

Global primary and secondary school enrolment rates are getting closer to being equal for girls and boys with 90% of females attending school, compared to 92% of males. However, 133 million girls still do not attend school.

Girls in low-income countries are also less likely to complete school than their male counterparts. Only 63% of female students complete primary school, compared to 67% of male primary school students. In 2023, South Sudan, Angola and Chad had the lowest primary school enrolment rates for girls in the world. In particular, girls living in conflict- and crisis-affected settings are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than girls who don’t live in these conditions.

In 2023, G7 members directed more than US$3.9 billion in education funding toward initiatives that principally or significantly targeted gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In 2021, the G7 also endorsed a pair of global objectives on girls’ education in low- and lower-middle-income countries. The aim was to ensure that, by 2026, there would be:

• 40 million more girls in school
• 20 million more girls reading by age 10, or by the end of primary school

These objectives were intended to advance SDG 4, which aims to promote lifelong learning and to ensure inclusive and quality education for all.

Between 2021 and 2024, the percentage of girls enrolled in primary and lower secondary education from low- and lower-middle-income countries who progressed to upper secondary education increased from 46.6% to 48.1%. During the same period, the percentage of females from these countries who were enrolled in primary education declined slightly from 48.3% to 47.8%.

Table 7: Number of girls and female adolescents of primary and lower and upper secondary school age who were enrolled in school, 2021 to 2022

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics database

VI. Equality

Empowering women and girls in all their diversity and promoting gender equality are among the most effective ways of eradicating poverty and building a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Inequality and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation limits access to health services, education, economic opportunities, financial services and decision making. It also increases the risks of experiencing violence.

According to the UN, almost one out of three women globally—or more than 1 billion women—have experienced physical, emotional, psychological or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. A 2025 UN study also found that climate change is intensifying the social and economic stresses that are fuelling increased levels of violence against women and girls. In fact, every 1°C rise in global temperature is associated with a 4.7% increase in intimate partner violence against women.

To meet the goals of the 2030 Agenda, G7 countries have defined ambitious objectives to support the empowerment of all women and girls. Ultimately, the aim is to improve their access to education and reduce gender-based violence (GBV).

23. Sexual and reproductive health and rights

Providing services for maternal and child health, nutrition and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), as well as addressing GBV, is critical to promoting women’s equality. Between 2019 and 2023, G7 members’ commitments on RMNCH increased from just over US$965 million in 2019 to over US$1.2 billion in 2023.

Figure 17: ODA screened under RMNCH marker by G7 members for reproductive health care, 2019 to 2023

Notes: Includes principal and significant policy markers

Text version

USD (in millions)	Year
Donor	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Canada	$123.3	$64.4	$150.5	$52.4	$19.9
EU institutions	$41.2	$23.6	$9.8	$39.5	$112.1
France	$11.7	$11.5	$11.2	$10.5	$12.7
Germany	$133.5	$93.6	$147.6	$152.7	$52.1
Italy	$5.2	$5.2	$2.0	$7.1	$0.9
Japan	$26.8	$21.1	$28.6	$24.4	$32.2
United Kingdom	$186.4	$40.3	$17.8	$70.5	$98.4
United States	$437.1	$534.8	$480.6	$445.1	$886.2
Share of total ODA screened under RMNCH marker	12%	9%	6%	8%	13%

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Reporting System – other markers

This funding is supporting women’s and girls’ SRHR, enabling them to make informed decisions about their sexuality and reproduction. For instance, the percentage of women of reproductive age who had their need for family planning satisfied increased from 76.4% to 77.6% between 2014 to 2023. At the same time, fertility rates for younger women steadily declined between 2014 and 2025. Most notably, the fertility rate per 1,000 women, for women between the ages of 20 and 24, has dropped from 138 to just over 113 in that same timespan. For women in the 35 to 39 and 40 to 44 ages ranges, fertility rates actually increased.

Italy is carrying out targeted interventions to enhance RMNCH across Africa and the Middle East, including Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan. For example, the Italian Cooperation Initiative, valued at more than €2.1 million, strives to enhance the availability of, and access to, quality maternal and reproductive health services in Iringa Region, Tanzania, with the goal of reducing maternal mortality. In particular, this three-year project (2024 to 2027) is focusing on reducing the number of vesico-vaginal fistula cases to decrease obstetric morbidity. To do this, the project is focusing on:

• improving clinical care, obstetric services and diagnostic capabilities
• strengthening community information and education
• promoting institutional coordination to raise awareness of these critical health issues

In 2021, the United Kingdom launched its policy paper Ending preventable deaths of mothers, babies and children by 2030, now called the Healthy Women, Children and Newborns initiative. In 2025, it plans to release a narrative report demonstrating progress between 2021 and 2025 on supporting an end to preventable deaths of mothers, babies and children. This will be achieved in partnership with partner governments by:

• strengthening health systems
• enhancing sexual and reproductive health and rights
• promoting gender equality
• improving nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene
• supporting climate resilience in health

Between 2022 and 2024, Germany allocated more than €248 million toward projects that are supporting SRHR, ending female genital mutilation (FGM), child, early and forced marriage (CEFM) and other harmful practices. Germany provided US$168 million to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to support SRHR, gender equality and efforts to end GBV and harmful practices. In addition, the country is the largest core funder of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), providing €15.5 million each year to the organization in 2023 and 2024. The IPPF works to improve SRHR and bodily autonomy through advocacy, community education, youth empowerment, health services and partnerships with global and local organizations.

In 2023, France launched its International Strategy for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for 2023 to 2027, structured around six priority areas, including access to services, comprehensive sexuality education, safe abortion, fighting against GBV and supporting LGBTQI rights. France’s Support Fund for Feminist Organizations (FSOF), launched in 2020, mobilized €134 million in its first cycle, and it is now renewed through 2027. From 2020 to 2024, it supported 1,400 grassroots feminist organizations in 75 countries, investing €250 million in women’s economic empowerment and other related areas. France’s current initiatives on SHRH include the €14-million Feminist Opportunities Now program (2022 to 2026) and the €5.88-million Movements for Reproductive Autonomy, Equality and Solidarity project (2025 to 2028). In 2025 alone, France contributed over €60 million to SRHR projects, including €17 million through the FSOF and €1 million to the Organization for Safe Abortion Dialogue Center. Under the Team Europe Initiative, France also directed €8 million to a regional SRHR program in West Africa, supporting ECOWAS countries in policy alignment, procurement and civil society engagement.

The EU remains committed to policy dialogue and programming to ensure equitable access to health services and information, with a particular focus on women and young people. For example, the European Commission and EU member states have provided €60 million to the Team Europe Initiative on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Sub-Saharan Africa since it was launched in December 2022. The EU has also committed to contributing €45 million to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership between 2023 and 2026, while France allocated €72 million to the partnership between 2021 and 2024.

Since 2022, the EU has directed €32 million to four multi-country projects on SRHR for adolescents and people in vulnerable situations in 16 African countries. It is also committed to preventing and ending GBV through the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative. In addition, the EU allocates an average of €37 million annually to sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health in crisis situations.

Along with Zambia, Canada leads the biennial UN General Assembly resolution on CEFM. This cross-regional co-sponsorship has grown from 106 co-sponsorships in 2016 to 123 in 2024, demonstrating increased political support among member states. Canada also provides funding to a range of key programs to address GBV and support maternal and child health, including:

• Can$5.5 million to Girls Not Brides
• Can$6.9 million to Plan International Canada
• Can$1 million to World Vision Canada
• Can$13 million to CARE Canada
• Can$1 million to Save the Children Canada
• Can$1 million to Canadian Crossroads International to prevent CEFM in Bangladesh, Somalia, Senegal and Zimbabwe

Supporting global mechanisms to track, prevent and end CEFM and FGM

The UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme (UNGP) to End Child Marriage operates in the 12 countries where child marriage is most common: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. The program aims to end the practice through a range of activities, including:

• strengthening laws and policies
• leveraging investments in education, sexual and reproductive health and services related to preventing GBV and supporting social protection
• working with at-risk girls and young mothers
• shifting social norms

The UNGP also focuses on collecting quality data and generating, disseminating knowledge of and applying evidence to strengthen learning and inform programs and policy action toward prevention and response efforts. The program also funds the Child Marriage Monitoring Mechanism. The mechanism supports the sharing and use of research globally and promotes its uptake by policy makers and practitioners through the Child Marriage Research to Action Network (in partnership with Girls Not Brides).

Since 2020, Italy has provided funds to the UNGP, allocating €2 million between 2022 and 2024, and another €1 million in 2025. The EU is also a major funder of the UNGP. The United Kingdom has committed to providing £18 million to the program between 2021 and March 2026. Since 2014, Canada has contributed Can$47 million to the UNGP. This funding has helped to empower 34 million adolescent girls through comprehensive sexuality education so they can make informed choices on delaying marriage and safe sexuality. It has also enabled more than 11 million adolescent girls to enrol or remain in school. Through the program, around 37 million boys and men have also been educated on harmful gender norms.

The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM aims to accelerate efforts to end FGM by 2030 by mobilizing a broad spectrum of actors at the community, national, regional and global levels. This program focuses on working with national governments across 18 countries—Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda and Yemen—to put in place laws, policies and action plans to ban FGM. By working with community leaders, lawyers, schools and clubs for adolescents, it also encourages changes in gender and social norms and strategies for prevention and surveillance.

Between 2022 and 2025, Canada provided Can$7.5 million to the program, while the United Kingdom contributed more than £4.5 million between 2019 and 2024. Since 2019, France has provided regular support, contributing around €328,000 to the program between 2020 and 2024.

Between 2022 and 2024, Italy contributed more than €8 million to the program, and, in 2025, it provided another €4 million. Germany has provided €2.1 million to the program since 2022, and the EU contributed to the program until 2023. This support has helped establish systems to monitor progress in partner countries, including changes in social norms, legislative frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. Through the program, the United Kingdom supported efforts led by The Gambia’s government and Gambian civil society organizations in 2024 to defeat a private members’ bill seeking to overturn a ban on FGM. The program has protected 1.1 million girls (up to the age of 14) from FGM and engaged two million women and girls in dialogue on its elimination. Through mass media campaigns, it reached 250 million people, provided prevention and protection services to nearly seven million girls and women and supported enforcement efforts resulting in 1,953 arrests under legislation against FGM.

In March 2025, the African Union Commission, the UN and the EU signed a regional agreement on the implementation of Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0. Building on the success of the first phase of the program (2020 to 2023), it aims to drive impactful regional and country-level action against violence against women and girls and other harmful practices, as well as to promote SRHR across Africa. The EU’s funding for the initiative has significantly advanced the collection of data on violence against women and girls. It has also supported the development of national data platforms and dashboards, such as those in Nigeria and Mozambique, that are enhancing the capacity of governments to monitor and respond to these harmful practices.

From 2022 to 2024, Italy provided nearly €24 million—mainly via the UNFPA and UNHCR—to support SRHR initiatives for women and girls in crisis settings across Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Focusing on refugees, displaced persons and host communities, these efforts included health and psychosocial services, with attention to persons with disabilities and responses to complex emergencies.

Supporting key international resolutions

Between 2022 and 2024, Germany supported all resolutions at the UN and EU that aimed to end CEFM and FGM. During this period, Italy expressed its support for the adoption of the following resolutions:

• A/HRC/RES/50/16, on eliminating female genital mutilation, adopted on July 8, 2022
• A/77/312, on intensifying global efforts for the elimination of FGMs, adopted on July 25, 2022
• A/RES/77/202, on CEFM, adopted on December 15, 2022
• A/HRC/RES/53/23, ending and preventing forced marriage, adopted on July 13, 2023
• A/79/153, on intensifying global efforts for the elimination of FGMs, adopted on December 17, 2024

The United Kingdom supports key international resolutions, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and UN resolution 69/156 on CEFM, adopted on December 18, 2014. Between 2022 and 2024, it also supported the following resolutions on CEFM and FGM:

• A/RES/77/202, on CEFM
• A/RES/77/193, on the intensification of efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, adopted on December 15, 2022
• A/HRC/RES/53/23, on CEFM
• A/RES/78/188, on the girl child, adopted on December 22, 2023
• A/RES/78/187, on the rights of the child, adopted on December 22, 2023

Japan was a co-sponsor of the following resolutions:

• A/HRC/RES/50/16, on eliminating FGM
• A/HRC/RES/53/23, on CEFM marriage and ending and preventing forced marriage
• A/RES/79/153, on intensifying global efforts for the elimination of FGM
• A/RES/79/158, on CEFM, adopted on December 17, 2024

The United Kingdom did not co-sponsor resolutions A/HRC/RES/50/16 and A/RES/79/153 because of its objections to the removal of language recognizing FGM as GBV and the omission of references to SRHR and the Beijing Platform for Action.

France supports key international resolutions, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and UN resolution 69/156 on CEFM. Between 2022 and 2024, France also supported the following resolutions on CEFM and FGM:

• A/RES/77/202, on CEFM
• A/RES/77/193, on the intensification of efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, adopted on December 15, 2022
• A/HRC/RES/53/23, on CEFM
• A/RES/78/188, on the girl child, adopted on December 22, 2023
• A/RES/78/187, on the rights of the child, adopted on December 22, 2023
• A/HRC/RES/50/16, on eliminating FGM
• A/RES/79/153, on intensifying global efforts for the elimination of FGM
• A/RES/79/158, on CEFM, adopted December 17, 2024

The EU’s Council Conclusions on EU Priorities in UN Human Rights Fora in 2024 explicitly commit to ending CEFM and FGM. The EU also supported or co-sponsored several resolutions, including:

• A/HRC/RES/50/16, on eliminating FGM
• A/RES/77/195, on intensifying global efforts for the elimination of FGM (co-sponsored)
• A/RES/77/202, on CEFM (co-sponsor)
• A/RES/77/193, on intensifying efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (co-sponsor; aligned with the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020 to 2025)
• A/HRC/RES/53/23, on ending and preventing forced marriage
• A/RES/78/187, on the rights of the child (co-sponsor)
• A/RES/78/188, on the girl child
• A/RES/79/153, on intensifying global efforts for the elimination of FGM
• A/RES/79/158, on CEFM (co-sponsor)

Delivering development programming to end child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation

In addition to contributing to global programs to end violence against women and girls and harmful practices such as FGM and CEFM, G7 members support other development programming in these areas. For example, in December 2022, 10 EU member states, the European Commission and African partners launched the Team Europe Initiative on SRHR in Africa. By delivering €60 million in new funds between 2023 and 2027, the EU is helping to support programs that focus on FGM, child marriage and sexual and reproductive health services.

Through a €11.3-million contribution to Overcoming female genital mutilation in the Horn of Africa, Germany has helped partner countries in East Africa to prevent FGM. The project helps community-based organizations and state and non-state institutions raise awareness and develop the skills needed to effectively change social norms around FGM and GBV.

In November 2024, the United Kingdom scaled up its investment in programs to prevent child marriage, contributing up to £5 million to girl-led approaches, including through partnerships with Girls Not Brides and the Girls First Fund. It also committed up to £35.5 million between 2019 and 2026 to the second phase of the Africa-Led Movement to End FGM. Building on the success of its first five years, this program is working to build a world free of FGM by 2030. Since 2013, the United Kingdom’s support has helped more than 10,000 communities—representing over 27 million people—pledge to abandon the practice. The United Kingdom focuses its efforts in four countries with high prevalence rates: Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal and Somalia (specifically Somaliland). The program has also pioneered the integration of FGM prevention and care into health systems through the Model Health Facility (MHF) in Narok, Kenya. The MHF has provided services to over 2,000 women and girls and trained more than 1,300 health students. It now functions as a regional learning hub that hosts peer exchanges, trains health professionals and showcases best practices.

Japan’s efforts to end CEFM and FGM are made through bilateral development assistance to projects, including:

• providing training to Afghan policewomen to address GBV as part of a project
• providing an adviser to promote survivor-centred approach for the protection, rehabilitation and economic empowerment of GBV survivors in Pakistan
• providing an adviser to promote economic empowerment and social reintegration of SGBV survivors in South Sudan
• the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program
• eradicating sexual and GBV

In fiscal year 2023 to 2024, Japan provided US$5.7 million to the Integrated Services and Livelihood for Displaced People from Myanmar and Host Communities Improvement Project in the Bhasan Char and Cox’s Bazar districts of Bangladesh. This UNICEF program is working to protect 15,900 displaced children originally from Myanmar.

France continues to campaign for the promotion and universalization of the Istanbul Convention and to support programs to combat sexual and GBV. For example, in the Central African Republic, through AFD, France supports the flagship project Nengo, which assists victims of sexual and GBV. The AFD has co-funded this project since its creation in 2020, allocating three successive funding packages totalling €4.2 million.

The AFD is also mobilizing its Sectoral Innovation Facility for NGOs (FISONG) to finance innovative measures to combat gynecological and obstetric violence in West Africa. Through calls for projects for a total of €2.5 million in funding over a three-year period, this facility aims to finance innovative interventions proposed by NGOs. As part of the FISONG-led Fight against gynecological and obstetric violence initiative, AFD has selected 2 projects: one in Guinea, proposed by Amref Health Africa, and the other in Senegal, led by Equipop.

Italy is addressing FGM via multilateral health and GBV prevention programming in countries such as Mali (€10 million to the Central Emergency Fund), Senegal and The Gambia (€2.7 million to UNFPA focusing on cross-border areas between the two countries). 

Reducing the global prevalence of CEFM and FGM

The United Kingdom’s support for international efforts to end child marriage has contributed to a 15% reduction in its prevalence over the last decade. Efforts to end this harmful practice are being led from within affected communities and countries, and thousands of communities across Africa have pledged to abandon the practice.

In 2022, through UN Women’s Prevention of COVID-19 infections among women and girls displaced into internally displaced person and refugee camps under Leadership, Empowerment, Access and Protection II in Uganda project, Japan funded community-based discussions about these issues. A total of 787 men in Uganda participated in these meetings, helping to address negative gender norms that contribute to increased teen pregnancy, child marriage and SGBV toward women and girls. The project also trained 57 health workers in gender- and human-right-responsive GBV and sexual and reproductive health services. It specifically focused on adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 years old who were most at risk of teen pregnancy, child marriage and GBV during Uganda’s COVID-19 containment measures.

From 2020 to 2023, a Germany-funded project on preventing FGM in East Africa reached 500 participants from state and non-state institutions. These participants confirmed that the project had improved the implementation of prevention measures. Community leaders in 15 districts across Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia also verified that awareness-raising measures conducted by the project have affected their views on the practice.

From 2021 to 2024, the France-funded project Nengo reached more than 3,200 victims of GBV, including FGM. Medical staff from the gynaecological and obstetrical department of the Hôpital de l’Amitié [friendship hospital] in the Central African Republic benefited from the training provided through the project. The project aims to improve institutional arrangements for the long-term care of victims and to support dialogue between victims’ associations and the Central African authorities.

Germany: Ensuring family planning and reproductive health for all  

Through the BMZ, Germany is promoting SRHR as well as family planning. One example is the Initiative on Rights-Based Family Planning and Reproductive Health for All. From 2011 to 2023, the program:

• helped train more than 51,000 health care professionals, preventing 49.9 million unintended pregnancies annually
• led to 7.12 million births being professionally assisted

The initiative invests in creating resilient health systems that better serve the needs of women and adolescents, supporting their ability to make decisions about their own bodies and futures. It also leads to better health outcomes and supports poverty reduction, informed decision making, education and local partnerships. In addition, the BMZ is investing in SRHR through strong international partnerships, including with the UNFPA, the International Planned Parenthood Federation and Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents.

24. Technical and vocational education and training for women and girls

TVET equips students with industry-specific skills, enhancing their employability and job prospects. By matching training to market needs, it helps transform economies, reduce poverty and ensure countries have the skilled workforce needed to adapt to technological changes. However, women and girls are often excluded from TVET opportunities due to gender stereotypes, harmful traditions, norms and other practices.

The members of the G7 are committed to ensuring TVET is available to all women and girls. For example, increasing women’ and girls’ access to TVET is part of France’s new international strategy on basic education for 2024 to 2028 and its International Strategy for Feminist Foreign Policy, 2025 to 2030. In particular, France supports programs that:

• raise the awareness of young women, employers and training centres about gender norms and stereotypes
• improve women’s access to TVET through childcare services or transport
• provide women with individual support

To overcome incidents of SGBV during commutes to and from training centres or apprenticeships, or during classes, France supports activities that ensure young women’s safe transportation in Angola. In some cases, it helps finance part of the transportation costs and/or their food and care needs. France has also promoted the development of anonymous GBV hotlines. In addition, it has worked to de-segregate job areas. This is allowing young women to access TVET opportunities they are interested in, and it is breaking down gender stereotypes on career paths.

Through the FSOF, France is helping fund the Feminism, Action and Mobilisation for an Inclusive Economy project. The initiatives strengthen the capacity of feminist CSOs in 10 countries—Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guinea, Morocco, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Togo—and increases access to TVET. Another France-funded project, STRIVE, fights against GBV and promotes gender equality in TVET centres. In Nigeria, France has also provided around 14,000 young people, half of whom were women and girls, with agriculture-focused TVET and training on the construction of TVET agriculture centres.

France has also worked to strengthen educational institutions’ capacities for gender-sensitive and transformative education planning and management. For instance, it has funded initiatives in TVET centres that:

• address and prevent SGBV
• provide adequate sanitation and hygiene
• create curriculums free of gender bias
• offer teacher training on gender issues

As a lead government partner to UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited initiative, Canada is playing an instrumental role in advancing education, training and skills development. Its Can$60-million contribution between 2024 and 2029 will increase employment, entrepreneurship and social impact for youths in developing countries.

Between 2022 and 2024, Canada’s assistance provided more than 45,000 people—almost 26,000 of whom were women—with demand-driven TVET. For example, its Can$6.5-million contribution to UNESCO’s Transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Jordan project is modernizing Jordan’s vocational education sector. This project is also increasing access to safe, inclusive and quality vocational education for Jordanian and refugee youths.

From 2019 to 2024, Canada allocated more than Can$13 million to the Learning Through Education and Access to Skills for Employment for Refugees and Host Communities in Kenya project. Through this initiative:

• more than 800 young women received training in business and digital literacy
• more than 800 women received technical skills training
• more than 700 girls were enrolled in remedial classes
• almost 47,000 people were engaged through community outreach
• more than 2,100 households were provided with cash transfers to help keep girls in school

Between 2021 and 2024, Germany significantly increased the number of women and girls it was able to reach with its vocational training measures. In 2021, 63,500 women and girls participated in vocational training with the help of German technical cooperation and Germany’s development partners. In 2024, at least 89,400 women and girls completed vocational training measures thanks to Germany’s support. Germany is also funding a project in Lebanon that has enabled 50,000 women and girls to participate in TVET courses offered by UNICEF. In Togo, Germany is funding a project that is enabling women and vulnerable groups to gain better qualifications through vocational schools and training centres. To date, more than 3,000 women have received training through the project. Germany is also promoting women’s economic empowerment through its support for the Decent Work for a Just Transition special initiative.

Italy supports a range of initiatives that are ensuring women and girls have access to TVET opportunities. For example, in 2024, it contributed €2 million to the Humanitarian aid, services and inclusion for migrants, refugees, and victims of the armed conflict in Colombia, particularly women, youth and children initiative. It is improving the socio-economic integration of Venezuelan migrant women, Colombian returnees and host communities by increasing access to job training opportunities and placements and by promoting entrepreneurship.

In 2023, Italy contributed to several initiatives in Senegal that support professional inclusion and job creation, especially for women. For example, it provided €4 million to the Support the Territorialisation of Vocational Inclusion Policies for Young People and Women project, which is working to actively involve women and girls in TVET. In fact, women and girls will make up at least half of the recipients of the project’s more than 2,200 paid internships.

In 2022, Italy provided over €1.6 million to support the AGREE project in South Sudan in partnership with local CSOs. The initiative promotes food security, women’s empowerment and sustainable agriculture by strengthening the capacity of women farmers through vocational training, income-generating activities and ecologically sound practices across several villages.

In October 2024, Italy also hosted a high-level event around the theme, Investing in Lifelong Learning for Job Creation and Resilience: A Dialogue with Africa. It used the event to advance key G7-Africa partnerships on education and sustainable development and help support concrete initiatives with African partners on education, skills development and lifelong learning.

From 2022 to 2024, approximately 6,000 female students worldwide participated in the JICA’s TVET projects. For example, Japan contributed US$8.8 million through UNICEF to fund the construction of three lower secondary TVET schools in Burkina Faso. These schools have also been equipped with menstrual hygiene facilities.

The United Kingdom is playing a leading role in improving girls’ education in developing countries through its work with UNICEF’s Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership. This initiative combines PPPs to deliver market-relevant skills training and employment pathways for adolescent girls and young women in Bangladesh and Nigeria. Through the partnership’s Challenge Fund in Bangladesh and Nigeria, almost 5,500 adolescent girls and young women were enrolled in formal and informal skills training, employment readiness or leadership programs. In addition, this partnership has:

• provided training to 585 instructors—36% of whom were women—in gender-responsive and inclusive pedagogy
• enabled more than 1,100 education and skills-training personnel to foster gender-friendly learning environments
• developed 31 gender-responsive curriculums and revised existing curriculums; these are used to teach over 6,000 students
• engaged around 225 public and private sector actors in curriculum development
• provided over 450 employers and institutions with employment, entrepreneurship or transition services
• reached more than 2,300 community members to shift gender norms and grow support for girls’ skills training and employment

The United Kingdom-funded Skills for Prosperity Programme is improving the quality, equity and relevance of TVET and higher education systems in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines and South Africa. By strengthening institutions, enhancing teaching and aligning skills with labour market needs, the project has directly and indirectly benefited close to 2 million women. The program also focuses on:

• removing structural barriers
• supporting digital engagement
• creating attitudinal change
• adapting curriculums
• developing gender equality and social inclusion toolkits

The program has also provided training to thousands of teachers, trainers and institutional staff across nine countries. In addition, the program has supported the implementation of United Kingdom-aligned quality standards in TVET and higher education institutions, and over 139 courses or modules have been created or adapted. It has also resulted in the development of 56 national and provincial strategies, policies and regulations regarding TVET and higher education institutions.

The EU is increasingly advocating for more comprehensive and opportunity-driven TVET approaches. As part of Vocational Education and Training (VET) Toolbox, the EU funded 14 pilot projects in 11 sub-Saharan countries. These projects consistently mainstreamed gender in training and employment, especially in male-dominated sectors. This included conducting gender analysis, awareness campaigns and flexible training modalities.

The EU has committed €75 million for 2024 to 2029 to the Team Europe Initiative’s Opportunity-driven Skills and VET in Africa project, which promotes skills and vocational educational training interventions that support decent employment opportunities, particularly for women. The initiative will inform regional exchanges in places where best practices can inspire other interventions to eliminate the barriers preventing women from accessing training and employment opportunities.

25. Women’s economic empowerment

Around the world, one in every 10 women is living in extreme poverty. They are over-represented in informal and vulnerable employment.In addition, women are less likely than men to have access to financial institutions or to have a bank account, and an estimated 73.5% of employed women do not have access to social protections such as pensions, unemployment benefits or maternity protection.

Ensuring that women participate fully, equally and meaningfully in the economy is integral to achieving gender equality, eradicating poverty and promoting inclusive economic growth. The EU is working to support women’s economic empowerment by:

• tackling the structural barriers that prevent women from participating in the economy
• ensuring women’s financial inclusion
• supporting women’s decent employment and entrepreneurship, especially in the green and digital sectors

From 2019 to 2023, the amount of bilateral ODA G7 members directed toward economic-growth-related initiatives that achieve gender equality increased from over US$13 billion to more than US$14.6 billion. For instance, the EU and Germany increased their funding for the Investment Climate Reform Facility to €26 million in 2023. The facility works with public and private partners in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries to promote business environmental reforms that support women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in the economy.

The EU, together with other Team Europe actors, is supporting women’s access to finance and entrepreneurship through a wide range of actions embedded in the Global Gateway strategy. For instance, the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa initiative, launched in 2021, supports early-stage businesses and young entrepreneurs, particularly women, across Sub-Saharan Africa. As part of this initiative, the Women Entrepreneurship for Africa program supports women entrepreneurs by:

• strengthening their green business capacities
• improving their access to finance and markets
• helping them integrate into local, regional and global value chains

As a result of this program, more than 2,000 women have completed business management and green business training, with the initial cohort of 800 women receiving €4,500 each in seed funding.

The Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa initiative is promoting women’s entrepreneurship throughout the African continent. France is the leading contributor to the initiative, providing US$95 million, including US$60 million in guarantees and funds to absorb possible losses related to calls for guarantees. France is also providing US$25 million in technical assistance and US$10 million in equity on the capital contribution through Proparco (which is affiliated with the AFD). The diplomatic network is also heavily involved in the operational monitoring of the initiative on the ground.

In 2023, through the FSOF, France launched the €10-million Feminism, Women’s Economic Empowerment and Economic Participation program, led by a consortium of CSOs.

Germany promotes women’s financial inclusion through blended finance initiatives. In 2024, it restructured a major fund to become the Global Gender Smart Fund, which focuses on women-led micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises and targets microfinance institutions with over US$500 million in assets. Since 2020, Germany has invested in Women’s World Banking funds to empower women economically. Under the 2X Challenge, Germany launched the 2X Ignite fund in 2024 with a €14 million contribution to boost women’s representation in business and finance and support women fund managers.

In 2022, Italy allocated more than €42 million to 22 new initiatives focused primarily on gender equality. The Italian Development Cooperation Agency also directed €380 million to numerous other interventions that had either gender equality or the empowerment of women and girls or both as a significant objective. In fact, almost half of Italian-funded development programming in 2022 included gender equality as a key objective. In 2023, the number of grant projects with gender equality as a principal or significant component increased to 75%, with Italy contributing more than €56 million to 24 new initiatives that focused on gender equality. In 2024, Italy contributed about €79 million to this area, which was more than 5% of Italy’s total approved ODA that year.

Directing ODA toward eliminating violence against women

In recent years, G7 ODA directed toward ending violence against women and girls in developing countries has increased significantly, growing from almost US$240 million in 2018 to around US$347 million in 2023. In 2023, EU institutions, the United Kingdom and Canada were the largest contributors to this critical issue.

Figure 18: G7 ODA focused on elimination of violence against women, 2018 to 2023

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USD (in millions)	Country
Year	Canada	EU institutions	France	Germany	Italy	Japan	United Kingdom	United States
2018	$25.1	$151.8	$0.2	$6.6	$2.3	$9.2	$43.5	$1.4
2019	$45.3	$103.5	$0.4	$16.2	$6.3	$9.5	$60.1	$6.5
2020	$53.9	$188.7	$3.2	$14.5	$4.7	$8.6	$45.6	$6.9
2021	$74.5	$170.2	$9.8	$30.9	$11.1	$14.6	$37.9	$6.9
2022	$63.9	$95.1	$8.4	$37.3	$13.3	$12.7	$101.5	$20.3
2023	$73.7	$91.4	$7.3	$38.5	$13.3	$24.9	$78.0	$19.7

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Reporting System

Between 2015 and 2024, Canada invested Can$504 million in helping end violence against women and girls. More than half this funding was allocated between 2022 and 2024, demonstrating growing support. These investments have helped:

• address CEFM and FGM
• support women’s rights organizations
• promote adolescent girls’ rights
• increase access to justice, accountability and reparations
• prevent SGBV through health and education programs

These projects were implemented in partnership with UN agencies, as well as Canadian and international organizations. More than half of the projects focus on Africa, and nearly a quarter focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.

France has been supporting the Global Survivors Fund since it launched in 2019. Co-founded by 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winners Nadia Murad and Dr. Denis Mukwege, it provides essential psychological, medical, financial and legal assistance to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. From 2019 to 2025, France has provided €16.2 million in support to this fund. This includes around €6.2 million from 2019 to 2022, €7 million from 2023 to 2025, and an additional €4 million via the Crisis and Support Centre to implement projects in Ukraine.

France’s FSOF is providing a €14-million grant to the Feminist Opportunities Now program from 2022 to 2026. This is supporting CSO activities on GBV prevention and response through a sub-granting system. In 2023 and 2024, France also made a voluntary contribution of €140,000 to the International Criminal Court’s Trust Fun for Victims so that it could provide support to victims of SGBV.

Over the past three years, Italy has contributed to several initiatives dedicated to eliminating violence against women in countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia, Djibouti, the DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Senegal and Syria. For example, in 2022, Italy financed two key initiatives in Afghanistan: a €4.5-million contribution to the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund to support local women’s organizations and displaced Afghan women and €8 million to the UNFPA for essential maternal health and GBV services.

In 2023, Italy approved support for two initiatives in Ethiopia to counter GBV and provide mental health support to survivors of it. Italy provided €4.7 million to the Strengthening of the SGBV and Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Response Services in Ethiopia project and €4.5 million to the Strengthening of the SGBV and Mental Health Problems Prevention and of the Social Reintegration Services in Ethiopia project.

Italy also funded a new €1-million UNFPA project in 2024 to support conflict-, flood- and epidemic-affected communities in the provinces of Ituri and Tanganyika in the DRC. This project is enhancing access to SRHR care and GBV prevention and response services for displaced, returning and host populations.

In addition, the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative is playing a key role in preventing and ending all forms of GBV. The EU committed €500 million to the initiative between 2017 and 2023 to help implement its first phase in five regions. This funding is supporting the launch of 26 country programs, six regional programs and two UN trust fund programs. At the 2023 SDGs Summit, the initiative was highlighted as one of 12 high-impact programs that are contributing to transformative progress and acceleration toward the SDGs.

In August 2022, the EU also committed €40 million under the Global Challenges program, which has resulted in two new initiatives: the Spotlight Initiative’s High-Impact Programme for Violence Elimination and Advocacy, Coalition Building and Transformative Feminist Action to End Violence Against Women.

Between 2015 and 2022, Germany spent more than €360 million on programs to eliminate violence against women and girls. These programs focused on strengthening gender equality, climate and environmental protection and democratic and inclusive governance.

The United Kingdom has demonstrated that violence is preventable by pioneering approaches that have reduced violence against women in homes, schools and communities by 50%. In 2025, the United Kingdom’s What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls Global Programme is supporting 14 organizations across Africa and Asia to prevent violence against women. The United Kingdom is also a strong supporter of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, which helped fund 180 CSOs across 74 countries in 2024. Between April 2023 and March 2024, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s work to prevent and respond to violence against women reached 3.2 million people around the world.

Canada: Empowering women in agriculture to be more financially independent

Through its CAN$7.8 million investment in the Her Time to Grow project, Canada is improving the lives of rural women working in agriculture in Ethiopia, Ghana and Zambia. Since the project started in 2022, it has created income-generating opportunities for at least 25,000 women working in agriculture in the three countries. By empowering its entrepreneur partners, the project is also expected to generate at least CAN$30 million in new income for women in agriculture.

Her Time to Grow enables women to fully participate in their local economies by providing training, helping them develop new skills and improving knowledge sharing. The businesses the women build provide them with more financial independence and a new income stream. But the impact of these opportunities reaches far beyond the women the project directly helps. The new endeavours they start can also benefit people in their communities by providing local access to much needed goods and services.

26. Advancing gender equality by closing the gap in the availability of childcare

A lack of access to childcare prevents women from participating fully in the workforce, achieving financial autonomy and pursuing their career goals. In 2023, an estimated 708 million women worldwide remained outside the labour force because of unpaid care responsibilities.

The transformation of the care economy, including childcare, is critical to ensuring equality between men and women. It is also a key element of Germany’s feminist development policy. Germany has supported the World Bank’s Invest in Childcare Initiative since it started in 2022, committing to delivering €20 million by 2027. This initiative is supporting child care activities in 65 countries through 73 small catalytic grants to help countries advance their childcare agenda and 17 larger grants implemented by national governments.

Through the Gender Action Plan III and Global Gateway, the EU invests in social and care infrastructure to advance women’s economic empowerment. In partnership with the Invest in Childcare Initiative, it supports child care systems in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Funding is delivered via budget support, Team Europe Initiatives and EFSD+, promoting decent work, social protection and quality jobs for women.

As a founding member of Invest in Childcare, Canada is contributing Can$10 million in support of the initiative from 2022 to 2024. It has also helped to attract other funds from G7 countries, including the Italian government, which contributed US$13 million in 2025. Canada has also been a very active participant in the Invest in Childcare working group, helping to steer the work program and elevate the commitment. 

This support is driving further investment in quality and affordable care and is expected to increase the availability of quality and affordable childcare, specifically for the most vulnerable families. The initiative is facilitating women’s economic participation by providing quality childcare at the community and country level. It is resulting in more childcare hours and days in Côte d’Ivoire and Moldova. In addition, the initiative is providing childcare services to facilitate participation in training and employment programs at TVET centres, in workplaces and in public works in Ghana and Madagascar. This includes for survivors of GBV and women living in conflict-affected areas such as Ethiopia and South Sudan. In countries such as Senegal, Kenya and the Republic of Congo, the program is also offering child care as a livelihood opportunity through training and entrepreneurship programs.

Germany is also supporting the availability of childcare through its participation in the Global Alliance for Care. It addresses care work as one of the central barriers to women’s economic empowerment and promotes increased investments in care systems and policies. Furthermore, Germany supports UN Women’s Transformative Approaches to Recognize, Reduce and Redistribute Unpaid Care Work in Women’s Economic Empowerment programming in Rwanda and Senegal. It has committed €2.9 million to the program, of which €1.3 million was delivered in 2024, and €400,000 is planned for disbursement in 2025.

In 2021, Canada made a five-year commitment of Can$100 million to address issues related to unpaid and paid care work in low- and middle-income countries. This commitment recognizes the value of the care economy and the disproportionate responsibility for care work that is shouldered by women and girls. This initiative is helping to transform social norms in low- and middle-income countries in Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia. At the UN General Assembly in September 2024, Canada’s prime minister announced over Can$57 million in funding for projects addressing unpaid and paid care work.

From 2020 to 2025, Canada’s Can$3-million commitment to the ILO’s Opening doors: more and better opportunities for domestic workers in Peru project has contributed to improving the socio-economic conditions of women care workers, especially those in Peru. It has facilitated the registration of almost 3,500 domestic workers by their employers. It has also funded workshops with women domestic workers, domestic workers’ unions and other women’s organizations on protecting workers’ rights and improving working conditions.

France advocates at the European and international level to ensure all families have access to high-quality childcare. For instance, the AFD recently financed a €50-million public policy loan to Albania to support women’s access to economic opportunities and facilitate women’s access to the labour market, with a specific focus on early childhood services.

In 2023, Japan provided US$1.3 million to UNICEF’s Expanding multi-sectoral humanitarian support for conflict-affected children, women and communities in Ukraine project. As a result of this funding, 69,000 people have gained access to family support services such as day care, parental clubs and integrated social service centres.

Since 1968, the JICA has dispatched almost 900 volunteers worldwide to support early childhood education. In addition, Japan has implemented technical cooperation projects that focus on early childhood education, such as the Quality Improvement of Early Childhood Development project in Egypt since 2017.

In 2023, the United Kingdom funded research on how expanding childcare affected women’s participation in the labour force and on how best to close the global gap in the availability of childcare. This included funding impact evaluations on childcare interventions through the World Bank’s Africa Gender Innovation Lab, as well as additional research through the Advancing Gender Equality and Labor Markets in Low-Income Countries program.

In 2022, Italy allocated €5 million to support integrated early childhood services in crisis-affected areas, focusing on women and girls. In Syria, it backed the UNFPA’s Family Protection Unit to enhance shelter, empowerment and GBV response services. In Colombia, Italy supported UNHCR-led programs to improve maternal and child health, psychosocial support and socio-economic opportunities for Venezuelan refugees and host communities. Funding from Italy also enabled the creation of a child-safe centre in Ukraine, offering non-formal education, recreation and psycho-social care for children affected by conflict.

27. Advancing gender equality through non-discriminatory legislation

Discriminatory laws, social norms and practices fuel gender inequalities, perpetuating gender gaps in education, health and the workforce. But non-discriminatory legislation advances gender equality by creating, reforming and implementing laws and policies that ensure equal rights and protections for all.

The OECD’s Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) measures discrimination against women in social institutions across 179 countries. The SIGI captures the underlying drivers of gender inequality by looking at laws, social norms and practices that restrict women’s and girls’ rights and access to empowerment opportunities and resources. The SIGI’s scoring system assigns higher numbers to countries where discrimination against women in social institutions is high.

It is encouraging that SIGI scores in all regions in the world decreased between 2019 and 2023. In 2023, the EU had the lowest score, at just 13.4, compared to the global average of 29.2. On the other hand, Asia and Africa had the highest scores, at 37.2 and 39.8 respectively. The highest-scoring category in the SIGI scores for Africa and Asia was “discrimination in the family.”

To address discrimination against women in social institutions, G7 members continue to provide critical funding to women’s rights institutions, government institutions and other organizations to support the development of non-discriminatory legislation. Between 2019 and 2023, the percentage of G7 ODA dedicated to achieving gender equality that was allocated to women’s rights organizations and movements, as well as government institutions, rose from 0.54% to 0.95%. However, the share directed to legal and judicial development decreased from 1.55% to 0.85%.

Figure 19: G7 bilateral ODA disbursement dedicated to achieving gender equality for the purpose codes of legal and judicial development; ending violence against women and girls; and women’s rights organizations and movements and government institutions, 2019 to 2023

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Sector and gender marker	Principal	Significant
2019	$425.7	$501.0
Ending violence against women and girls	$217.9	$24.6
Legal and judicial development	$20.7	$463.1
Women’s rights organizations and movements and government institutions	$187.1	$13.3
2020	$862.0	$578.1
Ending violence against women and girls	$312.3	$12.7
Legal and judicial development	$63.5	$561.4
Women’s rights organizations and movements and government institutions	$486.2	$4.1
2021	$626.1	$366.5
Ending violence against women and girls	$339.2	$17.0
Legal and judicial development	$24.1	$324.6
Women’s rights organizations and movements and government institutions	$262.8	$24.8
2022	$640.8	$292.1
Ending violence against women and girls	$332.4	$19.8
Legal and judicial development	$9.4	$245.3
Women’s rights organizations and movements and government institutions	$299.0	$27.0
2023	$619.0	$447.6
Ending violence against women and girls	$284.1	$56.5
Legal and judicial development	$11.1	$328.7
Women’s rights organizations and movements and government institutions	$323.8	$62.4

Figure 20: SIGI measure of discrimination against women in social institutions, 2019 compared to 2023

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	2019	2023
Africa	40.3	39.8
Americas	24.7	20.9
Europe	17.0	13.8
Asia	35.9	37.2
World	29.5	29.2

Source: OECD’s SIGI Index

Supporting multilateral organizations that promote gender equality

UN Women is the global champion for gender equality. It aims to advance women’s rights and ensure the empowerment of all women and girls. Institutional support from G7 members helps UN Women to:

• advance normative frameworks for gender equality
• coordinate the UN’s efforts on gender issues
• implement programs to advance gender equality, including promoting gender-responsive policies

Between 2022 and 2024, Germany contributed €58 million in core funding to UN Women, while Japan contributed US$12 million between 2021 and 2023. Since 2022, the United Kingdom has provided £3.3 million in core funding to UN Women annually, in addition to bilateral funding. Canada has also committed to providing Can$19.5 million in core funding to the organization between 2024 and 2026.

By the end of 2023, UN Women had implemented €158 million in EU contracts, including €90 million through its International Partnerships initiative and more than €190 million via the Spotlight Initiative.

G7 members also contribute to specific UN Women projects. For example, in 2023, Japan provided US$2.3 million to a project to empower women in Afghanistan, and, in 2024, it delivered US$2.2 million to a humanitarian and refugee crisis project to strengthen gender responses and prevention of violence against women and girls in Ukraine In 2023, Italy contributed almost €2.5 million to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls. Germany provided more than €7.9 million to the trust fund between 2020 and 2024; the United Kingdom contributed £34 million between 2014 and 2023; and Canada has committed to providing Can$10 million to the fund between 2023 and 2027.

The UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, works with partners in more than 150 countries to promote gender equality and provide access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services. Between 2022 and 2024, Germany provided €168 million to the agency, while Japan provided more than US$49 million between 2021 and 2023. In 2022, the European Commission committed €72.5 million to the UNFPA, making it the fourth-largest donor to its non-core resources. Through INTPA, the EU also pledged €45 million to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership from 2023 to 2026. In addition, Canada has committed Can$4 million between 2024 and 2027 to the UNFPA’s Making all Spaces Safe initiative. Between 2023 and 2024, Japan delivered US$2.7 million to UNFPA projects in Somalia that focused on addressing SRHR and GBV in drought-impacted locations.

As part of the Generation Equality Forum, France positioned itself as the leader in the Action Coalition on Bodily Autonomy and Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health. Through its €400-million contribution to this initiative between 2021 and 2025, France has helped:

• promote comprehensive sexuality education
• increase access to family planning
• provide legal and safe abortions worldwide

These commitments are part of France’s support for the UNFPA Supplies Partnership program, the Shaping Equitable Market Access for Reproductive Health program, the Organisation for Dialogue on Safe Abortion and the French Muskoka Fund.

The UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund is the largest UN trust fund, mobilizing emergency funding for women-led CSOs and women’s rights in crisis settings. Germany, its largest donor, has contributed US$90 million to the fund since its inception in 2016. In 2024, France provided €4.5 million to the fund, and it has renewed its commitment for the 2025 to 2026 period. This makes France the fund’s third-largest donor.

Between 2022 and 2024, Italy contributed €38.5 million to multilateral programming that focused primarily on promoting gender equality. It also directed more than €356 million to international organizations that feature gender equality as a strategic objective.

Since 2019, 63% of Canada’s bilateral ODA, or almost Can$13 billion, was channelled through multilateral organizations that supported gender equality, either as a principal or significant objective.

From 2021 to 2023, Japan channelled US$75 billion in ODA through multilateral organizations. Just over 24% of this funding was dedicated to programs that support gender equality as a principal or significant objective. For example, between 2021 and 2023, Japan provided:

• US$6.8 million to the Global Survivors Fund
• US$480,000 to the UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict
• more than US$8 million to IPPF, in addition to US$280,000 earmarked to the IPPF Japan Trust Funds

Italy, through the CDP, supported the launch of the new phase of the 2X Challenge—an initiative led by G7 DFIs to mobilize capital to support women as entrepreneurs, leaders, employees and consumers in developing countries. The 2X Challenge operates as a collaborative platform aligned with international efforts and complements the work of multilateral institutions dedicated to gender equality.

At the G7 leaders’ summit in 2024, member states welcomed the commitment by DFIs and microfinance institutions to invest at least US$20 billion from 2024 to 2027 to advance measurable changes and financing directed to women’s empowerment. They also called on other public and private actors to join the 2X Challenge.

In line with the EU Gender Action Plan III (2021 to 2027), the EU is integrating gender equality across all country, regional and global programs and actions. In fact, the share of the EU’s external actions that had gender equality as a policy objective increased from 68% in 2020 to more than 78% by 2023. For example, the EU provided €500 million to the Spotlight Initiative, which ended its first phase in December 2023. Under the Team Europe Initiative on SRHR in Africa, INTPA also allocated €20 million to the initiative in 2023, and another €40 million in 2024.

The United Kingdom, through BII, invested £499 million in gender finance commitments in 2024, representing 29% of their new investment commitments. In addition, the United Kingdom has provided more than £12 million to the World Bank’s Umbrella Facility for Gender Equality since 2019 and will continue to provide support in the future. The United Kingdom has also provided more than £4.5 million to the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM and £18 million to the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage.

Between 2022 and 2024, Germany also made core contributions to key multilateral organizations, including:

• €164 million to the GPE
• €160 million to the ECW initiative
• €75 million to the Global Financing Facility
• €25 million to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative

Promoting legislative frameworks that fight discrimination on the basis of gender

The Biarritz Partnership for Gender Equity was launched by G7 leaders in 2019. This initiative builds on the work of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council by identifying 79 good practices in gender equality laws in the following areas:

• violence prevention
• economic empowerment
• education
• health

The council called on G7 countries to commit to adopting and implementing new laws and legislative measures for gender equality. Since it was launched, 14 countries, including all G7 members, as well as Australia, Chile, India, Senegal, Spain and Ukraine, have joined this partnership.

Between 2019 and 2024, as part of the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program, Canada supported 2,790 women’s rights organizations; lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex+ groups; and feminist movements in 54 countries. Through quality and flexible core funding, capacity strengthening and alliance building, the program enhanced the ability of these organizations to advocate for changes in policies, legislation and services that address barriers to gender equality and the rights of women and girls. To date, the program has influenced 493 policies, laws and frameworks worldwide to help advance women’s rights and empowerment. For example, in Nigeria, program partners in Kwara State help to develop the Kwara State Action Plan on Child Trafficking and the implementation of the Maputo protocol. It is a promising regional treaty that promotes the rights of women and girls and combats all forms of discrimination and violence against women in Africa. As a result, the rights and protections outlined in the protocol are legally binding and enforceable in national legal frameworks.

Germany promotes political dialogue to advance legislation and the implementation and monitoring of laws that contribute to gender equality and to preventing gender-related discrimination. For example, in Ecuador, Germany supported the implementation of the Comprehensive Organic Law to Prevent and Eradicate Violence against Women through the Preventing Violence Against Women project. The project aims to strengthen the contributions of state actors, the private sector, civil society and the media in preventing violence against women. Through the project, Germany is providing advice on the development of an action plan to state and civil society institutions responsible for preventing violence against women.

The Justice Action Coalition is an international coalition of 20 states from around the world that was launched in 2021. Germany has committed €1.2 million between 2024 and 2026 to the coalition’s Catalytic Fund on People Centered Justice. This funding supports innovative initiatives, anchoring people-centred justice at the country level. Between 2023 and 2025, Germany has contributed €1.7 million to the UNDP and UN Women’s Gender Justice Platform to support gender equality and access to justice by promoting women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership in the justice and security sector.

From 2022 to 2024, through the Global Survivors Fund, Japan assisted the DRC, Iraq, Nepal and Ukraine in establishing legislation regarding reparation for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. By providing advocacy and technical assistance to the Ukrainian government and parliament, the fund supported the adoption of Law 10132, on reparation for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, in December 2024. In the DRC and Mali, Japan funded UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict projects that have strengthened the capacity of national judicial systems and enhanced engagement with conflict-related sexual violence survivors and other vulnerable communities.

France contributed €16.2 million to the Global Survivors Fund between 2019 and 2025. This included around €6.2 million from 2019 to 2022, €7 million from 2023 to 2025, and an additional €4 million via the Crisis and Support Centre to implement projects in Ukraine. France also sits on the fund’s board of directors.

Through targeted support for women’s rights organizations through the affirmative action coalition and diplomatic engagement in Ghana, the United Kingdom helped bring about the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, which was passed in July 2024. The United Kingdom has also supported legislative and policy reforms in the Philippines to advance gender equality, especially in conflict-affected areas such as Bangsamoro. In Nepal, the United Kingdom provided technical and financial assistance to the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme. This included mainstreaming a transformative gender equity and social inclusion approach. In Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom helped CSOs draft, support the passage of and monitor legislation that promotes gender equality, including the:

• Medical Services Bill
• Health Services Insurance Bill
• Termination of Pregnancy Act
• 2013 Constitution (with respect to gender equality; compliance; monitoring; and advocacy work)
• Domestic Violence Act

Gender equality is also regularly on the agenda of the EU’s political, security and human rights discussions with partner countries. In addition, the EU contributes to the implementation of international commitments, the drafting and implementation of national gender strategies and plans, the integration of the gender dimension in sectoral laws and policies and gender-responsive budgeting.

Canada: Helping women in Mongolia break into politics

Established in 2019, with a Can$300 million contribution from Canada, the Equality Fund has been crucial in advancing gender equality and women’s rights globally. As of March 2025, it has delivered Can$86 million to more than 1,600 women’s rights and feminist organizations in more than 100 countries.

In Mongolia, its grantee partner is MONFEMNET, a network of 21 national women’s organizations. With support from the Equality Fund, the network has helped bring together over 2,500 activists and organizations to push for significant reforms to Mongolia’s electoral system. As a result of their efforts, Mongolia now leads Asian countries in the number of women elected to office and nears the global average of 27%—a significant improvement from only 4% before the project. This is thanks, in no small part, to the efforts of women’s organizations that are supported by the Equality Fund.

VII. Governance

In our interconnected world, it is critical that countries work together to address global issues such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, public health crises and economic inequality. Governance plays a vital role in addressing these challenges and ensuring peace, stability, security and progress. It is also essential to achieving the SDGs.

The G7 has long played an important role in promoting inclusive and democratic governance. It has done this by supporting international and regional organizations, carrying out capacity-building activities and strengthening legal frameworks to fight corruption. G7 members have also worked with other partner countries to harness their natural resources for the benefit of all citizens and society in general.

28. G7 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) was formed in June 2003 as a global standard and framework for improving transparency and accountability in the oil, gas and mining sectors. It encourages resource-rich countries and extractive companies to disclose payments and revenues. This allows citizens and civil society to hold governments accountable for managing natural resources for public benefit. More than 50 countries have joined the initiative and agreed to the EITI Standard, a common set of rules governing disclosure.

Germany has supported the EITI technically, politically and financially since its inception in 2003. From 2024 to 2025, Germany held the chair in one of the voting groups on the EITI board and also sat as a member of the validation committee. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit [German agency for international cooperation] (GIZ) supports 16 countries in Africa, Latin America and Europe in implementing the EITI Standard. Germany is also implementing the standard itself. 

The United Kingdom has also been an active supporter of the EITI since its inception. In 2014, the United Kingdom became an EITI-implementing country, achieving a 90% (“high”) validation assessment result in 2021. The United Kingdom remains committed to continuing support for the EITI through its annual funding. It also provided funding to sponsor the Peer Learning Day at the EITI Global Conference in Dakar, Senegal, in June 2023.

As an EITI-supporting country, Japan has engaged a wide range of stakeholders to promote transparency and encourage them to become, or continue to be, supporters of the EITI. Since 2018, Japan has supported the EITI in Papua New Guinea to strengthen resource revenue management and reporting in line with international EITI standards.

France has provided consistent political, financial and technical support to the initiative since it became an EITI-supporting country in 2005. France was a member of the EITI board from 2013 to 2019 and a representative of the EITI-supporting states from 2021 to 2022. In July 2020, France signed an agreement with the World Bank to contribute €5 million to the Extractives Global Programmatic Support trust fund between 2020 and 2025. The EU is also supporting EITI implementation through this trust fund.

Since 2023, France has provided an expert to the EITI office in Lubumbashi, in the DRC. In addition, France financed a project in Senegal and the Republic of Congo, led by Expertise France, to strengthen the implementation of the EITI Standard. It also hosted the 8th EITI Global Conference in 2019, which led to the adoption of the 2019 EITI Standard.

As an EITI-supporting country, Canada provides annual financial contributions to the EITI International Secretariat. It has not joined the EITI as an implementing country, but it has implemented the Extractive Sector Transparency Measurements Act. It came into effect in 2015 and designated the minister of natural resources as the responsible authority for its administration and enforcement. The act requires Canadian businesses engaged in the commercial development of oil, natural gas or minerals to annually report payments of Can$100,000 or more to all levels of government and Indigenous groups, both in Canada and abroad. In the last five years, Canada has received more than 2,880 reports disclosing around Can$781 billion in payments to over 2,000 payees in 120 countries around the world.

The EU is continuing its support for the EITI International Secretariat, providing €3.5 million from 2023 to 2027. All EU countries in the G7, with the exception of Italy, have also correctly transposed the provisions in the EU’s Accountancy (and Transparency) Directives related to reporting on payments to governments.

29. Base erosion and profit shifting

Base erosion and profit shifting refer to tax strategies where multinationals shift profits to low or no-tax locations where economic activity is less prevalent. This costs countries hundreds of billions of dollars in lost tax revenue every year and disproportionately affects developing countries that depend heavily on corporate income tax. To address this, the OECD and the G20 established the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, in 2016.

The OECD and G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting continues to support discussions about how to address the challenges stemming from the digitalization of the economy, such as the Two-Pillar Solution. The aim is to create a more stable and fairer international tax system, shifting toward the coordinated allocation of taxing rights to market jurisdictions with respect to a defined portion of the residual profits of the largest and most profitable multinational enterprises.

G7 members have been actively participating in OECD and G20 discussions to address concerns regarding the Two-Pillar Solution, with the shared goal of finding a balanced and practical solution that is acceptable to all as soon as possible. In 2025, the G7 released a statement for delivering a side-by-side system to support further progress to stabilize the international tax system, including a constructive dialogue on the taxation of digital economy and on preserving the tax sovereignty of all countries.

In the meantime, the implementation process has gone ahead. In June 2024, Canada enacted Pillar 2’s primary rule, known as the Income Inclusion Rule, in legislation. Retroactive to December 31, 2023, the law enshrines the global minimum tax rule and a domestic minimum top-up in Canadian law. Canada also released draft legislation for the Undertaxed Profits Rule for public consultation in August 2024. If enacted, it would apply to corporate fiscal years that began on or after December 31, 2024.

Japan completed the introduction of the Global Minimum Tax through the legislation of the:

• Income Inclusion Rule (2023)
• Undertaxed Profits Rule (2025)
• Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (2025)

Japan supports international tax cooperation through the AfDB, IMF, OECD and World Bank, focusing on tax collaboration and capacity building in the Asia-Pacific. It also promotes coordination among these organizations and backs the Platform for Collaboration on Tax, a joint initiative of the four institutions.

In December 2022, the EU approved the Council Directive (EU) 2022/2523. It ensures a global minimum level of taxation for multinational enterprise groups and large-scale domestic groups in the EU. In December 2023, Italy implemented the global minimum taxation of multinational groups through Legislative Decree no. 209, which represents the transposition of EU Directive 2022/2523. Moreover, Italy has also approved ministerial decrees to adapt the national system to the interpretations provided by the OECD and G20 Inclusive Framework.

France transposed the EU directive in December 2023 and implemented Pillar 2 for fiscal years commencing after December 31, 2023, according to the Inclusive Framework agreement. France has since implemented the administrative guidelines agreed to in the framework and is actively participating in its ongoing work.

Germany implemented effective global minimum taxation for international corporations with the introduction of the Minimum Tax Act in December 2023. The German Development Cooperation is also supporting partner countries in implementing Pillar 2, by, for example, supporting the work of the OECD on tax and development.

In 2023, the United Kingdom legislated for two Pillar 2 rules: Pillar 2 Domestic Top-up Tax and the Multinational Top-up Tax (the Pillar 2 Income Inclusion Rule). Both rules took effect on December 31, 2023. In 2024, the United Kingdom legislated for the Undertaxed Profits Rule, which took effect from December 31, 2024.  

The United Kingdom continues to lead the Pillar Knowledge Sharing Network, an OECD FTA initiative supporting developing countries in implementing the Two-Pillar Solution. The network engages over 600 officials from more than 110 jurisdictions through targeted, peer-led virtual sessions. It is proving instrumental in strengthening implementation capacity by facilitating practical, country-led knowledge exchange on technical and strategic challenges.

Since 2018, the United Kingdom has been one of the leading donors funding the World Bank’s Global Tax Program’s international tax workstream; the OECD’s Centre for Tax Policy and Administration’s base erosion and profit shifting and international tax workstream; and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development’s tax transparency and transfer pricing deep dive programs. Each partner has been instrumental in providing developing countries, particularly in Africa, with technical support to implement measures against and address international tax avoidance. They have also created global goods-sharing best practices and built awareness of options for reform in this space.

30. Beneficial ownership transparency

A beneficial owner is the natural person who ultimately owns, controls or benefits from a legal vehicle. Improving the transparency of beneficial ownership is key to combatting corruption and ensuring the integrity of the global financial system.

In 2023, the United Kingdom established the Africa Beneficial Ownership Transparency (AfBOT) Network in partnership with the AfDB. The network brings African countries and other international partners together to accelerate the implementation of beneficial ownership registers in AfBOT Network’s member countries, ensuring the effective use of beneficial ownership for their data across Africa. The network has 15 member countries, including Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. It also has 12 international organization partners, including the AU, the World Bank, the IMF and Open Government Partnership.

The Team Europe Initiative To Support Africa In Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Transnational Organized Crime is a joint effort of the European Commission, France, Germany, Finland and Sweden. It provides technical, material and expert support to African partners. The goal is to help them adopt, upgrade and implement more effective policies and strategies to tackle illicit financial flows and related transnational organized crime. It addresses the entire spectrum of illicit financial flows, helping address issues such as:

• money laundering
• terrorism financing
• tax- and trade-based illicit financial flows
• corruption

As of June 2025, the initiative had brought together around 75 bilateral or multi-country programs and projects across Africa, amounting to more than €460 million in funding. All AU member states are, or will be, involved in at least one of the initiative’s programs or projects. For example, the SecFin Africa project, launched in 2024, is now the largest illicit financial flow project, thanks to support from the EU, Germany, France and Sweden.

Since 2022, the EU Global Facility on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) has supported 10 African countries and 10 non-African countries on issues related to beneficial ownership. The facility supports the adoption and implementation of adequate measures to prevent money laundering and to cut off funding for individual terrorists and terrorist organizations. The EU has also organized several regional events in which African countries were involved.

From 2022 to 2024, Germany helped Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire undertake sectoral risk assessments for legal entities and legal arrangements. The assessments used the World Bank’s AML and Countering the Financing of Terrorism National Risk Assessment Tool and were carried out by the World Bank. These sectoral risk assessments supported the successful implementation of beneficial ownership transparency registries.

Italy views beneficial ownership transparency as a fundamental tool in enhancing collective efforts in fighting transnational organized crime and corruption. Although it has yet to launch any concrete projects in this area, Italy is considering targeted technical assistance initiatives with African partners. These initiatives will focus on preventive and repressive asset-related measures, including reinforcing institutional frameworks. One dedicated project, currently in the design stage, will include a specific component on beneficial ownership transparency, with the aim of sharing best practices and methods already piloted in other regions. 

As a member of FATF, Canada contributed to the development of its public guidance document. Among other things, the document helps countries identify, design and implement appropriate measures in line with the FATF beneficial ownership standard, including creating a beneficial ownership registry.

Setting up additional beneficial ownership transparency registers in African partner countries

As of 2025, 13 AfBOT Network countries have launched live registers. Since the first ones were introduced in 2019, implementation has accelerated, with notable spikes in 2020 and 2023. Six countries operate multiple registers: Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria and Senegal each maintain full-economy business registers and extractive-sector registers, while Namibia and South Africa operate both full-economy and trust registers. This amounts to a total of 19 beneficial ownership transparency registers across AfBOT Network member countries.

Italy is also conducting preparatory work to identify African partner countries that could benefit from targeted technical assistance and capacity building in this area. These prospective initiatives are being designed as part of broader programs aimed at countering transnational organized crime and enhancing asset transparency. Ultimately, Italy will seek to complement the efforts of regional and international partners.

Germany is supporting partner countries in setting up beneficial ownership registries in Africa. For example, in the DRC, Germany is supporting the drafting of the Legal Framework for the Register of Beneficial Owners. In Lebanon, it has finalized an assessment of the beneficial ownership regime to improve on the country’s data collection practices.

31. Asset recovery

Asset recovery is the process of reclaiming assets that were illegally removed from a country. Putting mechanisms in place to recover these assets enables countries to generate funds for development and strengthens their criminal justice systems. It also deters corruption by making it a higher-risk, lower-reward activity.

During the reporting period, Germany supported 12 asset recovery initiatives under the framework of the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Networks (ARINs), known as the ARIN Talks. These discussions have served as a platform for sharing successful case experiences, addressing persistent challenges and reinforcing interagency collaboration on asset recovery. The talks brought together member countries from regional ARINs in Europe and Latin America and from five networks across Africa.

In partnership with the UN Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Germany helped establish two new regional platforms: the ARIN for the Middle East and North Africa and the ARIN for Central Africa. It also played a role in implementing the Common African Position on Asset Recovery and the launch of the African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum in 2024. This forum brought together anti-corruption authorities, prosecutors and asset recovery agencies from across Africa that adopted a charter to guide sustained, practitioner-led engagement and regional coordination.

In 2025, Germany also advanced innovative global approaches to recovering assets through its partnership with INTERPOL by developing and operationalizing the Silver Notice or Diffusion tool. The tool was piloted in Burundi, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Burundi, Namibia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have already submitted silver notices, marking tangible progress in the pilot phase.

Italy actively participates in all major meetings related to asset recovery, including the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Working Group on Asset Recovery, OECD initiatives and G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group activities. Italian delegations regularly attend technical meetings in Vienna, Austria, and have contributed to numerous Conference of the States Parties (COSP) to the UNCAC side events. In December 2023, Italy joined the 10th session of the COSP in Atlanta, United States, with a high-level delegation led by the Italian minister of justice.

Italy also implements asset-recovery-related capacity-building initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean through programs such as:

• Europe Latin America Programme of Assistance against Transnational Organised Crime 0
• Cooperation Program between Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union on drug policy
• Falcone-Borsellino Programme

These activities support national anti-corruption strategies, enhance investigative capacities and promote international standards, such as the G20 asset recovery guidelines.

In February 2023, Italy’s militarized law enforcement agency, the Guardia di Finanza [financial police], hosted the 1st FATF Forum on Asset Targeting and Recovery in Ostia (which is in Rome, Italy). Over 300 judicial, law enforcement, financial intelligence, tax and other experts—as well as policymakers—from around the globe came together to share experiences and tools to strengthen the fight against financial crime. 

In September 2023, the Guardia di Finanza also took part in the FATF-INTERPOL Partnership: Igniting Global Change to Take the Profit Out of Crime. Participants discussed how countries can keep pace with emerging risks, such as cyber-enabled crime. They also discussed how new technologies have increased the scale, speed and scope of such crimes, as well as the need for effective domestic coordination and international cooperation to successfully trace and recover criminal proceeds. 

Italy has also supported the use of silver notices to facilitate cross-border cooperation in asset recovery cases. Under its legal framework, confiscated assets can be repurposed for social use, benefiting local communities, NGOs and rehabilitation centres.

In 2025, Italy co-led the FATF Guidance on Asset Recovery project, helping jurisdictions align with new FATF standards. This reflects Italy’s longstanding expertise in asset recovery, built on a comprehensive system that integrates legal innovation, judicial specialization and specialized law enforcement capabilities. Italy’s model combines preventive and judicial confiscation tools and promotes the social re-use of recovered assets. Italy also actively supports capacity-building efforts in other jurisdictions.

France systematically participated in the UNCAC Working Group on Asset Recovery meetings between 2022 and 2024. It has also actively taken part in discussions with other members on good practices and challenges in implementing Chapter V of the UNCAC. Since the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) Action Series launched in 2023, France has a been one of its sponsors: it regularly participates in GFAR Action Series meetings to facilitate exchanges between experts and expedite asset recovery cases in focus countries.

In both 2023 and 2024, Japan participated in the ARIN–Asia Pacific annual meeting, where it promoted the sharing of information and experiences for asset recovery among law enforcement agencies in the region. Japan also contributed to discussions on asset recovery during the FATF Plenary and Joint Experts’ Meeting. It has also participated in the annual meetings of the UNCAC Working Group on Asset Recovery, sharing good practices and challenges in asset recovery with other member states.

The United Kingdom has continued to participate in the GFAR, particularly the GFAR Action Series meetings on specific asset recovery initiatives. It also regularly participates in the UNCAC Working Group on Asset Recovery, which is led by the United Kingdom’s Home Office. Through these meetings, the United Kingdom is working to:

• advance transparent and accountable asset return
• improve data collection and transparency
• promote non-conviction-based recovery
• encourage active participation of civil society

The EU and its member states actively participate in international asset-recovery forums, including the UNCAC Working Group on Asset Recovery and the GFAR. The EU promotes the full implementation of UNCAC Chapter V and the G20 High-Level Principles on Asset Recovery. In 2024, it adopted Directive (EU) 2024/1260 on asset recovery and confiscation, strengthening cooperation and the capacity of national asset recovery offices.

Implementing the G20 asset recovery principles and UNCAC Chapter V

In recent years, Japan has improved its asset recovery systems by taking into account various international standards, including UNCAC Chapter V and the G20 asset recovery principles. Japan also fully funded the UN Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) and conducts the UNAFEI-UNCAC Training Programme annually to improve the implementation of anti-corruption strategies, including mechanisms for asset recovery. In 2017 and 2022, the program focused on identifying, tracing, freezing, seizing, confiscating and recovering proceeds of corruption. Until December 2023, the UNAFEI held annual regional seminars on good governance to promote openness, transparency and the rule of law in Southeast Asia.

The United Kingdom places great importance on recovering and returning the proceeds of corruption. It also recognizes that these assets must be returned in a transparent and accountable manner—and in line with UNCAC principles. Between 2019 and 2024, the United Kingdom froze or denied more than £735 million in proceeds of grand corruption. It also recovered almost £305 million and returned close to £180 million. This demonstrates the power that the U.K. government and law enforcement have in fighting against criminals and kleptocrats who seek to use the United Kingdom as a haven for illicit funds. The United Kingdom’s aim is to leave no safe space for organized criminals to operate in; targeting the proceeds of their crimes, including corruption, is key to disrupting and deterring these criminals. 

The United Kingdom hosts and funds the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre. It was established in 2016 to improve international cooperation on grand corruption investigations. The centre is an international, multi-agency team of investigators and intelligence analysts that provides dedicated operational support to large-scale corruption investigations. It is the only organization in the world with active law enforcement officers who collate intelligence and evidence to directly support corruption investigations, in addition to providing case-specific mentoring and case coordination for asset recovery. Between its inception and May 2025, the centre:

• identified £1.8 billion in suspected assets suspected to have been illegally removed from a country
• froze £641 million in assets
• confiscated or forfeited £70 million in assets
• received 380 referral cases

The United Kingdom provides funding to the International Centre for Asset Recovery, which works with countries around the world to strengthen their capacity to recover illicit assets and support specific cases. The centre enhances international cooperation and provides case-based, hands-on mentoring on investigation methods, confiscation and prosecution strategies. It also delivers tailored training; supports legal, policy and institutional reform; and advances innovation and global policy dialogue on asset recovery. 

In addition, the United Kingdom is part of the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative. It works to return recovered assets to their rightful owners—often states or victims of corruption—thereby contributing to development goals and strengthening global anti-corruption frameworks. Cases are coordinated through the GFAR Action Series, which facilitates communication and negotiations among requested and requesting countries in connection with specific ongoing large-scale corruption cases. The United Kingdom also helps fund the initiative’s GFAR Action Series and its work to gather and publish data on asset returns.

France has recently strengthened its robust legal framework for asset recovery. A 2021 law created a mechanism to return assets from corruption to affected populations, followed by a 2022 directive that set a clear framework for implementation and ensured strict traceability. In 2024, France expanded the scope of asset seizure, including of tools used in committing corruption. These efforts are supported by specialized investigative services and the French Agency for the Management and Recovery of Seized and Confiscated Assets. France also supports regional UNCAC implementation, including of Chapter V, through the UNODC Fast-Track platforms. France contributed to the funding of the launch of the platform for West Africa and the Sahel and the deployment of an expert to contribute to the work of the platform for the Western Balkans. 

Between 2022 and 2024, Germany significantly expanded its support for international asset recovery, reaching 14 countries and three regional initiatives across Africa and the Western Balkans. Germany’s efforts have focused on building sustainable national capacities and fostering operational effectiveness. Country-specific initiatives have:

• supported the development of institutional frameworks
• enhanced coordination mechanisms
• strengthened the skills of law enforcement and judicial authorities

Germany’s support has included comprehensive training programmes, mentorship schemes and practitioner networks. These have equipped agencies with tools to pursue both conviction- and non-conviction-based asset recovery pathways. Germany prioritized providing technical assistance to enhance digital asset tracing capabilities to respond to evolving challenges, such as the misuse of virtual assets. Its regional workshops also advanced cooperation on asset management, financial investigations and mutual legal assistance.

These measures have directly contributed to the G7’s commitments to combat corruption, disrupt illicit financial flows and ensure that assets are effectively recovered, managed and returned in a transparent and accountable manner.

Italian legislation provides for a wide range of confiscation measures, including non-conviction-based confiscation, extended confiscation and third-party confiscation. Under Article 48 of Italy’s Antimafia Code, assets confiscated from criminal organizations may be reused for public, social or economic purposes. These include directly assigning them to civil society entities.

Italy’s support for international asset recovery is also channelled through technical assistance projects, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean. These include tailored support for national anti-corruption strategies, investigative capacity-building and the promotion of beneficial owner transparency and whistleblowing frameworks. These initiatives explicitly align with international benchmarks, such as the G20 Asset Recovery Guidelines, and are regularly presented at G20 and OECD events.

Italy also acknowledges the interconnection between organized crime and financial corruption, as highlighted in its support for the related 2023 UNCAC COSP resolution. Based on lessons learned from its domestic experience, Italy promotes an integrated approach that links asset recovery to broader efforts on beneficial ownership transparency and anti-money laundering. 

The EU supports the full implementation of the G20 High-Level Principles on Asset Recovery and UNCAC Chapter V, on the return of illicit assets. Through its Directive (EU) 2024/1260 on asset recovery and confiscation, the EU strengthens rules around tracing, freezing, managing and confiscating criminal assets, ensuring alignment with international standards.

VIII. Peace and security

In recent years, armed conflicts have reached a scale not seen in decades. In fact, conflict levels have almost doubled, increasing from more than 100,000 conflict events in 2020 to nearly 200,000 in 2024. There are currently more than 110 ongoing armed conflicts globally—45 in the Middle East and North Africa alone. In 2025, the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan each entered their third or fourth years. There has also been an escalation of fighting in east of the DRC. In 2024, there was also a 25% increase in political violence compared to 2023.

This increase has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Millions of others have been injured or displaced, and many have lost their families and faced unfathomable suffering. Although the root causes of conflict and violence are complex, G7 countries continue to take concrete steps to address the threats to peace and security that persist around the globe today.

32. Maritime security in Africa

Maritime security is a critical issue for coastal states. According to reports by the International Maritime Bureau, Africa experienced 84 attacks on ships and 135 kidnappings of seafarers in 2020 alone. While piracy and armed robbery incidents decreased by roughly 90% in 2024, compared to a peak in 2020, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and trafficking continue to undermine security efforts in the region.

The G7’s contribution to maritime security strengthens the capacity of African coastal states and regional organizations to effectively identify, prevent and combat threats to security at sea. This includes piracy, arms smuggling, illegal fishing and armed robbery incidents in territorial waters. This support increases state maritime sovereignty, improves regional stability and reduces the security risks that can have cross-border effects. At the same time, secure access to maritime transport routes protects critical supply chains—particularly for energy, food and raw materials—thus contributing to the resilience of international order.

Since 2017, the EU has reinforced maritime security in Africa by supporting regional and national capabilities to combat maritime infringements and prosecute offenders. Key investments include €28 million to the Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) program and €10 million to the Support Programme to the Maritime Security Strategy in Central Africa. Together, these programs are enhancing maritime domain awareness, law enforcement and port security in West and Central Africa.

The EU’s Coordinated Maritime Presences initiative in the Gulf of Guinea and the northwestern Indian Ocean promotes operational coordination and information sharing between African states. Assistance measures from the European Peace Facility also support the operational capacities of African navies. The EU’s €45-million contribution to the new Safe Seas program provides additional support for regional maritime safety and cooperation.

In addition, the EU collaborates with African organizations—such as ECOWAS, the Economic Community of Central African States and the Indian Ocean Commission—to implement the Yaoundé Architecture. It is a regional strategy to prevent and prosecute illicit activities in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea. The EU also provides support for fisheries surveillance and legal training to improve the prosecution of maritime crimes. According to external evaluations, such as the UNODC’s reviews of SWAIMS, the EU’s support has resulted in progress in regional coordination, legal frameworks and crisis-response capacities in maritime security.

France supports the capacities of its partners to enhance marine security in affected hotspots, including the Gulf of Guinea, the Horn of Africa, the Indian Ocean, Southeast and East Asia and the Pacific Ocean. It targets its support on critical areas, such as:

• supporting maritime security regional architectures
• enhancing anti-piracy operations and other restrictions to freedom of navigation
• fighting against maritime crime, particularly illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
• supporting new emerging challenges, such as underwater critical infrastructure

France supports key EU maritime security programs—including Safe Seas Africa, Global Ports Safety and CRIMARIO—and has maintained a permanent naval presence in the Gulf of Guinea through its CORYMBE mission since 1990. France enhances Indian Ocean security via operations from Mayotte and La Réunion and through a 2024 cooperation agreement with Djibouti on maintaining a permanent deployment of military personnel to cooperate with the states in the region and to serve as a support point for regional naval operations in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean. France also directly supports the Yaoundé Architecture through regional training schools in Africa and the Indian Ocean and practical programs, such as SIREN, as well as an annual maritime security exercise, Grand African Navy Exercise for Maritime Operations (NEMO), which fosters EU member states’ coordination against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and with the coastal states. Additionally, France is pursuing ship-riding agreements with Pacific nations to support maritime policing where naval capacity is limited.

Germany has been contributing to engagement in the maritime security of coastal states in West Africa. In particular, Germany is helping to implement the Yaoundé Code of Conduct through the framework of the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG). In the Gulf of Guinea, it supports the regional cooperation of the coastal states of West and Central Africa. For example, it has provided training to port personnel of both regions to ensure the safety and security of ports and shipped goods.

Italy’s activities in the Gulf of Guinea are focused on enhancing maritime situational awareness—the efficient exchange of information between national navies—which is crucial in the fight against piracy. It is also supporting the application of maritime legislation to prosecute offenders. The aim is to avoid the risk of impunity due to insufficiently developed national legislation. To support this, from 2022 to 2024, Italy provided €1 million to the UNODC’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operations. Italy is strengthening the collection of evidence and application of maritime legislation to counter illegal trafficking and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. To date, eight countries have benefited from this support. 

In 2024, Italy chaired the G7++ FoGG group and took part in the EU’s Coordinated Maritime Presence in the Gulf of Guinea. The Italian navy also regularly patrols the Gulf of Guinea to foster maritime security in collaboration with coastal states. Italy continued to take part in Operation Gabinia in the Gulf of Guinea in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The operation aims to combat piracy and build capacity in maritime situational awareness. In addition, Italy has continued to participate in the annual U.S.-led Obangame Express naval exercise and in the France-led Grand African NEMO together with European and Gulf of Guinea countries.

Since 2009, Japan has been conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia, and it has taken part in Combined Maritime Forces’ operations since 2013. Additionally, it has conducted joint exercises off the coast of Somalia with other G7 members, including the EU. For almost 25 years, Japan has been leading the Maritime Law Enforcement Program. This program is designed to help law enforcement officers build a strong international network to combat piracy. In 2024, 21 trainees from 17 countries, including Djibouti, Egypt, Madagascar and Mozambique, participated in the program.

In East Africa and the Indian Ocean, the United Kingdom has enhanced regional partners’ capacities in areas such as:

• international maritime law
• maritime counterterrorism
• illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing
• transnational illegal trafficking routes
• robbery at sea incidents in the Gulf of Aden

In particular, the United Kingdom has delivered training to the Ugandan and Kenyan marines to tackle the illicit trade to and from East Africa, which supports Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups.

In West Africa, the United Kingdom has provided bilateral assistance to several countries, including Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, to support their maritime security. It has also provided maritime domain awareness equipment and training, and it has worked with maritime security forces to enhance their capabilities in conducting vessel boarding and search-and-seizure activities.

Since 2022, Canada’s Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building programs have provided approximately Can$2.2 million toward strengthening maritime security in Africa. This includes providing training, equipment and legislative support to enhance inter-agency coordination to reinforce borders controls at seaports. These programs have helped establish two joint maritime operations centres in Kenya. These centres are combatting illicit trade, supporting the international rule of law and bolstering law enforcement responses to foreign terrorist fighters and maritime migrant smuggling at sea. Launched in partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard, these centres are enhancing the capacity of African countries to respond to crimes committed in the maritime domain.

In 2025, Canada assumed the role of chair of the G7++ FoGG initiative. The initiative seeks to reinforce maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea region, and it tackles issues including illegal fishing, illicit trafficking and piracy. In 2025, as chair, Canada held discussions with G7 and African partners on maritime security issues and on how the initiative can best serve to support maritime security in the region going forward.

33. Women, peace and security

Women must play a critical role in all efforts to achieve sustainable global peace and security. NAPs detail the steps that governments are taking to meet obligations under the 10 UN Security Council Women, Peace and Security (WPS) resolutions and other internationally agreed-upon resolutions. These plans ensure that women’s priorities are central to peace and security decisions at all levels. All G7 countries have established NAPs, with the United Kingdom being the first to do so in 2006. G7 members also continue to work with other countries to support their efforts in developing their own plans.

In 2015, Japan established its own NAP—the last G7 member to do so. From 2018, it worked in partnership with UN Women to enable Sri Lanka to formulate its first NAP as well, which the island state adopted in February 2023.

In March 2024, Canada launched its third NAP, which extends to 2029. As a cross-government effort, it engages 10 federal departments and addresses non-traditional issues, including climate insecurity, competition in the Arctic and space and artificial intelligence. It also sustains Canada’s leadership in the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, which includes partnerships with countries that provide troops and police to UN peace support operations. Canada is committed to helping other countries develop their NAPs through the exchange of good practices and lessons learned—and it has worked with partners around the world to do so.

From 2022 to 2024, Germany implemented its third NAP, which is structured around the four pillars of UN Security Council Resolution 1325:

• crisis prevention
• participation
• protection and support
• humanitarian assistance, crisis management and reconstruction

These pillars are complemented by two cross-cutting areas: strengthening the WPS agenda and increasing institutional integration and capacities. Germany is currently working on its fourth NAP, which will be developed by an interministerial working group for WPS, in close dialogue with civil society from Germany and the Global South.

Italy is in the process of adopting its fifth NAP, which will be effective from 2025 to 2029, reinforcing a whole-of-government approach to WPS implementation and international cooperation. Italy also actively supports the WPS agenda by providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries implementing NAPs, many of which have recently adopted, upgraded or implemented their plans. In 2023 and 2024, Italy funded WPS-related projects in Afghanistan, Colombia, Ecuador, Morocco, Palestine and the Horn of Africa. By supporting the development and operationalization of NAPs, Italy is strengthening women’s leadership and participation in peace processes.

In February 2023, the United Kingdom launched its fifth WPS NAP (2023 to 2027). For the first time, it includes domestic commitments, tackles the impact on women of transnational threats and adds Ukraine, Ethiopia and Yemen to its list of focus countries. Over the past year, the United Kingdom has supported greater involvement of women in:

• peace processes in Sudan and the Philippines
• peacebuilding in Myanmar and Syria
• the defence sector in Ukraine
• reconciliation efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Since 2012, the United Kingdom has spearheaded the flagship Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, and it continues to confront rising violence against women and girls, including in Ukraine, Sudan and the DRC. As the “penholder” on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and a signatory of the Shared Commitments on Women and Peace and Security, the United Kingdom has supported the ability of women from civil society to regularly engage with the Security Council and helped secure language on women’s rights in Security Council products.

France has made promoting women’s rights a strategic priority in its interventions in crisis- and conflict-affected areas and has committed to implementing its third NAP. Between 2022 and 2024, France provided financial and technical support to Niger and, later, Chad to help them implement their own NAPs. In 2025, this support paved the way for the creation of a dedicated 1325 Facility led by Expertise France. Through its support to local organizations focusing on WPS efforts, France has also backed civil society engagement in designing, monitoring and evaluating NAPs in Iraq, the DRC and Cameroon.

Several EU delegations are actively supporting the development and implementation processes of NAPs, including in Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chad, Colombia, Guinea, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, the Philippines, South Africa and Vietnam. In Chad, the EU delegation, EU member states and Switzerland have provided significant support to advance the WPS agenda since 2021. This support has focused on GBV, women’s rights and economic empowerment. In January 2023, Chad adopted its NAP to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325, with support from Spain, Switzerland and Chad’s Ministry of Women and the Protection of Early Childhood and National Solidarity.

To support the implementation of Chad’s NAP, the EU delegation provided €6 million in 2024 to a program involving local ministries, international and local NGOs and women-led associations. The program focuses on protection, relief and recovery. It aims to directly address the needs of women and girls affected by conflict and GBV, including internally displaced persons, refugees and returnees. In addition, the initiative will strengthen national and local institutions responsible for implementing the NAP, ensuring long-term impacts and sustainability.

In 2024, Colombia adopted its first WPS NAP. The EU delegation and other members of the international community supported the Colombian government during the consultation phase and at the plan’s launch event. The EU delegation and EU member states also actively participated in and contributed to the development of Mozambique’s second NAP on WPS. This process was led by Mozambique’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Action, and by UN Women, with funding from Norway.

Since 2017, the EU has stepped up its cooperation with Africa on WPS. The EU has supported regional and national initiatives to promote gender equality and empower women in conflict prevention and resolution. It has also enhanced the capacity of African women’s organizations and promoted women’s participation in peace processes in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region. The EU’s support has further promoted the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions.

In addition, the EU has provided support for the deployment of women peacekeepers and the promotion of gender equality in African peace operations. It collaborates with African regional organizations, such as the AU, to implement the WPS agenda and provides support for gender training and capacity building to increase the participation of women in peace and security decision-making. For instance, the EU’s support for the African Governance Architecture and African Peace and Security Architecture contributes to the implementation of the AU’s commitments to the WPS agenda in the framework for these architectures.

Assisting partner countries in implementing NAPs

Through its technical assistance, Canada has supported the implementation of NAPs in The Gambia, Iraq, Jordan and Somalia. Canada also renewed support for the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, committing Can$2.5 million between 2024 and 2026 to advancing the implementation of NAPs in Chad, Colombia, the DRC, Lebanon, Nigeria and South Sudan. Through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, it also strengthened local capacities to establish and implement NAPs in Colombia, the DRC, Guatemala, Lebanon, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Turkmenistan.

In 2024, the EU delegation launched a call for proposals under the Active Citizenship program in Mozambique. This included €3 million to foster civil society engagement in the implementation of the WPS Agenda, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and Mozambique’s WPS NAP.

In Serbia, the EU delegation to Serbia is funding Women for Peace and Security: Towards Good Neighborly Relations between Serbia and Kosovo, implemented through the Association of Women Sandglass. It aims to strengthen cooperation between women’s organizations from Kosovo’s Mitrovica region and Serbia’s Rasina region and increase their involvement in peacebuilding efforts. The initiative is also working to mainstream gender into the peace process by:

• increasing available knowledge
• providing evidence-based recommendations for the implementation of Resolution 1325
• strengthening awareness of local public officials and the general public on the issue

Through a range of initiatives, France is actively supporting the implementation of NAPs in the Central African Republic, Chad, the DRC, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Ukraine and elsewhere. In 2022, France launched a €11.5-million call for proposals for local CSOs engaged in implementing the WPS agenda in the Middle East and in West and Central Africa. In fact, France supports and connects over a hundred local feminist organizations engaged in this agenda across 12 countries. It also supports the Women Lead in Emergencies initiative led by CARE France, which strengthens women groups and networks on the frontlines in Colombia, Ethiopia and Ukraine.

Since 2017 and the creation of the AFD’s Minka Peace and Resilience Fund, France has provided close to €1.2 billion to fund more than 140 projects that support the protection and participation of women in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa. Between 2022 and 2024 alone, France funded 53 new peace and resilience projects with a combined budget of over €487 million. 

In consultation with local and regional partners, Germany has worked with numerous countries to establish and implement WPS NAPs. For example, its financial support enabled the transparent and inclusive development of a NAP in Ethiopia, which included country-wide public consultations.

Germany has also worked with regional institutions to implement regional NAPs. For example, Germany supported the development of the second Regional Action Plan on WPS of the International Conference on the Great Lakes region of Africa. This involved close cooperation and coordination with the 12 conference member states, all of which either have or are currently developing NAPs.

To promote the implementation of Sri Lanka’s NAP, Japan, in partnership with the UNFPA, provided funding to construct shelters and other related facilities in Sri Lanka. This is contributing to the protection of victims of GBV and improving the status of women and young people. In partnership with UN Women, Japan also implemented a project for vocational and other training programs to enhance women’s employment opportunities and strengthen the capacity of Sri Lanka’s government and local communities to protect against and prevent sexual violence.

Thanks to £270,000 in funding, the United Kingdom enabled over 1,500 women to participate in the development of the first Colombian NAP. The United Kingdom has also supported the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on WPS, a three-year, £3.2-million program launched during the ASEAN WPS Summit in July 2023. Through this program, the United Kingdom has supported the drafting and adoption of WPS NAPs in Vietnam and Timor-Leste. This elicited interest from other members of ASEAN, such as Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand, to adopt their own NAPs.

Between 2022 and 2024, Italy allocated €3 million to support WPS implementation, including in developing countries. In Senegal, Italy has committed more than €2.1 million to the Supporting Program of National Strategy for Gender Mainstreaming and Women Empowerment. The initiative is working with the Government of Senegal to develop a strategy to institutionalize gender policies by applying the methodology inspired by the SIGI. The program also aims to combat violence against women through a strategic partnership between Senegal’s government, UN Women and national and international institutes and research centres. This program includes the implementation of specific actions, in partnership with civil society, to tackle discrimination and GBV by promoting women’s rights centres and the application of gender budgeting.

Enhancing coordination and implementation mechanism in partner countries

Germany has delivered support and training sessions on the WPS and Iraq’s NAP to the four Iraqi government ministries responsible for implementing the plan. Following the support, the ministries developed their own action plans and collaborated on their first interministerial and collaborative road map for implementing the WPS agenda.

In many countries, Canada supports governments, civil society and security sector actors in developing and implementing strong NAPs. With the help of Canada’s technical assistance, Somalia is developing implementation tools for its NAP, including a baseline and performance measurement framework. In Ghana, Canada is funding the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa to enable independent monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the country’s second NAP. The foundation is also convening validation workshops to strengthen accountability and coordination among NAP partners, including the Ghana Armed Forces. In 2024, Canada provided Costa Rica with technical assistance to draft its first NAP after multi-stakeholder consultations.

Italy supports coordination and implementation mechanisms through sustained funding of regional networks, such as the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network. This network is fostering dialogue among women leaders from countries such as Lebanon, Libya, Kosovo and Syria, as well as promoting cross-border coordination on WPS priorities.

In Colombia, Italy provided €1 million to the Humanitarian Aid and Peace Building in Colombia through the Protection and Promotion of the Role of Women and Young People project, which is implemented in collaboration with CSOs. The initiative aims to enhance to capacity of local organizations to receive and assist displaced persons and women victims of violence. It also promotes the participation of local women’s organizations and women social leaders in political dialogue for peacebuilding in the region.

Following the adoption of Chad’s NAP, the EU helped establish a coordination mechanism to bring together technical and financial partners. The resulting technical and steering committees ensure the proper implementation of the NAP and strengthening collaboration to achieve tangible results. The EU delegation and several EU member states are also participating in these committees.

Japan’s WPS efforts in Sri Lanka have been delivered through the G7 WPS Partnerships Initiative, which requires an embassy in a partner country to take the lead in coordinating with other G7 nations’ embassies. For this reason, the Embassy of Japan holds coordination meetings with the Government of Sri Lanka, UN Women, other G7 delegates and other UN agencies to exchange updates on the project and steward cooperation in the group.

Japan: Commemorating 25 years of advancing WPS

The participation and leadership of women in conflict prevention and resolution, peacebuilding and recovery is critical to sustaining peace. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1325, on WPS.

In 2025, Japan and Norway are co-chairing the WPS Focal Points Network, with Japan hosting the Seventh Capital-Level Meeting in Tokyo under the theme of Deepening WPS Commitments for Action: Innovating and Adapting to Deliver on Peace and Security. The meeting brought together 172 participants from 63 countries to reflect on progress and future directions. A communiqué was issued with recommendations on addressing various issues, including women’s roles in peacebuilding, human rights, disaster risk reduction and the development of national and regional action plans.

United Kingdom: Helping countries develop and implement their WPS NAPs 

The United Kingdom has helped several countries, including Mali, develop their WPS NAPs. In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, it provided the Malian NGO Femmes et Développement [women and development] with £900,000 to promote the role of women and young people in local governance and peacebuilding processes in Mali and Burkina Faso. The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also deployed a WPS expert to build the capacity of the Malian government to mainstream WPS throughout its operations by providing training and peer learning. This U.K. expert also evaluated the impact of Mali’s third NAP. 

The United Kingdom, through its Integrated Security Fund, also allocated £13 million between 2020 and 2025 to support the Mindanao peace process in the Philippines by strengthening stability and the democratic political settlement of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. This included advocating for the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in governance and peace processes.

34. Crises and conflicts in Africa

The world is experiencing an unprecedented number of conflicts, with fatalities from violent events rising 37% between July 2023 and June 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most conflict-affected region, recording 28 internal conflicts during this period—the highest number since 1991.

In 2023, G7 spending on conflict resolution, peace and security in developing countries totalled over US$3.2 billion. This was a slight increase from just over US$3 billion in 2019. Between 2019 and 2023, 30% of this funding was directed toward initiatives in Africa.

Figure 21: G7 ODA for conflict prevention, peace and security in Africa, 2019 to 2023

Text version

Year	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Donor
EU institutions	$326.7	$371.8	$415.1	$315.0	$415.3
Canada	$21.0	$21.8	$23.3	$35.8	$27.0
France	$4.2	$5.5	$7.1	$2.4	$2.2
Germany	$225.0	$261.4	$352.9	$268.9	$211.5
Italy	$2.9	$5.4	$2.9	$7.1	$1.7
Japan	$23.2	$19.0	$27.1	$13.7	$25.7
United Kingdom	$126.3	$115.8	$92.9	$58.6	$64.2
United States	$150.7	$120.8	$240.7	$104.5	$157.2
Total	$880.1	$921.5	$1,162.1	$805.9	$904.8

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Reporting System – grant equivalent

Since 2022, Canada’s Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building programs have provided more than Can$40 million to enhance the capacity of African countries to prevent and respond to terrorism and organized crime. This includes funding to:

• provide training, equipment and technical assistance to enhance border security
• strengthen resilience to violent extremism at the community level
• counter the flow of illicit finances, drugs and weapons
• improve law enforcement and military intelligence capacities

Through its Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs), Canada has enhanced collaboration among African states, regional organizations and UN peace operations to strengthen child protection and conflict prevention via the Canada-led Vancouver Principles initiative. For example, Canada contributed to updating and disseminating tools, such as the handbook for civilian child protection actors and a practice note on child-protection-sensitive peace processes. These are now used in UN Peacekeeping Operations in the Central African Republic, the DRC, Mali and South Sudan.

Canada also supported UNICEF’s efforts to improve coordination between UN peacekeepers and child protection actors in those four countries. In Mali, Somalia and South Sudan, PSOPs has also supported advocacy campaigns that have amplified local voices and raised awareness of child protection barriers to peace and protection.

Canada has also advanced regional knowledge sharing and evidence-based policy development through its support to the UN Institute for Disarmament Research. The institute addresses critical knowledge gaps in child reintegration programming in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.

Between 2022 and 2024, Germany allocated more than €1.5 billion to around 350 projects focusing on promoting peace and security across the African continent. Notably, Germany helped the AU implement the African Peace and Security Architecture at the member-state level, with particular focus on areas such as:

• transitional justice
• empowerment of women and youths as peace agents
• climate, peace and security nexus
• mental health and psycho-social support

Germany also supported the AU Border Programme, which prevents and manages conflicts by building capacity and strengthening institutions involved in cross-border governance. Germany also continues to work with West African coastal countries dealing with the spill-over effects of violent extremism from the Sahel to build resilience in their northern border regions.

In addition, Germany remains engaged in the Sahel region through bilateral engagement, as well as crisis-response mechanisms. One such mechanism is the Sahel Facility, a trust fund that supports efforts by communities in Sahelian countries to create economic opportunities and promote peace and social cohesion.

The United Kingdom has been working in partnership with various African countries and regional organizations to improve conflict prevention and response in the region. For example, in the Lake Chad Basin, the United Kingdom has supported the Multinational Joint Task Force. This joint effort focuses on addressing violent extremism, improving civil-military coordination and bolstering security forces’ human rights compliance. The United Kingdom’s support has also enhanced the capacity of regional governments to initiate dialogue to promote peaceful settlements.

In the Horn of Africa, the United Kingdom has supported an initiative to promote peace and stability in the border areas between Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia as these areas are dealing with Al-Shabaab attacks, inter-communal violence and resource-based conflict. The project focuses on strengthening national responses to insecurity along borders and supporting local governments’ approaches to conflict resolution and management. 

The United Kingdom has also provided training and support to countries deploying—or aiming to deploy—troops to AU and UN peace operations. In addition, it has worked with the AU to strengthen its peace and security architecture.

In 2024, through partnerships with regional actors and organizations, Italy supported efforts to defend against jihadist terrorism in the Horn of Africa—a region marked by instability. For example, Italy contributed to Somalia’s institutional development and backed Ethiopia’s national reconciliation process. It also focused on addressing the crisis in Sudan by:

• supporting mediation efforts
• ensuring humanitarian access
• promoting the inclusion of Sudanese civil society in peace talks

Italy has expanded its presence in West and Central Africa, particularly the Sahel region, which is a key area for migration and European security. For example, in 2024, Italy opened an embassy in Mauritania and it continues to participate in the Bilateral Support Mission in the Republic of Niger. In Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, Italy helped to counter terrorism, irregular migration and trafficking, while encouraging constitutional transitions. Italy also contributes to energy security via the EU Military Assistance Mission in southern African nations such as Angola and Mozambique.

Since 2008, Italy has supported stabilization efforts in the Sahel and Horn of Africa, with increased humanitarian assistance since 2022. Using the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, Italy funds projects that link emergency response with recovery and resilience in partnership with CSOs and international agencies. Italy also promotes anticipatory action through the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, supporting local “situation rooms” in building community-level capacity and ownership for peace.

In August 2025, Japan hosted TICAD9 in partnership with the UNDP, World Bank and AU Commission, focusing on peace and stability. The conference brought together stakeholders from 49 African countries, international organizations, the private sector and civil society. The resulting Yokohama Declaration reaffirmed human security and called for Africa-led solutions to conflict.

Japan has provided approximately US$68 million in financial assistance and expertise through the UNDP to peacekeeping training centres in African countries. Since 2023, this has included providing capacity-building activities for personnel engaged in regional peace operations in Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Japan also hosted workshops and field training in Togo regarding the risks associated with improvised explosive devices, landmines and unexploded military devices. 

Japan has also provided financial support to the AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security department. In 2022, this included support for peacebuilding activities in Ethiopia and South Sudan to maintain security in the Horn of Africa. In 2024, Japan provided financial support to establish a joint peace and security unit along the Sierra Leone–Guinea border and contributed US$3 million to the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

Since 2017, the EU has significantly enhanced its collaboration with African states and regional organizations to improve crisis prevention and response. This includes:

• deploying 12 EU Common Security and Defence Policy missions across Africa
• training more than 30,000 African military personnel
• providing €600 million to the European Peace Facility in support of Africa-led peacekeeping missions between 2022 and 2024

The EU also delivered €40.5 million to the African Peace and Security Architecture, including €25 million to the African Governance Architecture and €25 million to the Continental Early Warning System to improve conflict cycle management and early warning systems. The EU has also deepened its cooperation in the region through a 2018 EU-AU memorandum of understanding and dialogue on conflict prevention, counterterrorism and cybersecurity. By advancing joint maritime security initiatives and capacity building in counterterrorism, governance and rule of law, the EU aims to address the root causes of instability in the region. As of July 2025, the EU is also engaged in providing a new support package for the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture.

In April 2024, France hosted a humanitarian conference on Sudan and France’s regional impact and response. France promotes peace and security in Africa through partnerships rather than through direct intervention, reducing its permanent military presence and transferring bases—except in Djibouti—to local authorities. French liaison detachments remain in Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon for rapid, tailored support.

In 2024, France trained over 10,000 African soldiers through its network of training schools. At the same time, France invests in crisis prevention and economic development, including €3.5 billion through the AFD to support fragile states. Through the Security and Defence Cooperation Directorate, it has allocated €100 million since 2022 for security sector reform, training and crisis prevention, including support for 22 regional vocational schools, the training of African military and police officers and local projects. Around 200 French experts are deployed across Africa to assist with maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, migration management by strengthening immigration controls and improving law enforcement capabilities, and disaster response by providing support to local armed forces in responding to natural and technological disasters. France also plays a key role in regional cooperation, exemplified by its participation in the African Land Forces Symposium and initiatives such as the Grand African NEMO exercise.

IX. Environment, climate and energy

The average temperature on Earth has increased by around 1.2°C since the start of the Industrial Revolution, with the last 10 years being, on average, the warmest ever recorded. This is having devastating impacts on people and ecosystems around the world. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms, floods and droughts, are becoming more common. Sea levels are rising, causing flooding and forcing people living in coastal communities from their homes.

We are also witnessing an extreme loss of biodiversity. This is leading to the loss of essential ecosystem services, which is threatening the livelihoods and human rights of hundreds of millions of people around the world. In 2024, more than 46,000 species were categorized as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List Index, up from just over 40,000 in 2021.

The impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss do not stop at national borders. These issues are transnational in nature, and it is often those countries that have contributed the least to the causes that bear the brunt of the effects. Since the G7 members shoulder a significant share of the responsibility for the environmental and climate crises facing our world today, it is important that the organization remains committed to addressing these issues. Ensuring environmental stability and establishing clean energy infrastructure and effective climate action are essential to sustainable development, as envisioned in the 2030 Agenda.

35. Biodiversity

Biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history. Recent estimates indicate that species extinctions are currently 10 to 100 times higher than the natural baseline due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation and climate change. Biodiversity loss jeopardizes everything, including food security, clean air and water and economic growth. In fact, according to the World Bank, more than half of global GDP is dependent on nature.

The Rio markers monitor and statistically report on whether development finance targets the themes of the Rio Conventions, including biodiversity and desertification. They indicate whether climate change adaptation or mitigation is the principal (primary) or a significant (secondary) objective of activities. In 2023, G7 Rio markers ODA marked principal or significant for biodiversity, climate change and climate adaptation in developing countries totalled US$66 billion. This was an increase from US$47 billion in 2021, but a decrease from US$69.6 billion in 2022.

Figure 22: G7 aid activities targeting global environmental objectives, 2021 to 2023

Notes: Includes principal and significant policy markers

Text version

Year	2021	2022	2023
Biodiversity	$7,590.5	$8,770.1	$8,958.9
Climate change mitigation	$19,689.3	$33,655.4	$32,818.4
Climate change adaptation	$19,926.2	$27,222.0	$23,845.8
G7 total	$47,206.0	$69,647.5	$65,623.1

Source: OECD-DAC data on Rio markers

As of 2024, Germany is supporting more than 89 partner countries to combine biodiversity conservation with measures that safeguard the livelihoods of local populations. For example, Germany contributed €222.5 million to the Legacy Landscapes Fund, which combines private and public funding to ensure long-term core financing for the protection of at least 30 biodiverse areas in developing countries until 2030. Germany also supports more than 900 protected areas worldwide, covering a total of at least 2.3 million square kilometres.

In 2024, the German contribution to the Blue Action Fund reached a total of €114.8 million. The fund supports the establishment and management of marine protected areas that conserve the ocean and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities in developing countries.

Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) also supports partner countries’ efforts to establish, expand, consolidate and connect protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Through more than €80 million in funding, the IKI has supported eight new projects that focus on terrestrial, coastal and marine protected areas, including OECMs. For instance, a regional One Health project in Central Asia is establishing 500,000 hectares of new OECMs to prevent future zoonoses. (A zoonosis is an infectious disease that is naturally transmitted between animals and humans.) The IKI is also supporting the CoralCarib project, which aims to improve the management of protected areas in Caribbean coral reef ecosystems in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica.

Territories and areas conserved by Indigenous Peoples and local communities play a vital role in protecting biodiversity. Since 2014, Germany has provided €49 million to the Global Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCA) Support Initiative, with €22 million delivered since 2022. This is strengthening ICCAs in 50 countries, assisting them in conserving biodiversity and in preserving their traditional environments and lifestyles.

In 2023, France committed €1.3 billion to support biodiversity in developing countries under Target 19a of the KMGBF. The AFD met its goal of €1 billion annually two years ahead of schedule, funding protected areas and OECMs. France also surpassed its target of 30% biodiversity co-benefits in climate finance. In 2025, it co-hosted the third UN Ocean Conference with Costa Rica, launching the Nice Commitments for the Ocean to promote a sustainable blue economy and accelerate the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, set to enter into force in January 2026.

Italy is strongly committed to protecting and conserving biodiversity. Between 2015 and 2022, Italy earmarked between 10% and 11% of its ODA to biodiversity-related programs. This made it the sixth-most-committed donor country in the sector. For instance, it created the ICF in 2022 to support its commitments to climate finance under the UNFCC. With an endowment of €4.4 billion over five years, it is the largest national climate and environment fund in Europe. The fund finances projects to combat climate change in countries receiving public development assistance. A project’s eligibility is assessed against all four Rio markers, including the marker for biodiversity. The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation is also involved in financing and implementing several biodiversity-related programs, both on its own and as a participant or leader in EU initiatives.

Almost all EU biodiversity programs have direct or significant indirect positive impacts on area-based protection and conservation. In 2021, preliminary estimates put EU external biodiversity financing at slightly over €526 million. The EU has committed to doubling its biodiversity ODA between 2021 and 2027, compared to its previous multiannual financing period, and is on track to do so.

The EU’s new flagship initiative for Biodiversity in Africa, NaturAfrica, launched in six regional landscapes and several countries, including Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, the DRC, the Republic of Congo and Togo. NaturAfrica is based on a fully integrated approach of conservation that aims to:

• improve the livelihoods of 65 million people
• sequester up to 21 billion tonnes of carbon
• stabilize 3 million square kilometres of land
• ensure water security

In 2010, Japan established the Japan Biodiversity Fund, which helps developing countries revise or develop National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans. In 2021, the country pledged US$17 million for the second phase of the fund. Japan also supports other initiatives, including the:

• International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative
• Community Development and Knowledge Management for the Satoyama Initiative Programme
• Asia Protected Areas Partnership

In fact, Japan has 110 ODA projects that include biodiversity markers, and it delivered approximately US$394 million in support of biodiversity between 2022 and 2024.

The United Kingdom is investing £11.6 billion in International Climate Finance under its Plan for Change, including at least £3 billion for nature protection and restoration and sustainably managing nature, with £1.5 billion allocated for forests. This includes international development marine programs that have sustainably managed over 420,000 hectares and leveraged over £500 million in public and private finance.  

The United Kingdom’s Biodiversity Challenge Funds have also helped communities and countries to sustainably manage an estimated 59 million hectares of land and sea, as well as enabled around 250,000 people to enhance their livelihoods.  

Together with France, the United Kingdom is also growing high-integrity nature markets through providing support to the independent International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits. 

Canada’s Can$350-million contribution to the International Biodiversity Program (IBP) is helping to address biodiversity loss through 18 projects. Among the IBP’s 18 projects, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and WildAid are implementing the Supporting the protection of marine biodiversity within the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean project in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama and Peru. It protects marine biodiversity by combatting illegal fishing. It also enhances surveillance through dark vessel detection and strengthens local enforcement to safeguard ecosystems and coastal communities.

Canada’s Partnering for Climate initiative is a Can$300-million program that comprises 16 projects that are contributing to climate adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa through nature-based solutions. For example, the Nature Positive Food Systems for Climate Change Adaptation project supports low-carbon, climate-resilient development in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. It also enhances well-being for women and vulnerable groups by promoting sustainable, biodiversity-based livelihoods and strengthening socio-ecological resilience.

Contributing to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund in the Global Environment Facility

The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) was established by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) at the request of parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity’s COP15 to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montréal GBF. In 2023, at the Seventh GEF Assembly, Canada announced that $200 million of its $350-million IBP would be provided to the GBFF, making Canada the fund’s first and largest donor. Since 2024, seven projects have been funded—in Brazil, Gabon and Mexico—and dozens more are being developed. 

In December 2023, Japan announced the contribution of ¥650 million to the GBFF. With its contribution, Japan joined Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom to be among the first four donors to the fund. As of March 31, 2025, the United Kingdom has pledged a total of £55 million to the GBFF since it began in 2023, while Germany has contributed a total of €96 million. In 2024, France contributed €5 million to the GBFF, alongside its broader US$360-million contribution to the GEF between 2022 and 2026. As of July 2025, Italy has not made a financial contribution to the fund.

Italy: Supporting environmental recovery and sustainable development in Western Ethiopia

Launched at the Italy-Africa Summit in 2024, the Mattei Plan is a €5.5-billion plan to strengthen Italy’s economic and strategic partnerships with several African nations. One of the plan’s key projects is an initiative to support the environmental recovery and sustainable development of the Boye Lake area, which is in the city of Jimma in Western Ethiopia. Italy has committed €25 million toward the initiative: €13.5 million in grants and the remainder as a soft loan.

By supporting water sanitation and the restoration of the surrounding green areas, the initiative promotes the environmental rehabilitation of Boye Lake, turning it into a user-friendly and scenic natural area. The project is raising awareness of wetland conservation and management to encourage a preservation approach among residents and to provide the Jimma area with tourism and recreational opportunities. The project is also attracting both public and private investments and generating employment opportunities in several sectors.

Figure 23: Global Biodiversity Framework Fund of the Global Environment Facility—G7 funds pledged compared to G7 funds paid, as of March 31, 2025

Text version

Country	Sum of funds pledged (in USD)	Sum of funds paid (in USD)
Canada	$145,534,556	$110,710,764
France	$5,200,00	$5,200,00
Germany	$96,219,500	$96,219,500
Japan	$4,278,568	$4,278,568
United Kingdom	$70,906,533	$61,202,694
Total	$322,139,157	$277,611,526

Source: World Bank Group Financial Intermediary Funds – Global Biodiversity Framework Trustee reports

Figure 24: G7 ODA in water sectors with climate and biodiversity co-benefits, 2021 to 2023

Text version

	2021	2022	2023
Canada	$100.55	$7.80	$44.59
France	$1,389.08	$1,674.95	$2,155.02
Germany	$1,496.65	$1,895.67	$1,063.38
Italy	$67.27	$47.60	$117.03
Japan	$1,353.15	$1,010.00	$688.73
United Kingdom	$30.75	$77.20	$37.59
United States	$48.48	$120.49	$185.70
EU institutions	$797.74	$1,095.96	$805.20
Total	$5,283.66	$5,929.66	$5,097.23

Source: OECD-DAC data on Rio markers

36. Climate risk finance, insurance and disaster risk reduction

Extreme weather events and other climate risks are threatening the lives and livelihoods of people around the world. In 2024, environmental and climate-related disasters, such as tropical cyclones and floods, caused losses of US$320 billion worldwide and insured losses of approximately US$140 billion. This made it one of the costliest years since 1980, highlighting the fact that the frequency and intensity of climate-related hazards will increase over time.

Multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) provide accurate early warnings of hazards, such as storms, floods, wildfires and tsunamis. They save lives, protect assets and reduce economic losses by delivering alerts to those in affected areas, allowing them to take action to mitigate the impacts of the hazard. According to the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Status of MHEWS 2024 report, countries with less comprehensive MHEWS are likely to experience six times more deaths and nearly four times more disaster-affected people than countries with “substantial” or “comprehensive” coverage.

Since 1985, the G7 has made 70 politically binding commitments in response to environmental and climate-related disasters. In recent years, G7 members have significantly increased the ODA they contribute to strengthening MHEWS capacities in developing countries. It rose from US$530 million in 2019 to US$701 million in 2023, peaking at US$765 million in 2021. Between 2019 and 2023, the United States provided more MHEWS funding than any other G7 member, and it accounted for 55% of the G7 total in 2023. France remains the smallest contributor at just 0.3%.

Figure 25: G7 ODA for MHEWS in developing countries, 2019 to 2023

Text version

Year	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Donor
EU institutions	$100.8	$144.8	$142.8	$50.4	$87.0
Canada	$12.6	$3.6	$7.5	$6.3	$10.5
France	$3.8	$2.6	$0.7	$3.7	$2.3
Germany	$58.2	$45.6	$51.8	$143.7	$58.5
Italy	$2.5	$7.3	$4.8	$24.0	$9.0
Japan	$55.3	$15.1	$240.8	$45.0	$54.6
United Kingdom	$130.6	$143.7	$93.2	$86.6	$95.9
United States	$166.7	$184.7	$222.8	$257.5	$383.4

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Reporting System – grant equivalent

G7 members, particularly Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, are significant contributors to the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative. This global partnership was launched by France at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2015 to enhance early warning systems for LDCs and SIDS. It works directly with countries to increase the availability of, and access to, early warning systems, with 70 countries benefiting from regional programs for CREWS. CREWS also directly supports 10 countries’ access to early warning systems through national programs, with another 10 countries supported through the CREWS Accelerated Support Window. Of the countries supported, 27 are affected by conflict and fragility. In fact, 80% of all LDCs and SIDS are supported by the initiative. Thanks to support from CREWS, more than 397 million people living in LDCs and SIDS have access to, and receive forecasts from, early warning services. The initiative has also helped develop 78 national plans, strategies and laws on early warning systems.

Launched at COP27 by the Vulnerable Twenty Group and the G7, the Global Shield against Climate Risks supports financial protection and faster disaster response for vulnerable countries. Key contributors include Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom, which have active programs in 12 countries and the Pacific region. Building on the InsuResilience Global Partnership for Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Solutions, which has reached over 310 million people through 711 projects and $9.9 billion in coverage, the Global Shield against Climate Risks strengthens resilience through inclusive climate and disaster-risk finance.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2015 to 2030 was adopted by the UN General Assembly following the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, in 2015. The framework outlines seven clear targets and four priorities for actions to prevent new disasters and reduce existing disaster risks. It works alongside the SDGs and other 2030 Agenda agreements, including the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development, and the New Urban Agenda. All G7 countries are signatories to the framework.

Launched at the UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019, the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership brings together an unprecedented range of stakeholders across the climate, humanitarian and development communities. This partnership is driving a systemic shift toward acting earlier to reduce the impacts of disasters, mobilize commitments and inspire action. The United Kingdom is the co-chair, along with Samoa, and the sole funder of the partnership, providing approximately £6 million between 2019 and 2025. Other G7 members play an active role in the wider partnership, championing the need for pre-emptive action and working across silos.

In May 2024, G7 members recognized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to reduce the insurance protection gap amid rising natural catastrophes. They endorsed the High-Level Framework for Public-Private Insurance Programmes against Natural Hazards, developed by the G7 Finance Track with the OECD and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, to promote risk reduction, awareness, financial literacy and expanded coverage.

Japan: Supporting cyclone disaster risk-reduction in Bangladesh

Since 1988, the JICA has been collaborating with Bangladesh to develop a robust early warning system that integrates both structural and non-structural measures. This combination has significantly contributed to reducing casualties. In fact, cyclone-related deaths in the country decreased from more than 300,000 in 1970, to just 4,275 in 2007. 

Although developing an early warning system is vital for preventing injuries and deaths, its existence alone is not enough to ensure its effective use. That is why the JICA has also provided technical assistance to Bangladesh to enhance the capacity of those using the system, enabling them to deliver swift and accurate disaster-related messages.

Japan’s aid has also resulted in the construction of reinforced cyclone shelters to safeguard evacuees during disasters. These initiatives are essential to enhancing the overall effectiveness of Bangladesh’s early warning system—and to saving lives.

37. Marine litter

Marine litter presents a huge problem in our oceans: it is estimated that more than 11 million tonnes of plastic finds its way into the ocean every single year. G7 members support several initiatives to address this critical issue, such as the World Bank’s PROBLUE initiative. It is a multi-donor trust fund managed by the World Bank that is dedicated to promoting healthy oceans, including by reducing marine litter and pollution. At the G7 Environment, Clean Energy and Oceans Ministerial Meeting in September 2018, Canada and the EU announced their support for PROBLUE. Since its launch in 2019, it has initiated many projects in developing countries to address marine pollution. Although Canada is its largest donor, contributing Can$65 million to the fund, France, Germany, the EU, the United Kingdom and the United States have donated to PROBLUE.

France, through the AFD Group, comprising the AFD Group, Proparco and Expertise France, is implementing projects around the world to fight marine litter. Since 2015, the AFD Group has contributed €4.3 billion to support 156 projects related to waste management, 23 of which were launched between 2022 and 2024. 

The French Facility for Global Environment is a governmental financial instrument that promotes innovation in environmental protection and sustainable socio-economic development in developing countries. It finances pilot projects to test solutions, prove their impact and replicate them on a large scale. The program currently contributes €8 million to support five projects related to marine litter and plastic pollution.

Launched in 2018 and extended in 2022, the Clean Oceans Initiative is the largest multilateral effort to reduce marine plastic pollution. In May 2025, the initiative reached its €4-billion financing target, supporting projects aimed at reducing the discharge of plastics, microplastics and other litter into the oceans across Africa, Asia and Latin America. France, through the AFD Group, contributed €1.7 billion—41% of the initiative total funding—to meet the 2018 to 2025 target. Germany, through the KfW, has provided over €1 billion to the initiative. At the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, the Clean Oceans Initiative’s second phase was launched, with €3 billion in new financing by 2030, joined by the CDP, EBRD and AfDB.

Since 2015, Germany has initiated 66 projects addressing marine litter in developing countries, 30 of which are completely focused on preventing marine litter. Between 2016 and 2024, Germany committed over €194 million to marine-litter-related activities as part of international cooperation and development assistance efforts. For example, the BMZ has provided €3 million each to both the Integrated Waste Management and Marine Litter Prevention in the Western Balkans project and Circular City Labs in Albania, Colombia, Georgia and South Africa.

The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety has initiated, among others, the Marine Debris Framework – Regional hubs around the globe funding program. It has provided €102 million to fund a total of 22 projects in 25 countries.

Germany has committed over €90 million to various funds addressing marine litter, including PROBLUE. As part of Germany’s financial cooperation, the KfW committed to a policy-based loan of €400 million to Indonesia in 2024 for marine litter prevention. 

Since 2015, Japan has initiated a range of projects focusing on solid waste management in developing countries. It has provided approximately ¥15 billion worth of technical assistance to 44 countries and ¥13 billion in grants to 12 countries. One of the technical cooperation projects in Thailand aims to form a centre of excellence for marine plastic pollution studies in the Southeast Asian seas. Another project, the Japanese Technical Cooperation Project for Promotion of Regional Initiative on Solid Waste Management, is strengthening the capacity of central and local governments to deal with solid waste management in nine Pacific Island countries. Japan has also contributed approximately US$16.2 million since 2015 to fund 11 projects implemented by international organizations, including the UNEP, for measures to address marine plastic litter in Asia and Africa.

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment also organizes annual training programs for Asian countries on monitoring marine litter, particularly plastics in the ocean. In 2019, the ministry published guidelines for harmonizing ocean surface microplastics monitoring methods internationally, which were revised in 2020 and again in 2023. To collect data in accordance with these guidelines, the ministry also established the Atlas of Ocean Microplastics, a global mapping database, in 2024. The same year, it released guidelines on harmonizing monitoring methods on marine litter using remote-sensing technologies, such as uncrewed aerial vehicles. In 2025, it revised these guidelines to account for the use of stationary cameras for monitoring.

In 2019, the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris was established, under the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) with financial support from the Government of Japan. Japan has committed to delivering ¥200 million for the work in the ERIA during 2025.

Using ODA, the United Kingdom has contributed £24 million to the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP). As of 2025, GPAP has developed 25 national multi-stakeholder partnerships to tackle plastic pollution and supported 18 local-level waste management projects focused on the informal waste sector. The United Kingdom’s Championing Inclusivity in Plastic Pollution supported the UNEP’s Tide Turners Plastic Challenge to deliver policy and advocacy training for young people on marine plastic pollution. The United Kingdom has also funded marine litter activities, for example through the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, the World Bank’s PROBLUE and the Sustainable Blue Economies Programme through its support to Common Seas, an environmental NGO based in the United Kingdom. 

In Fiji, the United Kingdom funded the Circular Pacific Plastics program as part of its role as Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance co-champion.

The EU finances various projects that contribute to tackling marine litter directly or indirectly, taking action on issues such as:

• waste management and water treatment
• river pollution
• sustainable fisheries
• sustainable consumption and production
• the circular economy
• conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity

For instance, under its Partnership Instrument, the EU provided a €9-million grant to the Reducing plastic waste and marine litter in East and Southeast Asia – Supporting a transition to a circular economy in the region project in China, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It is supporting the international aspects of the EU’s 2018 Plastic Strategy in East and Southeast Asia. This is strengthening EU cooperation with countries in the region when it comes to the circular economy, which reduces plastic waste and marine litter.

In the Western Balkans, the EU supports capacity building through its Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, which aligns with waste and water management priorities and a forthcoming regional agreement on marine litter. In addition, the Clean Oceans Initiative, backed by several key European DFIs, could become an important vehicle to enhance European investments in the management of plastic waste and marine litter.

At the June 2018 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada launched the Ocean Plastics Charter. To achieve the charter’s objectives, Canada committed Can$100 million in 2018. It has also contributed Can$20 million to the G7 Innovation Challenge to Address Marine Plastic Litter. The challenge supports new solutions and technologies worldwide that will help developing countries to address plastic waste at all stages of its lifecycle in developing countries. Canada also provided Can$6 million for innovative private-public partnerships through the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastics Action Partnership to support the inclusion of marine litter and public waste in developing countries’ NAPs. In addition, Canada provided Can$9 million to support the development of inclusive and sustainable waste management systems in developing countries through The Incubation Network.

Between 2022 and 2025, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) dedicated €5 million for marine-litter-related activities. It funded two projects in 2023, which were expected to wrap up by the end of 2025. For example, the AICS’s €3-million contribution to the Strengthening the capacity for plastic waste management in the “Greater Tripoli” area project is reducing the production of plastic waste and strengthening existing waste management systems in Tripoli, Libya.

The AICS also contributed €2 million to the Closing the Caribbean Plastic Tap initiative. The program aims to reduce plastic litter in several SIDS, including Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is implemented by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature with the involvement of regional and national institutional partners, the private sector, civil society and the scientific community.

Supporting negotiations toward an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution

In preparation for its G7 presidency in 2024, Italy worked closely with other G7 members, industry, academia and the research community to advance negotiations toward an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. In April 2024, members of the G7 committed to intensifying global action on plastic pollution. The aim is to end plastic pollution—with the goal of reducing additional plastic pollution to zero by 2040—and finalize a legally binding international agreement based on a comprehensive approach across the full lifecycle of plastics.

The Global Plastic Pollution Treaty is a UN-led agreement that aims to establish the first legally binding global instrument to address plastic pollution. Disagreements over key issues have emerged between major oil-producing nations and the High Ambition Coalition, which includes Canada, the EU, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. 

Although an agreement has yet to be finalized, in 2024, G7 members pledged ambitious actions across the full lifecycle of plastics, with the ambition of reducing the global production and consumption of primary plastic polymers, including:

• establishing minimum performance criteria or requirements for the circular design of products
• addressing unnecessary and avoidable plastic products, including single-use plastics as well as chemicals of concern, to ensure environmentally sound waste management systems
• promoting harmonized, science-based monitoring of plastic pollution
• mobilizing financial resources to support these efforts

The G7 leaders reaffirmed these commitments in the Apulia G7 Leaders’ Communiqué in June 2024.

The EU has been stressing that the current trajectory—whereby less than 20% of plastic waste is recycled and plastic leakage into the environment is forecasted to triple—demands bold and immediate measures. Despite the lack of agreement, the first part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.1) achieved some progress. Foundational text was drafted for future negotiations, with over 100 countries aligning with the EU’s ambitions. The EU has also pledged to lead by example, implementing measures to combat pollution such as bans on single-use plastic, eco-design for sustainable products and extended producer responsibility.

France, like the EU and its member states, has been actively supporting negotiations toward an international, legally binding global instrument on plastic pollution since the adoption of UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/14. Since hosting the second session of the UNEP’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in 2023, France has continued to actively participate in the negotiation process.

A member of the High Ambition Coalition, France was part of the more than 100 countries that signed a declaration in favour of an ambitious treaty during the INC 5.1 session in Busan, Republic of Korea. As the co-host of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, in June 2025, France played an active role in gathering the signatures of nearly 100 countries on the Nice Wake-Up Call, which reaffirmed the key conditions for an effective plastics treaty. Following the failure of INC 5.2 in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2025, France called for the rapid adoption of an ambitious, legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, including in marine environments.

The United Kingdom has contributed £2.2 million to the INC process, including providing support for developing countries to attend negotiations and regional consultations. Through the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, the United Kingdom has hosted events to develop a common understanding of the INC process and the issues under negotiation. It has also funded negotiations and training sessions for Commonwealth members.

As a founding member of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, the United Kingdom played a pivotal role in advancing the negotiations. This included co-leading work with Chile to progress discussions on product design and with Panama on releases and leakages of plastic. By co-hosting a ministerial event at UNOC, the United Kingdom brought together ministers representing all regions to discuss the most challenging issues. In addition, the United Kingdom hosted an industry round table and published an updated industry statement, sending a strong signal of support for the treaty.

During INC sessions, Japan has made efforts to push the negotiations forward to create an effective and progressive instrument that will get the backing of as many countries as possible, including large consumers and emitters of plastics. To support the negotiation process and to ensure the participation of a broad range of countries, Japan provided more than US$1.7 million to the INC Secretariat between 2022 and 2024.

Japan has also organized regional meetings to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution among member states of the UN Asia-Pacific Group, which comprises countries with the most diverse positions and circumstances.

In its Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform, a priority policy formulated annually by its cabinet, Japan also commits to developing and strengthening rules on global issues, including plastic pollution.

Canada has played an active role in the INC process, including:

• as a member of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People
• as the founder of the Host Country Alliance, along with France, Kenya, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and Uruguay
• by convening ministerial-level meetings
• by hosting the fourth meeting of the INC in April 2024

Germany has been a key driver in tackling marine plastic pollution, launching the G7 Action Plan and Ocean Deal during its G7 presidencies. It hosted two ministerial conferences, in 2021 and 2024, helping catalyze UNEA resolution 5/14. As the second-largest donor to the INC process, Germany has contributed over $6.1 million and co-chairs one of its contact groups, also providing in-kind support through a junior professional officer. A founding member of the High Ambition Coalition, Germany actively advances global plastic treaty negotiations and hosts events—often with its embassies and the PREVENT Waste Alliance—to promote practical tools for treaty implementation.

38. Fossil fuel

Fossil fuel energy plays a central role in climate change through the release of GHG emissions. It also causes air and water pollution from emissions, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

Coal also remains the largest source of electricity generation, accounting for 35% of the total global power generation in 2024.

In October 2021, Japan published the 6th Strategic Energy Plan to plot the direction of its energy policy. The plan committed Japan to ending new direct government support for unabated international thermal coal power generation by the end of 2021, including through ODA, export finance, investment and financial and trade promotion support.

In the G7 Leaders’ Communiqué issued in Elmau, Germany, in 2022, members recognized the importance of national security and geostrategic interests, and committed to ending all new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022 (except in limited circumstances, as clearly defined by each country, consistent with the 1.5°C warming limit and the goals of the Paris Agreement). Following this commitment, Japan released an update to its approach to implementing its energy plan.

Japan revised its Development Cooperation Charter in June 2023. It now includes the promotion of both mitigation and adaptation measures to align Japan’s development cooperation with the goals of the Paris Agreement and to improve the capacity of developing countries to respond to climate change.

By signing at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) the Statement on International Public Support for the Clean Energy Transition, commonly known as the Glasgow Statement, Germany committed to ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. By supporting the Global Coal to Clean Power Transition Statement, also signed at COP26, Germany has also committed to ending new direct government support for unabated international coal-fired power generation. 

Germany also supported the final declaration of COP28, which for the first time called for the transition away from coal, oil and gas. In the strategy paper on climate and energy published by the BMZ, Germany made reference to its commitment to ending its international financing of fossil fuels.

In 2023, the German government brought its applicable internal guidelines for development finance in line with the COP28 commitments. These guidelines exclude development finance for carbon-intensive fossil fuel energy, as well as for modernizing and constructing coal-fired power plants (both with limited exceptions in line with the 1.5°C temperature limit). In addition, Germany’s 2024 Development Policy Report calls for a socially just process for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems and references projects supporting a just transition.

In November 2023, the German government introduced a climate strategy for export credit guarantees and direct investment guarantees, including sector guidelines. These exclude export credit and direct investment guarantees for the fossil fuel energy sector, with limited exceptions in line with the 1.5°C temperature limit. Germany also follows OECD rules, which, since 2017, have restricted export credit support for inefficient thermal coal power generation and, since 2021, have excluded export credit support for all types of thermal coal power generation.

The United Kingdom implemented its policy on aligning international support for the clean energy transition in March 2021, thereby ending its international support for fossil fuels, except in limited circumstances. Ending support for thermal coal power generation is also explicitly included in the policy. The policy applies to all new U.K. support overseas and is, therefore, reflected in all relevant planning and programming, including ODA, investment and overseas financial and trade promotion activities. It also includes support provided by U.K. Export Finance and BII. The policy also determines the United Kingdom’s voting position at the boards of MDBs, and it is used to influence the investment policies of other development financial institutions that receive U.K. government funding, such as the Private Infrastructure Development Group.

France’s development agency, AFD, includes on its list of excluded projects those “for the exploration, production or process in or dedicated exclusively to the transport of coal, gas and oil (conventional or non-conventional).” In 2023, France adopted a national framework that limits support for fossil fuels to a few clearly defined cases. Through its participation in the Export Finance for Future Coalition, France also aims to promote and support a shift in investment patterns toward climate-neutral and climate-resilient projects and investments.

In 2013, G20 finance ministers developed a peer review process whereby countries could voluntarily share information about their own fossil fuel subsidies. Of the G20 countries, only Germany and Canada had identified by 2023 that they had inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and had phased them out. Other countries either found they had no such subsidies or did not undertake a review.

At COP26 in 2021, Canada also signed the Glasgow Statement. As well, Canada outlined its implementation in the Guidelines for Canada’s International Support for the Clean Energy Transition, which came into effect at the beginning of 2023. All future international investments by the Canadian government are subject to these guidelines. Through these guidelines, Canada aims to avoid creating new measures that would be considered inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and ensure that existing policies and programs no longer support the fossil fuel sector, unless they are aligned with the Paris Agreement goals.

In August 2024, the International Institute for Sustainable Development released a report evaluating how well implementation of the Glasgow commitment had progressed in the year after the implementation deadline. Only Belgium, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom had published domestic guidelines and were considered to be on track.

In 2023, Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s export credit agency, achieved its goal of reducing its financing support to the six most-carbon-intensive sectors by 40% below 2018 levels. In 2022, it set and publicly disclosed science-based, sectoral emissions intensity targets and a sustainable finance target for 2030.

EDC is focusing on the oil and gas industry in light of its high carbon intensity. EDC is supporting Canadian companies as they innovate and reduce their emissions while phasing out new direct government support for international, carbon-intensive fossil fuel projects and companies. As a result of Canada’s commitment to the Glasgow Statement, EDC no longer funds international fossil fuel projects.

The EU has embedded the phasing out of unabated fossil fuels across all its policies and financing tools. The Trans-European Networks for Energy policy excludes new gas and oil projects from EU support, focusing instead on electricity, hydrogen and carbon capture infrastructure. Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament, which established NDICI–Global Europe, bans EU financing of fossil fuel projects abroad, while the EIB’s lending policy excludes all fossil fuels from its portfolio.

The EU calls for an immediate end to new coal financing and promotes the use of energy systems that are predominantly free of fossil fuels by 2050. The EU’s most recent Joint communication on the EU global climate and energy vision, published in 2025, does not mention coal—reflecting the EU’s clear shift toward clean, secure and just energy transitions worldwide.

Italy has prioritized phasing out coal power generation as part of its energy and climate policies. Under its National Energy and Climate Plan, coal will be phased out by 2025 on the mainland and by 2028 in Sardinia following completion of the interconnection project. Internationally, this commitment was reinforced during Italy’s G7 presidency in 2024 through the G7 Venaria Climate, Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting Communiqué, which calls for ending unabated coal power generation by 2035.

Providing support for international carbon-intensive fossil fuel energy

In 2024, France conducted three transactions in the fossil fuel energy sector, amounting to €6 million. These transactions were all in oil power generation and directed toward supplying spare parts to the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant in Cuba. The projects are considered consistent with the limited and clearly defined circumstances outlined in France’s approach, under which support for fossil-fuel-related transactions may be provided. In particular, they are considered eligible under the exception for gas-fired power plants—when a plant is necessary for the stability of a country’s grid and less carbon-intensive, controllable alternatives are not available or are excessively costly. 

German ODA for energy generation from non-renewable sources decreased from a baseline of more than US$21.7 million in 2021 to around €6.9 million (around US$8 million) the following year. In 2023, this amount grew to over US$28 million. However, this increase almost exclusively related to emergency support for Ukraine, in the context of Russia’s war of aggression there, without which the amount would have decreased to US$495,000.

In 2022, Germany’s funding for coal-fired electric power plants decreased to US$815,000, down from a baseline of over US$1.4 million the year before. Since 2023, it has made no further ODA disbursements for coal-fired power plants.

The German export credit guarantee scheme has not supported any exports for coal-fired power generation since 2019. Its financial backing for carbon-intensive fossil fuel energy experienced a significant reduction in 2022, dropping to €173 million from the 2021 baseline of €583 million. However, in 2023, this support increased to over €296 million, rising even further to €320 million in 2024. This trend is due a limited number of projects stemming from commitments made before Germany’s Climate Strategy for Export Credit Support came into effect in November 2023. Since then, all projects have undergone a rigorous evaluation to ensure alignment with Germany’s commitments to end international financing of fossil fuels.

The United Kingdom’s international support follows a commitment to end new international funding for the fossil fuel energy sector, except in limited circumstances. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, support for Ukraine’s fossil fuel energy sector has been provided to directly support the energy security and national security of Ukraine through an emergency, time-limited and regularly reviewed exemption. The United Kingdom’s approach to Ukraine is pragmatic, reflecting the ongoing energy security and humanitarian needs. This approach is balanced by additional support provided to help Ukraine achieve its long-term goal of decarbonizing and transitioning its energy sector and economy as part of recovery and reconstruction. 

EDC confirmed its support for Canada’s Glasgow Statement implementation guidelines in 2022. By July of that year, it had reduced new direct financing to international fossil fuel companies to just Can$395 million, down from Can$2.7 billion in 2018.

In 2019, Canada, through EDC, committed to not providing new financing for coal-fired power plants, thermal coal mines or dedicated thermal coal-related infrastructure, regardless of geographic location. In its 2022 Climate Change Policy, EDC reiterated its position on thermal coal, committing, from the policy’s effective date, to no longer provide new financing to unabated coal-fired power plants. In addition, EDC committed that, as of 2023, it would no longer provide financing or issue insurance policies to businesses for which thermal-coal-related business accounts for more than 20% of revenue. This is unless funds are for repurposing, decommissioning, abating or retiring existing coal-fired power plants, or for activities not related to thermal coal.

Canada has no exposure to unabated, international thermal coal in alignment with its commitment under the Powering Past Coal Alliance. It also has not provided any new direct financing support to the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector since 2023. That said, EDC has a remaining balance of existing international oil and gas assets in its portfolio that fall within the scope of the Glasgow Climate Pact. This balance decreased from Can$1.6 billion in 2023 to Can$764 million in 2024.

The EU has nearly eliminated ODA and export credit support for fossil fuels, with just a little more than €12.1 million (0.02% of total ODA) directed to carbon-intensive energy from 2021 to 2023, and no coal funding by 2023. The EIB has fully decarbonized its energy portfolio, aligning with the G7 pledge and EU legal frameworks such as the Trans-European Networks for Energy, NDICI–Global Europe, and the EIB’s Energy Lending Policy.

Figure 26: G7 ODA for carbon-intensive fossil fuel energy in developing countries, 2019 to 2023

Text version

Year	G7 total
2019	$855.1
2020	$655.8
2021	$546.2
2022	$912.7
2023	$646.0

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Reporting System – grant equivalent

39. Climate finance

Climate finance is critical to supporting mitigation and adaptation measures that will address climate change. The UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement all call for signatory countries with more financial resources to provide financial assistance to those that are less endowed and more vulnerable.

In 2021 and 2022, Japan’s climate change support provided to developing countries reached approximately US$26.9 billion, the majority of which was public financing. It has also contributed US$6.8 billion to adaptation through public support. These contributions strengthen developing countries’ capability to cope with natural disasters caused by climate change and help provide the necessary equipment and facilities to implement precautionary measures against disasters, such as floods and droughts, and support recovery efforts.

Between 2022 and 2023, the EU and its member states contributed more than €56 billion in climate finance from public sources for developing countries. This amount includes committed bilateral finance and disbursed multilateral finance. In 2023, approximately half of the EU’s public climate funding for developing countries was dedicated to either climate adaptation or cross-cutting action involving both mitigation and adaptation initiatives. Through Global Gateway and Team Europe Initiatives, the EU is also rolling out several adaptation initiatives at national, regional and continental levels across Africa, Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean.

France has committed to mobilizing €6 billion annually in climate finance between 2021 and 2025, a third of which will be dedicated to adaptation. This target has been continually met and exceeded, with €6.1 billion in climate finance provided in 2021, €7.6 billion in 2022 and €7.2 billion in 2023. France increased its support for climate adaptation and resilience from €2.2 billion in 2021 to €2.8 billion in 2023, reflecting its growing commitment to addressing impacts related to climate.

Germany’s climate finance contribution increased from €8.1 billion in 2021 to €9.9 billion in 2023. In 2024, its contribution increased to €11.8 billion, almost €2 billion more in additional climate finance compared to 2023.

Italy contributed €731 million in climate finance in 2021. This contribution increased to €991 million in 2022 and decreased to slightly more than €838 million in 2023. In 2024, Italy registered a significant increase in climate finance, reaching €3.44 billion, with €1.67 billion in public finance and €1.77 billion in publicly mobilized climate finance. Italy has also increased the amount of funding it directs to support adaptation. In 2021, it provided €385.7 million in adaptation finance. By 2023, this had risen to €496.4 million. In 2024, public climate finance for adaptation further increased to €655 million.

In December 2021, Italy also provided €150 million in climate investment funds to the Nature, People and Climate Program. The program addresses the multiple drivers and impacts of human activities and climate change on land resources and ecosystem services and promotes strategic partnerships with stakeholders. The program also provides concessional financing to increase investments in nature-based solutions that ensure the sustainable use of land and other ecosystems and to undertake public and private sector interventions.  

In 2022, Italy established the ICF to support its UNFCCC commitments; it is the largest national climate fund globally, with a total endowment of €4.4 billion over a five-year period. Targeting over 140 ODA-recipient countries, with 70% of resources directed to climate-vulnerable African nations, the fund finances large-scale projects assessed against the Rio markers. In 2024, the fund also contributed €50 million to the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility to support Rwanda’s Green Agenda. As of June 2025, the fund has committed €1.8 billion in concessional funds and €80 million in grants.

In addition, Italy contributed US$300 million to the UN Green Climate Fund between 2020 and 2023 and has pledged a further US$300 million for the second refinancing period (2024 to 2027).

In 2021, Canada announced it would double its public climate finance commitment to Can$5.3 billion between 2021 and 2026. Through this commitment and further efforts to scale up action toward low-carbon, climate-resilient development from all sources, Canada’s climate finance support totalled nearly Can$3.4 billion in 2021 and 2022. Canada has funded projects that respond to the adaptation and mitigation needs of the people and communities that are most vulnerable to climate change. It also uses a range of financial instruments and channels to effectively reflect these complex needs and maximize access to finance.

The United Kingdom maintains its ambition of delivering £11.6 billion in climate finance by the end of March 2026. The United Kingdom’s goal is to dedicate £1.5 million to adaptation in 2025, tripling its spending from 2019 levels.

Providing additional finance to support adaptation and resilience, including disaster risk and insurance

Through its climate finance for developing countries, Canada is committed to enhancing the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities and countries in responding to the impacts of climate change. To this end, Canada has committed Can$5.3 billion to combat climate change, while striving to address biodiversity loss around the world through other initiatives. For example, in 2023, Canada committed Can$16.8 million to African Risk Capacity. This funding aims to improve the resilience of vulnerable populations, including women and children, to climate shocks in Africa. In 2024, at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Canada announced the launch of GAIA, an innovative blended-finance platform valued at US$1.48-billion, with 70% of funding dedicated to adaptation measures. GAIA was co-founded by FinDev Canada in partnership with the Mitsubishi Financial Group, as well as the Green Climate Fund, which provided an anchor investment.

From 2021 to 2022, Japan contributed US$6.8 billion to adaptation through public support. This amount strengthened developing countries’ capability to cope with natural disasters caused by climate change. This funding also helped provide the equipment and facilities needed to implement precautionary measures to protect against and recover from natural disasters, including floods and droughts.

In 2021, Italy contributed almost €386 million to support adaptation. By 2023, this support had increased to more than €496 million. In addition, out of the US$300 million Italy pledged for the Green Climate Fund in 2024, US$100 million was earmarked for the Loss and Damage Fund, established in 2023 at COP28 in Dubai.

Since 2021, Germany has provided stable adaptation finance to maintain a balanced share between mitigation and adaptation, contributing €3.35 billion in 2021, €3.34 billion in 2022, €3.1 billion in 2023, and about €4 billion in 2024.

In 2021, France provided €2.2 billion to contribute to adaptation and resilience. This amount rose to €2.6 billion in 2022, and to €2.8 billion in 2023.

The United Kingdom plans to spend £1.5 billion on adaptation in 2025, tripling its spend from 2019 levels.

Mobilizing private sector support to address climate change

Japan is working to mobilize private investment through strategic use of public financing. Examples include co-financing from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and trade insurance provided by Nippon Export and Investment Insurance. These mechanisms helped mobilize US$1.4 billion in private financing in 2021 and US$3.1 billion in 2022.

Italy has taken a lead role in pushing for the private sector to take a greater role in climate finance. It has worked to create and strengthen the national and international instruments at its disposal to use public resources to mobilize private investments. In particular, the ICF will be pivotal in providing both concessional financing and guarantees to private entities. At COP30, Italy closely aligned with the host country, Brazil, in its intention to highlight the need to push for increased private sector involvement in climate finance.

Germany is increasing its focus on mobilizing private investment for climate finance. In 2021, Germany mobilized around €170 million in private climate finance. In 2022, this amount increased to €479 million; and in 2023, it was €475 million, before more than doubling to €1.1 billion in 2024.

As of the latest publication of the U.K. International Climate Finance results, in 2024, the United Kingdom had mobilized more than £7.8 billion in private finance related to climate change since 2011.

In 2022 and 2023, the EU and its member states mobilized an additional €14.9 billion in private finance to support developing countries in reducing their GHG emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

France is strongly motivated in maintaining momentum to unlock additional climate finance, notably through the Pact for Prosperity, Peoples and the Planet, which aims to mobilize private investment by using public financing, which is essential to meeting global climate challenges.

Providing climate finance that targets gender equality

In 2021, the bilateral international climate finance provided by France that also targeted gender equality was valued at more than €415 million. In 2022, this amount rose to more than €3.3 billion, before dropping slightly to just over €3 billion in 2023.

Germany has steadily expanded the share of climate finance from its federal budget that also targets gender equality. Between 2021 and 2024, the volume of gender-related climate finance increased from about €2.1 billion to €3.4 billion. This represents an increase from around 39% of Germany’s budget-based climate finance to over 55% of it.

Italy sees gender equality as a priority and takes it into account across all its programming and financing initiatives. Italian development cooperation is particularly focused on the climate-gender nexus. For example, Italy strives to increase women’s resilience in crises, promote their role in the fight for food security and against climate change and increase their access to environment-related careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector.

Canada’s public climate finance prioritizes gender responsiveness, reflecting its Feminist International Assistance Policy. Canada puts gender equality and empowering women and girls at the heart of its international assistance efforts. In line with these efforts, Canada is on track to exceed its goal of ensuring that at least 80% of projects funded through its Can$5.3-billion commitment integrate gender equality considerations. As of April 2025, 89% of Canada’s planned and funded projects scored a one or a two against the OECD-DAC gender equality policy marker.

Japan’s development cooperation, including support for climate action, is provided in accordance with the principle that Japan will promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through gender mainstreaming at all stages of development cooperation.

Although the EU supports gender-responsive climate action, its climate finance commitment does not entail a specific objective regarding targeting gender equality.

France: Strengthening international tax cooperation

The world faces a widening financing gap for sustainable development. This is compounded by increasing inequalities and the climate crisis. The Global Solidarity Levies Task Force: For People and the Planet explores feasible, scalable and sensible options for levies as a way of increasing resources to support climate and development. 

Launched at COP28 in November 2023, and co-chaired by Barbados, France and Kenya, the task force aims to identify new domestic resources and ensure industries and individuals contribute more to the financing of transitions. Since its launch, it has helped foster political will around these options.

France has been leading this initiative under the Pact for Prosperity, People and the Planet. From the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, in June and July 2025, to COP30, in November 2025, the task force acted as a hub for bringing together countries willing to become leaders in implementing progressive levy options. 

40. Just energy transition partnerships

JETPs are multilateral platforms shared between developed countries and emerging economies that are heavily coal dependent. They are designed to deliver climate finance that supports a transition to an equitable and socially inclusive low-carbon economy. The first JETP was announced at COP26 in 2021, when South Africa was promised US$8.5 billion by France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Statesand the EU—Denmark and the Netherlands joined in 2023, while the United States left in 2025. Two more JETPs were announced later in 2022: $15.5 billion for Vietnam and $20 billion for Indonesia, to be mobilized between 2025 and 2027. In 2023, €2.5 billion was also pledged for a JETP with Senegal.

The JETPs with Vietnam and Indonesia were launched, respectively, on the occasion of the EU-ASEAN Summit and the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, in 2022. These two JETPs are supported by all G7 members, as well as Denmark, Norway and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), a private finance network.

Italy is participating in the JETP with Vietnam with an indicative commitment of up to €500 million over five years, made up of €250 million from public resources and up to €250 million from the CDP. Italy has committed €250 million over five years to the JETP with Indonesia, all from public resources.

The United Kingdom has committed more than US$3.3 billion across the four JETPs to date. Project examples include US$18.5 million for South Africa’s largest battery energy storage systems project in the Northern Cape, through Globeleq, a leading independent power producer in Africa. Another US$5-million investment in an Indonesian renewable energy company, Xurya Daya Indonesia, is expected to support a greener and more climate-resilient future for the country. The United Kingdom is also providing £1.5 million in technical assistance to Vietnam to set up a secretariat support body for the JETP, and £500,000 in technical assistance has been allocated to define the strategic direction of the JETP and develop a monitoring and evaluation framework and an electric vehicle regulatory framework.

Canada is a signatory to the political declarations establishing the JETPs with Indonesia, Senegal and Vietnam. Canada’s climate finance formally contributes to the JETPs with Indonesia and Vietnam as part of their official investment plans. In South Africa, Canada’s climate finance contribution is recognized, although it is not part of the official JETP package. As of August 2025, the Senegal JETP investment plan had yet to be published.

Supporting partner countries in complying with stated principles

For the JETPs that have been established, G7 members have taken measures to ensure they:

• are country-led
• align with existing initiatives and use existing coordination mechanisms
• are responsive to partner countries’ needs and specific situations
• support partner countries in accelerating their just transition to clean energy

Partner countries have developed investment plans to set the direction of their energy transition activity with the support of the G7 leads. The JETP with Indonesia is aligned to its country-led plan through its Comprehensive Investment and Policy Plan 2023. Vietnam assures alignment through its Resource Mobilisation Plan, and South Africa has aligned its JETP with its Just Energy Transition investment and implementation plans.

For Senegal, objectives are incorporated into the initial version of the JETP Investment Plan. However, the plan has not been publicly presented, although an oral summary was given at a public event in October 2025.

In Senegal, the JETP Secretariat was installed in the country’s energy ministry, and technical working groups are co-led by its government to ensure ownership. Senegal sees the JETP as a way to reach its energy transition target of having renewable energy make up 40% of its total installed electricity production capacity by 2030; it also sees it as an instrument to help achieve its overarching goals for the welfare of the country, including providing electricity access to all residents and economic actors, as well as reaching middle-income country status by 2035. The United Kingdom supports Senegal’s JETP process by providing consultation support and technical assistance in conducting an initial survey of Senegal’s energy transition needs. Through the United Kingdom’s Centre of Expertise in Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy initiatives, the United Kingdom is also providing a monitoring and evaluation framework with a strong just transition component.

In Indonesia, the establishment of the JETP Secretariat was initially guided by the National Energy Transition Task Force. The JETP’s Comprehensive Investment and Policy Plan was elaborated in intensive collaboration between Indonesia’s government and the International Partners Group (IPG), along with other multilateral, international and national organizations. The IPG includes the G7 countries, the EU, Denmark and Norway, as well as the GFANZ, which represents private financial institutions engaged in climate finance. The plan features:

• a consolidated power sector transition pathway
• financing needs
• policy reform recommendations
• a just transition framework

Since then, the JETP with Indonesia has continued intensive technical collaboration through its working groups involving multilateral and national partners. These groups are preparing technical analyses and policy recommendations for the 2025 progress report. In January 2026, the JETP Secretariat will transition into the JETP Delivery Unit, serving as the main interface between the Government of Indonesia and the IPG.

A similar process has taken place in Vietnam, where the JETP Secretariat was established in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The ministry led the development of the Resource Mobilisation Plan, with the support of UNDP. It was initially funded by the United Kingdom, and subsequently by the EU, as the IPG co-chairs. The JETP Secretariat has since shifted to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which is now leading the JETP implementation.

South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit was established as the Secretariat and is housed in South Africa’s presidency, meaning it operates directly under the authority of the president’s office. The unit is funded through donor support and is responsible for driving the country’s Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan. The IPG has responded to South Africa’s strong priority for a just transition through a variety of interventions, which will support economic diversification in coal-dependent regions. For example, the United Kingdom is providing pre-investment technical assistance to high-potential fruit and nut farms, connecting them to agricultural lenders and impact investors. It is also blending U.K. finance with commercial finance to minimize risk in an expanded financial service product offering to farms.

The United Kingdom is also supporting the implementation of Indonesia’s Just Transition Framework through the UN Office for Project Services. Through the UNDP, the United Kingdom is supporting the development of a just transition framework in Vietnam. The United Kingdom also continues to engage in existing initiatives, such as the Energy Transition Council, and work with MDBs to support country platform discussions. This includes partnering with JETP-aligned platforms, such as the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership in Indonesia, on projects such as:

• upgrading the Java-Madura-Bali electricity control centre
• conducting a study of financial implications of early coal-fired power plant retirement
• developing a plan for one gigawatt of on-grid solar power and for attracting investment in it
• streamlining Indonesia’s energy policy frameworks with net-zero emissions targets

At the 2022 EU-ASEAN summit, Italy joined the JETPs with Vietnam and Indonesia. In Vietnam, Italy pledged up to €80 million via the ICF toward the Bac Ai hydropower initiative, valued at €690.7 million. Italy is also in early talks with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank on potential co-financing for the electric metro in Hanoi, Vietnam, pending JETP eligibility.

Italy—through the CDP—is consulting in Indonesia with stakeholders and potential partners for the second phase of policy- and results-based loans aligned with Perusahaan Listrik Negara’s 2026 investment plan. Additional geothermal energy projects are under consideration in the ICF’s pre-pipeline for future inclusion.

Providing different types of assistance with observable or expected results

The EU provides assistance for JETPs through a mix of loans, technical assistance and grants. It has also supported Indonesia’s Comprehensive Investment and Policy Plan 2023 and Vietnam’s Resource Mobilisation Plan.

In Senegal, Germany is supporting 10 projects focused on battery storage, renewable generation and the electrification process of the Saloum Islands, as well as various technical assistance projects. Six projects have already been recognized as eligible under the JETP, and others will undergo the formal scrutiny procedure. The United Kingdom and the EU have provided funding for technical assistance for these projects as well. France supports Senegal’s energy transition through projects that are helping expand solar capacity, such as a 100-megawatt solar plant and the electrification of 100 rural communities.

In Indonesia, the IPG provides funding through instruments, such as result-based lending, policy-based loans, equity investments and technical assistance. The technical assistance programs provided by IPG focus on the expansion of renewable energy, the early retirement of coal-fired power plants, a just transition and the repurposing of coal infrastructure. It is expected that GHG emissions will be reduced by 63,100 tonnes of CO₂ through IPG and private-finance-supported projects, such as the Saguling Floating Solar PV Power Plant and the Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Project. Indonesia’s JETP has already triggered important steps, such as the coal retirement road map and reforms to local content regulation. 

The United Kingdom has provided a wide range of assistance across the JETPs. For example, it is facilitating a US$1-billion World Bank guarantee for Indonesia to expand the volume of finance available for energy transition projects. It has also pledged to guarantee US$1.3 billion of AfDB loans to support the Government of South Africa’s climate resilient infrastructure projects, including a project to improve and expand municipal energy and water distribution systems.

In Vietnam, through its DFIs, the United Kingdom is providing a range of financial instruments, such as direct loans, equity investments, guarantees and green credit lines. It is also using technical assistance to support infrastructure development across the JETPs and fuel job creation through micro-, small, medium-sized enterprise growth in diverse sectors. The aim is to create up to 5,200 local jobs that can replace those that will be lost through the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants in the province of Mpumalanga.

Volume of financing for JETPs provided by G7 members

IPG members have pledged €2.5 billion in financing for Senegal’s JETP, including through multilateral channels. This commitment is for a three- to five-year period, starting in 2023. France has provided €530 million to the JETP, and the EU’s contribution amounts to €340 million. This includes €330 million in EIB sovereign loans backed by a €30-million guarantee under NDICI–Global Europe, in addition to €10 million for technical assistance. The United Kingdom has committed €46 million through the Private Infrastructure Development Group and another £200,000 for technical assistance. It has also secured an additional £300,000 in grant money.

In Indonesia, IPG members have pledged US$11.6 billion of public finance, both bilaterally and through multilateral channels. The GFANZ has committed another US$10 billion in private finance. As of June 2025, more than US$1.2 billion in JETP financing has been approved, including more than US$1.18 billion from IPG members, and US$60 million from the private sector. Contributions also include:

• US$1 billion from Germany in approved grants and loans
• US$450 million from France
• US$150 million from Japan
• US$59.3 million from Canada
• US$21.2 million from the United Kingdom
• US$11 million from the Accelerating Coal Transition investment program, through multilateral funding

The EU has pledged more than €1 billion to Indonesia’s JETP and Italy has committed up to US$270 million over five years, which will be offered through the ICF. Eligible financial instruments may include concessional and non-concessional loans, guarantees to financial institutions, indirect equity (funds) and grants or technical assistance.

The EU has pledged more than €876 million for the JETP with Vietnam, while the United Kingdom has committed more than US$304 million: US$300 million via DFIs, and US$4.3 million in technical assistance. Germany is contributing approximately US$670 million toward the JETP in Vietnam in the form of grants and loans and technical assistance. Italy committed up to €250 million over five years through the ICF. This funding from Italy will include sovereign and non-sovereign loans, guarantees to financial institutions, indirect equity and grants dedicated to technical assistance. Italy also offered another €250 million through the CDP. These funds will come through commercial DFI loans, which can be deployed together with financing provided through the ICF.

In Vietnam, Germany is working with the government to devise a new policy regulation for solar and wind energy development and the expansion of energy transmission grids. On behalf of the German government, KfW provides loans for priority JETP projects, such as the Tri An Hydro Power Plant and the Bác Ái Pump Storage Hydro Power Plant, a €690-million project to construct Vietnam’s first pumped-storage hydroelectric plant in the Bác Ái district.

In South Africa, together with the World Bank, AfDB and Canada, Germany supports the country’s energy sector reforms through policy-based loans to improve investment conditions for the private sector. In 2024, reforms passed that laid the foundation for a fair and competitive electricity market. This resulted in 6 gigawatts of added private solar generation capacity across 2023 and 2024. Germany also provides direct technical support to key energy stakeholders and supports:

• retraining programs for mining sector workers
• vocational training programs for young people
• upskilling measures for women
• civil society initiatives to ensure just, meaningful and equitable participation

In total, Germany contributes around €2.5 billion to these initiatives, including €380 million in grants.

In 2024, Italy pledged up to €80 million to Vietnam Electricity, the state-owned electricity utility. This was intended to support the implementation of the Bác Ái project.

In South Africa, IPG members have pledged over US$9 billion. This includes:

• a US$340-million grant from Germany, as well as US$1.67 billion in concessional loans
• a US$4-million grant from France and almost $1.1 billion in concessional loans
• a US$125-million grant from the EU, as well as almost US$1.1 billion in concessional loans and US$216 million in commercial debt or equity
• a US$34-million grant from the United Kingdom, as well as US$1.3 billion in guarantees and US$500 million in commercial debt or equity

Currently, total pledges to the JETP with South Africa stand at US$12.8 billion when including other bilateral donors and MDBs.

EU and Germany: Supporting just energy transition partnerships

JETPs aim to improve access to finance by translating a country’s energy and climate ambitions into tangible projects and policies. At the same time, they help to coordinate stakeholders and align efforts with the country’s priorities. Since the first JETP was announced in 2021, more than US$3.5 billion has been invested in countries such as Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa and Vietnam. 

The JETP with South Africa is a landmark international initiative that was launched at COP26 to support the country’s shift from coal to clean energy. Backed by an initial US$8.5 billion in grants, loans and private sector investments, it aims to cut GHG emissions and expand renewable energy in South Africa.

As a Global Gateway flagship project, the initiative also focuses on creating green jobs and industries while ensuring that affected workers and communities are not left behind. By combining climate ambition with social justice, the JETP seeks to bring about a fair, inclusive and sustainable energy future for South Africa.

X. Human mobility

Over the past half century, the number of international migrants has increased significantly. In 2020, there were 281 million people living in countries other than their countries of birth—over three times the estimated number in 1970. By 2024, there were a record 304 million international migrants, which was about 3.7% of the world's population.

Every year, climate change, conflicts, natural disasters and other humanitarian crises result in the migration and forced displacement of millions of people around the world. In fact, forced displacement has almost doubled globally over the last decade. According to the UNHCR, at the end of 2024, an estimated 123.2 million people worldwide had been forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, human rights violations and other events. This is an increase of 7 million, compared to the year before.

Addressing the risks and vulnerabilities that underpin irregular migration and forced displacement is critical to achieving the SDGs. That is why the G7 continues to look for ways to promote well-managed migration and harness the opportunities it offers for inclusive growth.

41. Migration and refugees

Between 2019 and 2023, the amount of emergency response ODA the G7 provided developing countries increased from $14.5 billion to $22.7 billion. In fact, every G7 member except the United Kingdom increased the amount of emergency response assistance it provided to developing countries during this period. Most notably, funding from the United States increased from $8 billion to $14.7 billion. This funding helps meet the immediate and long-term needs of refugees and other displaced persons around the globe.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) plays an important role in coordinating multilateral cooperation on migration and promoting safe, orderly and regular movement. Canada recognizes and values the organization’s technical expertise, operational capacity and strong global footprint in responding to complex migration challenges. Canada works with the IOM on overseas refugee resettlement activities—such as transportation, medical assessments and cultural orientation abroad—and on the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Canada also remains committed to supporting the IOM’s broader efforts to strengthen migration systems, enhance protection and promote effective and coordinated responses to global migration challenges.

Canada also partners with the IOM, UNHCR, ILO and other organizations on capacity-building initiatives, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. For example, since 2024, Canada has provided funding to an IOM-led multi-agency effort to improve the capacity to address the immediate needs of migrants in the areas of shelter, food security, health, protection and integration.

Since 2021, through the NDICI, the EU has fully integrated migration and forced displacement into its development programming at country, regional and global levels, especially in Africa and Asia. Between 2021 and 2023, the EU allocated €5.5 billion to address migration and forced displacement. The EU has set itself a target of spending 10% of the overall funding envelope, or €79.5 billion, on actions that tackle migration and forced displacement between 2021 and 2027. This target has been surpassed over the reporting period.

Japan is a major donor to international agencies providing multisectoral humanitarian assistance. It supports initiatives such as the UNHCR, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, IOM, UN World Food Programme, UNICEF, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In 2022 and 2023, Japan provided approximately US$1.5 billion to these agencies, along with approximately US$120 million through the Japan Platform. Japan is also a leading donor to the Global Concessional Financing Facility, which supports middle-income countries that host refugees, contributing more than US$83.3 million in 2023.

In its Development Cooperation Charter, Japan states that it will provide seamless support for peacebuilding while paying attention to the humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach. At the second Global Forum for Refugees in December 2023, Japan also launched the humanitarian-development-peace nexus Multi-stakeholder Pledge as a platform for collaboration among donor countries, host countries, international organizations and others.

Japan is also working to address the root causes of the crises that drive displacement and migration. By providing assistance to support the development of self-reliance, it is helping to build resilient nations and to stabilize societies over the medium and long term. At TICAD8 in 2022, Japan committed to investing US$30 billion over three years in areas such as the promotion of investment, development finance and human resource development.

As the world’s fourth-largest refugee-hosting country in 2024—and second-largest bilateral humanitarian donor—Germany continues to focus on addressing the needs of forcibly displaced persons worldwide. In 2024, Germany was also the UNHCR’s second-largest bilateral donor, with €322 million in funding, of which €270 million went toward humanitarian efforts. It was also IOM’s fifth-largest bilateral donor, with more than €39 million going to its humanitarian efforts.

In addition to delivering humanitarian aid, Germany provides bilateral and multilateral development assistance. From 2015 to 2024, it supported refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons and host communities through transitional development assistance and international development cooperation, as well as with programs such as the Special Initiative, Displaced Persons and Host Countries . This support focused on:

• meeting humanitarian needs
• improving living conditions
• enhancing socio-economic participation
• promoting employment
• providing psychosocial support
• strengthening resilience
• preventing SGBV

Between 2022 and 2024, Germany also provided more than €1.3 billion to support migrants and refugees through its Special Initiative, Displaced Persons and Host Countries.

France provides humanitarian aid for emergency response and stabilization, while also supporting the long-term needs of displaced individuals and host communities through flexible financial instruments. These range from rapid crisis response to post-crisis stabilization efforts. In 2023 to 2024, France allocated nearly €200 million in humanitarian funding to migration and displacement. From 2017 to 2024, France’s humanitarian and development funding for migration and displacement reached more than €1 billion.

Additionally, France has developed a national strategy for migration and sustainable development (2023 to 2030). It takes a comprehensive approach to migration and proposes a wide range of activities—from supporting the diaspora to strengthening states’ capacities for migration governance, legal mobility, protection, combatting human trafficking and migrant smuggling, as well as ensuring dignified and sustainable returns and reintegration. For example, the €7-million Mujeres Echando Raíces [women putting down roots] project, implemented by Expertise France, is helping to integrate Venezuelan migrant women in Quito, Ecuador, and Cali, Colombia. By improving people’s living conditions, this project is supporting four key SDGs: eradicating poverty, promoting gender equality, fostering decent work and economic growth and reducing inequalities.

Since 2021, Italy has provided € 3.2 million to the WHO’s Health and Migration Programme to protect the health rights of refugees and migrants and advance UHC. As part of this initiative, a review of health systems was carried out in several countries, including Chile, Czechia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Jordan, South Africa, Thailand and Uganda to assess their capacity to meet the health needs of refugees and migrants.

Since 2021, Italy has been part of a partnership to counter migrant smuggling and human trafficking along the central Mediterranean route. Implemented by the IOM and supported with €2 million from Italy, it aims to strengthen protection services, including return and reintegration, and direct assistance to vulnerable migrants in Algeria.

Between 2022 and 2024, the United Kingdom funded a range of programs and organizations that assist displaced people and host communities. This funding included:

• £3.5 million to the Internal Displacement Solutions Fund to support efforts to find long-lasting solutions for 10 million internally displaced persons
• £4 million to the Global Concessional Financing Facility to provide concessional loans to middle-income countries for development projects that support refugees and host communities
• £3.2 million to enable the World Bank’s Inclusion Support Programme for Refugee Education to support host governments and other national and local actors to integrate refugee children into national education systems
• US$267 million to the UNHCR to provide aid and protection to refugees
• US$ 346 million to the IOM to protect and assist displaced people and those stranded by crises, support recovery and mitigate drivers of displacement and migration

From 2022 to 2024, Canada provided more than Can$265 million in humanitarian funding to the UNHCR, which supported protection outcomes such as legal registration, access to asylum, emergency shelter and essential services. This funding was complemented by ongoing advocacy and multilateral engagement aimed at supporting refugees and addressing displacement. For example, through its 2024 presidency of the UN Economic and Social Council, Canada prioritized engagement on displacement-related challenges, convening member states, as well as humanitarian and development actors, to provide effective emergency assistance for displaced persons.

At the Global Refugee Forum in December 2023, Canada announced almost 40 pledges and contributed to more than 14 multi-stakeholder initiatives aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) is the first, intergovernmental negotiated agreement to address all dimensions of international migration. As one of 40 GCM champion countries, Canada advances the implementation of the agreement and promotes best practices in migration governance. In 2025, Canada was the co-chair of the GCM Champion Countries Initiative, alongside Ecuador, helping to steer regional and international dialogue and cooperation on migration policy.

Providing assistance to countries of origin and transit in Africa, the Middle East and neighbouring regions

Over the past decade, the EU, together with its partner countries, has made substantial contributions to address migration and forced displacement. Between 2015 and 2025, the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa invested €5 billion to meet the urgent needs of migrants and forcibly displaced people and affected communities. By improving access to basic services and boosting employment opportunities, particular for young people, the EU supported partner countries’ efforts to provide alternatives to irregular migration. It has also worked to reinforce the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

Italy is often the first country migrants reach when heading to Europe via Mediterranean routes. There were over 157,000 arrivals in 2023 alone and more than 66,000 in 2024. To address this, Italy launched a renewed collaboration among countries of origin, transit and destination. It has also scaled up initiatives in priority countries in North Africa, the Sahel region, the Middle East and the Balkans, providing €33 million to relevant UN agencies in 2023 and further €38 million in 2024. In 2024, Italy also allocated a total of €32 million to various initiatives to support displaced populations in African countries such as Algeria, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Libya and Sudan.

Through a €900,000-contribution to the Integrated Programme on Fair Recruitment, implemented by the ILO, Italy is promoting fair recruitment practices globally and across specific migration corridors in North and Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Côte d’Ivoire. In 2022 and 2023, Italy also contributed funding to the IOM’s Provide Direct Assistance to Smuggled Migrants and Victims of Trafficking project in Côte d’Ivoire. It uses a gender-sensitive approach to strengthen institutional capabilities and mechanisms to fight against human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.

Since 2017, France has allocated €300 million to implement infrastructure and projects to support vulnerable people—including migrants, refugees, displaced persons and host communities in Africa and the Middle East—through the Minka Peace and Resilience Fund. This AFD tool is dedicated to peacebuilding as part of France’s Prevention, Resilience and Sustainable Peace strategy.

In 2023, the United Kingdom contributed £465 million in bilateral ODA to the top 10 refugee-hosting developing countries. This was a substantial increase from its £371-million contribution in 2022. This funding included more than £1.2 million to Africa and £37 million to the Middle East. In 2024, the United Kingdom provided £2.4 million to the North African Migration and Development program to support migrants in countries of transit. It also provided £18 million to the Better Regional Migration Management Programme to deliver development assistance in countries of origin for potential migrants and returnees. This included enhancing migrant rights while supporting livelihoods through skills and business training. 

Since 2012, Japan has provided more than US$3.5 billion to Syria and neighbouring countries. In fall 2024, it also extended a US$10-million emergency grant to the country in the wake of its deteriorating humanitarian situation. This assistance was implemented through the UNHCR, the UN World Food Programme, UNICEF and the UNDP to provide shelter, protection, food and non-food items and support water management.

Through GIZ, Canada is providing almost $20.3 million to the Training and Professional Integration of Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and Vulnerable Individuals project between 2022 and 2027. This project aims to improve the socio-economic integration of displaced and refugee populations—as well as other vulnerable populations—in host communities in the Bamako, Kayes, Mopti and Ségou regions of Mali. As of March 2024, it has helped to:

• provide vocational training to more 1,400 people
• implement income activities for more than 330 people, most of whom were women
• provide entrepreneurial support and financing for business plans to more than 420 people
• develop 22 municipal plans that are gender-sensitive and integrate the needs of target groups
• implement six inclusive initiatives to strengthen social cohesion

These activities are strengthening economic resilience and social cohesion between displaced populations and host communities in the targeted regions.

In Lebanon, Canada’s support for the Women’s Economic Empowerment project is economically empowering Lebanese and Syrian refugee women through business support, training and community engagement. For example, the Mashreq Gender Facility and FAO’s Smallholder and Family Farming Sprint supported displaced rural women with agricultural inputs and micro-enterprise kits. These projects faced challenges due to Lebanon’s economic collapse and political instability but adapted by promoting inclusive local governance and integrating gender-sensitive approaches. The programming emphasized restoring livelihoods and enhancing food security for displaced and refugee populations.

In Jordan, Canada has focused on ensuring education access for refugee children. For example, Canada’s support for the Accelerating Access Initiative and Education for Jordan’s Prosperity project ensured that children in the country could attend public schools, receive textbooks and benefit from inclusive learning environments. Canada’s funding for the Municipal Services and Social Resilience Project improved service delivery and created jobs in host communities, fostering social cohesion between Jordanians and Syrian refugees. In addition, its funding for the Gender Mainstreaming in Government of Jordan’s Systems project supported vulnerable women, including refugees, through Oasis Centres that offered livelihood and education opportunities and GBV-prevention services.

Canada: Working with host communities to support Latin American migrants

In Latin America, Canada is focused on protecting vulnerable migrants, particularly Venezuelans, by working with origin, transit and destination countries to manage large-scale migration and forced displacement. Through the Promoting the Rights of Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean project, Canada supported IOM in training 1,150 Colombian stakeholders and registering 44,000 Venezuelans for temporary protection status.

In 2023, Canada committed Can$75 million over six years to strengthen protection and asylum systems, promote regular migration pathways and labour mobility and support socio-economic integration across countries including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama and Peru.

Under the Promoting the Rights of Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean initiative, Canada has enhanced Colombia’s capacity to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation of migrant children, especially girls, by improving access to protection protocols and health services. In Peru, the initiative has expanded access to documentation and regularization services for Venezuelan migrants, aiding their integration and protection.

Figure 27: Emergency response aid for developing countries in Africa, the Middle East and other regions; 2019 compared to 2023

Text version

G7 total in USD (in millions)
Year	Sector	Africa	Middle East	Other regions	Total developing countries
2019	Material relief assistance	$1,344.0	$1,803.5	$4,215.7	$7,363.3
	Emergency food assistance	$2,770.9	$1,647.1	$462.0	$4,880.0
	Relief coordination and support services	$1,042.8	$809.3	$444.5	$2,296.6
2023	Material relief assistance	$2,505.3	$1,312.1	$5,420.5	$9,237.9
	Emergency food assistance	$2,407.8	$1,383.3	$688.3	$4,479.4
	Relief coordination and support services	$3,636.8	$1,892.3	$3,439.6	$8,968.7

Source: OECD-DAC Creditor Reporting System – grant equivalent

42. Drivers of migration

The G7 remains committed to addressing the factors that contribute to irregular migration and forced displacement, such as conflict, climate change, environmental disasters and poverty and to coordinating long-term action. Between 2022 and 2024, the United Kingdom contributed approximately £47.5 million to address the drivers of migration. Its £16-million Integrated Security Fund empowered source and transit countries to manage migration, including by enhancing domestic capacities and capabilities. The United Kingdom also provided over £20 million to the Better Regional Migration Management program, which focuses on making interregional migration in East Africa and the Horn of Africa more productive by:

• strengthening the use of data in labour market information systems and policies
• improving labour migration governance and skills recognition
• protecting labour migrants from exploitation and abuse

Through its £2.4-million contribution to the North Africa Migration and Development project in 2024, the United Kingdom helped break down barriers between migrants and host communities in Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia. The program provides training to increase the employability of migrants and enhance their access to humanitarian assistance and social protection. The United Kingdom’s £5-million contribution to the UN’s Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund is also supporting the adoption of migration approaches that benefit communities of origin, transit and destination, as well as the lives of migrants. This trust fund brings together the entire UN system, under the UN Network on Migration. It also works hand in hand with national partners to implement the vision of the UN Global Compact for Migration.

Since the adoption of the NDICI-Global Europe regulation in 2021, the EU has addressed and mitigated the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement in a more targeted way. It has altered how it calculates its projected or planned allocations for migration-related activities as well as the direct actions it takes to address challenges related to migration and forced displacement.

This regulation also resulted in the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus, which will support investments and increase access to financing for this area. From 2015 to 2025, its predecessor, the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, supported actions to strengthen the resilience of communities affected by forced migration and promote economic and employment opportunities. Through organizations, such as the Joint Research Centre, the EU has also supported research to better understand the drivers of migration.

Germany’s approach to addressing the adverse drivers of migration and displacement is interlinked with the EU’s. It combines development assistance, support to refugees, stabilization of host regions and return and reintegration programs. In 2024, Germany invested more than €8 billion to address the root causes of displacement and irregular migration, increasing its annual spending by €1.3 billion compared to 2017. Germany has also contributed more than €17 million to the UN’s Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund since the fund was launched in 2019.

Japan is making a significant contribution to supporting refugees and migrants, as well as host countries and communities. In 2022 and 2023 alone, Japan provided approximately US$455 million to the UNHCR and IOM. Japan is also providing various forms of assistance to help resolve the root causes of immigration out of Central America, such as poverty, insecurity and natural disasters. In addition, it has provided more than US$200 million to Myanmar since its coup in February 2021. This has included assistance through the UNHCR and other partners that provide food, medical supplies, shelter and water and sanitation infrastructure to people in need.

For almost 20 years, France’s contribution to the Programme d’appui aux initiatives de solidarité pour le développement [support program for solidarity initiatives for development] has supported projects inspired by the Senegalese diaspora. These initiatives include constructing schools, supporting health centres, providing access to drinking water and supporting business start-ups. France has renewed its support to this initiative, committing a total of €8 million from 2023 to 2027.

France’s €6-million TAntsoroka ho an’ny Diaspora project, implemented by the AFD, is supporting and highlighting the value of women’s contributions to Madagascar’s development and to the dynamism of the diaspora. The project contributes to creating conditions favourable to sustainable development in Madagascar and thus addresses the root drivers of irregular migration and forced migration. It is also contributing to reducing gender inequalities in the country.

From 2022 to 2024, France also chaired the Global Forum on Migration and Development and hosted its 15th summit in January 2024, which focused on the impact of climate change on human mobility.

As part of the Rome Process and the Mattei Plan, Italy is helping to develop a new generation of financial instruments to unlock investment opportunities and foster sustainable economic growth across Africa. The Rome Process and Mattei Plan Financing Facility is a special fund managed by the AfDB that finances sustainable infrastructure. In September 2024, the United Kingdom also committed £4 million to the Rome Process.

Italy is also supporting initiatives in partner countries aimed at addressing irregular migration. One example is the Government Strategy for the Prevention of Irregular Migration through the Creation of Territorial and Individual Development Opportunities initiative in El Salvador. This project has a threefold aim: raise awareness among local populations of the risks of irregular migration, create new socio-economic opportunities and increase the strategies of co-development.

Canada is providing Can$43 million between 2023 and 2026 to build the institutional capacity of governments to design and implement gender-responsive climate risk preparedness responses, including through innovative market-based solutions such as risk insurance that is pooled at the continental level. This enables developing countries to have enhanced gender-responsive risk financing and protection mechanisms to protect against climate risks. It also ensures that nature-positive, early-action interventions funded by climate risk finance mechanisms help climate-vulnerable women and men maintain food security and protect their livelihoods in cases of climatic shocks.

In 2025, Canada also contributed to the UN’s Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund to support programs around the globe to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration—including addressing irregular migration by managing borders and combatting transnational crime.

By investing Can$24 million between 2023 and 2026, Canada is improving the capacity of governments and private sector actors to access climate disaster risk financing instruments. This funding is also enhancing protection against climate shocks by improving preparation and response to climate disasters.

Canada is contributing Can$17 million between 2023 and 2026 to support AU member states’ disaster risk planning and management so they can better respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters. This funding also strengthens the participation of gender ministries, civil society and women’s rights organizations in national disaster risk management mechanisms to ensure that vulnerable groups, such as women and children, are considered and involved in planning and implementing disaster responses.

Establishing key partnerships to support countries of origin and destination

Japan takes part in the UPLIFT program. Implemented by the IOM and ILO, this program supports safe and regular migration and reintegration, as well as skills enhancement for aspirant and returnee migrants and victims of human trafficking in Sri Lanka. In Thailand, the program also empowers vulnerable migrant workers by providing legal assistance.

France remains focused on maximizing the positive impact of migration in countries of origin and transit alike. For example, France’s €6-million contribution to Regional Cooperation on Migration Policies is improving the institutional governance of migration and encouraging civil society research at national and regional levels in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Senegal. This is being achieved by setting up national mechanisms for mobilizing the diaspora and promoting a regional framework for strategic and operational dialogue. Through its Talents in Common (link in French) program, France enables experts and executives with a strong connection to Africa—including members of the Euro-African diaspora—to carry out public service missions in an administration or public company, at the request of an African partner state.

Since 2021, Germany’s federal government has held regular development policy dialogues with its umbrella organizations that support migrants to actively involve them in the co-creation of policies and program designs. In 2023, it endorsed Objective 19 of the Global Compact for Migration, leading to a joint diaspora position paper with recommendations for greater involvement and support of the diaspora in Germany.

Germany was also the first European country to establish a Refugee Advisory Board, which advises on domestic integration and participates in global forums, such as the UN’s Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme.

Germany also supports diaspora-led development in partner countries through funding, capacity building, temporary professional assignments and assistance for diaspora entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and economic growth in countries of origin.

Through the digital WIDU.africa platform, Germany has encouraged diaspora investments in micro and small businesses in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Togo and Tunisia. Since November 2019, it has provided more than 6,000 businesses with €10.7 million in private investments.

Since 2017, with Germany’s assistance, diaspora organizations have implemented 188 projects. Overall, 168 businesses were founded and another 466 were supported, and local employers and institutions benefited from the services of more than 760 diaspora professionals. Germany has financed an annual diaspora forum, as well as other exchanges, to respond to the need for dialogue, networking and mutual learning in the diaspora community. It also advocates for the inclusion of diaspora actors in multi-stakeholder dialogues with partner governments and the private sector, reinforcing their role as key development partners.

In 2024, the EU launched the second phase of its Global Diaspora Facility. The aim is to enable diaspora members to become development agents by strengthening engagement between governments and the diaspora. Moreover, the EU partnered with the IFAD to maximize the contribution of migrants’ remittances to development. This included promoting the financial inclusion and engagement of migrants and diaspora members in rural investments in their communities of origin, as part of the Platform for Remittances, Investments and Migrants’ Entrepreneurship (PRIME) Africa and PRIME Central Asia programs. The EU has also been promoting cooperation among developing countries in the Global South to enhance diaspora engagement in western and northern Africa.

To help integrate newcomers, the Canadian government provides funding to 520 organizations that deliver settlement services across Canada. These include:

• information and orientation services
• language training
• employment-related services

Starting in 2025, Canada will provide Can$3.2 billion to support these programs over the next three years.

Canada also supports the immediate and essential needs of government-assisted refugees arriving in the country. This includes meeting them at the airport and providing temporary accommodation and assistance finding permanent housing. In addition, these refugees are eligible for financial assistance—usually for up to one year after arrival—including help with the cost of setting up a new home and monthly income support for shelter and basic needs.

Canada also recognizes the use of capacity building as a tool to create partnerships and promote greater cooperation among countries of origin and destination. For example, it has provided Can$1.7 million in funding to the IOM to help establish binational labour mobility agreements to enable migrants to make positive contributions to countries of transit and destination. Canada has also supported a number of other initiatives that highlight the importance of country-to-country partnerships and the positive contributions of migrants. This includes supporting fair and ethical recruitment initiatives in the Philippines, as well as skills certification and recertification in various countries across Latin America. 

XI. Humanitarian assistance

Humanitarian assistance saves millions of lives each year and helps create a safer world. It provides a vital lifeline to people around the world who face life-threatening crises. The need for this assistance has never been greater as conflict and climate change are causing unprecedented hunger, displacement and destruction.

According to the UN, in 2025, 305 million people need urgent humanitarian assistance due to escalating crises. Food insecurity is on the rise, with 280 million people facing acute hunger. Famine conditions are worsening in Gaza, Haiti, South Sudan and Sudan. The world is nearing 1.5°C warming, leading to more severe natural disasters. In fact, 2024 was the hottest year on record, and 90 million people in high-risk climate areas were displaced.

As the number of crises around the world increases, the global community is failing to meet the growing need for assistance. In 2024, many of the world’s top donors substantially decreased their international humanitarian funding, and further reductions are expected this year. In fact, humanitarian assistance decreased by an estimated 9.6% in 2024, down to US$24.2 billion. The G7 remains committed to meeting the needs of those facing humanitarian crises around the globe. This includes supporting a reset of the global humanitarian system to drive a more effective, impactful and locally led approach to addressing humanitarian crises.  

43. Increasing humanitarian assistance

In 2023, G7 countries collectively provided US$21.8 billion in humanitarian funding, exceeding its commitment made at the G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023. The majority of this funding came from the United States (62%), while 18% was from Germany, which contributed more than €2.99 billion.

Figure 28: G7 humanitarian funding reported to OCHA’s Financial Tracking Service in 2023

Text version

Country	Total funding reported, in USD (in millions)	Percentage of G7 funding
Canada	$715.4	3%
Italy	$235.0	1%
France	$897.4	4%
Germany	$3,970.0	18%
Italy	$235.0	1%
Japan	$1,450.0	7%
United Kingdom	$1,080.0	5%
United States	$13,470.0	62%
Total	$21,817.8	100%

Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – Financial Tracking Service

France’s total humanitarian budget for 2025 is around €500 million, allocated to CSOs and international organizations. France’s priorities are set out in the Humanitarian Strategy of France (2023 to 2027). The French government focuses its support on key humanitarian crises such as those in the DRC, Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, as well as underfunded and “forgotten” crises, such as those in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Haiti and Myanmar.

In 2023, the United Kingdom provided £882 million in humanitarian assistance. In line with its humanitarian framework, the United Kingdom focused its efforts on:

• prioritizing humanitarian assistance to people in greatest need and providing them with what they need the most to recover from crises
• protecting the people most at risk, including from conflict-related sexual violence and barriers to humanitarian assistance 
• preventing and anticipating future shocks and building resilience in long-running crises by tackling the underlying drivers of crises, instability and extreme food insecurity

Of the €198.5 million Italy contributed to humanitarian interventions in 2023, 52% was allocated to CSOs while the remainder went to fund international organizations. This funding supported a range of humanitarian initiatives, primarily in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. More than one third of the approved initiatives were multisectoral, another third focused on relief activities and 13% supported protection measures. 

In 2023, Japan provided almost US$1.8 billion in humanitarian assistance. This assistance focused on responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and supporting neighbouring countries affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Japan also made concerted efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

In 2023, Canada provided more than US$715 million in humanitarian assistance. This included various forms of support to vulnerable and crisis-affected populations, such as:

• emergency food and nutrition assistance
• emergency health services
• water, sanitation and hygiene support
• shelter

Canada continued to respond to large-scale and deteriorating humanitarian situations, such as those in Haiti, Palestine, Sudan and Ukraine.

As a leading humanitarian donor, the EU provided €2.42 billion in needs-based assistance worldwide in 2023 and €2.5 billion in 2024. For instance, through the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the European Commission responded to major crises in Palestine, Sudan and Ukraine and to forgotten crises in Haiti, Mozambique, the Philippines and among Sahrawi refugees.

Together with its member states, the EU contributed 32.6% of global humanitarian funding in 2023 and 27.4% in 2024. DG ECHO also worked to uphold international humanitarian law and safeguard access to those in need. In 2024, it launched the Protect Aid Workers initiative to support humanitarian personnel at risk, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to principled, life-saving action worldwide.

Taking diplomatic steps to ensure all parties comply with international humanitarian law

The defence of humanitarian principles and the promotion of international humanitarian law (IHL) are key humanitarian priorities for France. Since 2022, France has organized several international humanitarian conferences calling for respect for humanitarian space, denouncing IHL violations in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria and the Great Lakes region of Africa and urging the international community to dedicate funds to address the humanitarian needs of affected populations.

In 2024, France, along with the ICRC, Brazil, China, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa, launched a global initiative to galvanize political commitment in support of IHL. Based on these consultations, the initiative will produce concrete and practical recommendations aimed at addressing key IHL challenges, as well as action on the ground. This work will culminate with a high-level meeting to uphold humanity in war in 2026. As of October 2025, more than 90 countries had already officially joined the initiative.

Humanitarian diplomacy is a core tenet of Germany’s new Strategy for Humanitarian Assistance Abroad, which was adopted in 2024. In recent years, Germany has increased its engagement to bring about unhindered access and protection of civilians, especially in priority areas such as Sudan and Gaza. In 2023, Germany appointed a special envoy for humanitarian affairs in the Middle East. The special envoy conducts shuttle diplomacy and coordinates efforts to improve access and the implementation of principled humanitarian assistance.

In 2024 and 2025, Germany co-hosted the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries, as well as the Centre of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation world summits in 2023 and 2024. During the UN General Assembly in 2024, Germany also held a ministerial meeting titled United for Peace in Sudan to work toward:

• ensuring safe, rapid, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access
• coordinating international mediation initiatives
• improving respect for IHL
• bringing about a lasting ceasefire
• attracting significant funding for humanitarian assistance

Germany also supported ICRC’s Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL, joining in January 2025 and assuming co-lead of the Workstream II on National IHL Committees in March 2025. It also provided funding to organizations that are essential to humanitarian negotiations on the ground, such as the ICRC, the OCHA, Geneva Call and the Centre of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation. In addition, Germany has taken on various chairs and co-chair roles, including the chair of the OCHA Donor Support Group, the UNHCR Executive Committee and the IOM Council. It has also led the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies 2023 and 2024.

Japan, together with Australia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and other like-minded countries, has been working to promote the protection of humanitarian personnel as a follow-up to UN Security Council Resolution 2730. Adopted in May 2024, the resolution calls on all countries to protect humanitarian personnel in accordance with their obligations under international law. In addition, Japan joined the Enhancing the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel open pledge at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in 2024. In September 2025, Japan endorsed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. Japan has also made various diplomatic efforts to protect civilians in Gaza and provide humanitarian assistance in the region to ensure compliance with international law, including IHL.

In May 2025, the United Kingdom launched its legal handbook Conflict, Hunger and International Humanitarian Law, with the support of the British Red Cross and in partnership with the National IHL Committee. The handbook, aimed primarily at practitioners, presents the IHL rules most relevant to addressing conflict-induced hunger in an accessible manner.

The United Kingdom uses its influence to encourage other countries to uphold IHL. It also seeks to condemn those that do not and ensures that those responsible for atrocities be held to account. For example, the United Kingdom has taken various actions, including co-sponsoring: 

• UN Security Council Resolution 2730 on the protection of humanitarian personnel, premises and assets
• the UN General Assembly Resolution on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel

In addition, the United Kingdom worked closely with Australia and other states to develop the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and will be an active member of the related Group of Friends in Geneva. The United Kingdom also supports the ICRC’s Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL and is co-leading a workstream on national IHL committees.

In 2024 and 2025, Canada released several official statements urging parties to armed conflicts to comply with IHL. These concerned the protection of civilians, access to civilians in need and the provision of life-saving assistance in Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan and Syria. In addition, Canada has imposed sanctions to exert pressure on parties or individuals, namely those related to Israel, Russia and Rwanda. Canada has also continued to be a strong advocate for the protection of humanitarian personnel. This includes endorsing the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel in September 2025 and joining the Enhancing the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel open pledge in 2024.

Italy promotes respect for IHL through national and international initiatives. At the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, it pledged to enhance IHL implementation and protect persons with disabilities in situations of armed conflict and disasters. Italy also endorsed the Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and joined the ICRC’s Global Initiative for IHL. In November 2023, it launched its first Voluntary report on the implementation of international humanitarian law in Italy.

In 2023 and 2024, the EU reinforced its global leadership in emergency response, delivering humanitarian aid and civil protection to people affected by conflicts and disasters worldwide. It also took diplomatic steps to ensure all parties comply with IHL, promoting principled humanitarian action amid growing access constraints and violations.

List of Abbreviations

AfBOT

Africa Beneficial Ownership Transparency Network

AfCFTA

African Continental Free Trade Area

AFD

French Development Agency

AfDB

African Development Bank Group

AGIA

Alliance for Green Structure in Africa

AI

Artificial Intelligence

AICS

Italian Agency for Development Cooperation

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

AML

Anti-Money Laundering

AMR

Antimicrobial Resistance

ARIN

Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network

ASEAN

Association of Southeast Asian Nations

ASIARS-Net

Asian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network

AU

African Union

AWG

Accountability Working Group

BBNJ

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

BII

British International Investment

BMZ

Germany Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation

CAR

Comprehensive Accountability Report

CARB-X

Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator

CARD

Coalition for African Rice Development

CDP

Italian Public Development Bank (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti)

CEFM

Child, Early and Forced Marriage

CFT

Combatting the Financing of Terrorism

CIHR

Canadian Institute of Health Research

CIPARS

Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance

COP26

26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

COP27

27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

COP28

28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

COP30

30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

COSP

Conference of the States Parties

CREWS

Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems

CRPPHE

Centre for Research on Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies

CSO

Civil Society Organization

DeSIRA

Development Smart Innovation Through Research in Agriculture

DFI

Development Finance Institution

DG ECHO

European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

DRC

Democratic Republic of Congo

DTP3

Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus

EAC

East African Community

EBRD

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

ECOWAS

Economic Community of West African States

ECW

Education Cannot Wait

EDC

Export Development Canada

EDCTP

Global Health-European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership

EDFI

European Development Finance Institutions

EFSD+

European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus

EGPS

Extractives Global Programmatic Support

EIB

European Investment Bank

EITI

Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative

ERIA

Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia

ESG

Environmental, Social, and Governance

EU

European Union

FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization

FATF

Financial Action Task Force

FGM

Female Genital Mutilation

FinDev Canada

Development Finance Institute Canada

FISONG

AFD’s Sectoral Innovation Facility for NGOs

FoGG

Group of Friends of the Gulf of Guinea

FPRW

Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work

FSOF

Support Fund for Feminist Organizations

G7

Group of Seven

GA

Global Accelerator

GAMRIF

Global AMR Innovation Fund

GBFF

Global Biodiversity Framework Fund

GBV

Gender-Based Violence

GCI

Gender at the Centre Initiative

GCM

Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration

GDP

Gross Domestic Product

GEF

Global Environment Facility

GFANZ

Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero

GFAR

Global Forum on Asset Recovery

GFF

Global Financing Facility

GHG

Greenhouse Gases

GIF

Global Infrastructure Facility

GIZ

German Agency for International Cooperation

GNI

Gross National Income

GOARN

Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network

GOARN-DiSC

GOARN Strategic Group for Diagnostic Surge Capacities

GPAP

Global Plastic Action Partnership

GPE

Global Partnership for Education

GPEI

Global Polio Eradication Initiative

HRH

Human Resource for Health

HSS

Health Systems Strengthening

IBP

International Biodiversity Program

ICCAs

Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

ICF

Italian Climate Fund

ICRC

International Committee of the Red Cross

IFAD

International Fund for Agricultural Development

IFFIm

International Finance Facility for Immunization

IHL

International Humanitarian Law

IHR

International Health Regulations

IKI

International Climate Initiative

ILO

International Labour Organization

IMF

International Monetary Fund

IMPACT

Initiative for Marketable Practices in Agri-business, Circular Economy and Technology

INC 5.1

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee

IOM

International Organization for Migration

IPG

International Partners Group

IPPF

International Planned Parenthood Federation

ISS

Italian National Institute of Health

JEE

Joint External Evaluation

JETP

Just Energy Transition Partnership

JICA

Japan International Cooperation Agency

KfW

German Development Bank

KMGBF

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

LDC

Least Developed Countries

LGBTQI+

Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Intersex+

M-GA

Multi-stakeholder Engagement to Implement the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions and the World Bank Social Protection and Jobs Compass

MAV+

Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa

MCM

Medical Countermeasures

MDB

Multilateral Development Bank

MEA

Multilateral Environmental Agreements

MHEWS

Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems

MHF

Model Health Facility

NAP

National Action Plan

NAPAHPI

North American Preparedness for Animal and Human Pandemics Initiative

NCD

Non-Communicable Disease

NCP

National Contact Point

NDC

Nationally Determined Contribution

NDICI

Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument

NEMO

Grand African Navy Exercise for Maritime Operations

NEPAD-IPPF

New Partnership for Africa’s Development – Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility

NGO

Non-Governmental Organization

NTD

Neglected Tropical Disease

OCHA

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

ODA

Official Development Assistance

OECD-DAC

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Development Assistance Committee

OECM

Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures

PDB

Public Development Bank

PGII

Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment

PPIAF

Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility

PPP

Public-Private Partnership

PRIME

Platform for Remittances, Investments and Migrants’ Entrepreneurship

PSI

Private Sector Instruments

PSOP

Peace and Stabilization Operations Program

RELANCE

Sahel Regional Engagement for Learning and Collaboration in Education

RISE

Resilient Inclusive Supply-Chain Enhancement

RMNCH

Reproduction, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

RUTF

Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food

SCALED

Scaling Capital for Sustainable Development

SCRC

Standing Committee of the Regional Committee

SDG

Sustainable Development Goals

SGBV

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

SHEP

Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion

SIDS

Small Island Developing States

SIGI

Social Institutions and Gender Index

SME

Small and Medium-Sized Entreprises

SPR

Social Protection Response

SRHR

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

StAR

Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative

SURGE

Strengthening and Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies

SWAIMS

Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security

TB

Tuberculosis

TDR

Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases

TICAD

Tokyo International Conference on African Development

TOSSD

Total Official Support for Sustainable Development

TVET

Technical and Vocational Education and Training

UHC

Universal Health Coverage

UHCP

Universal Health Coverage Partnership

UN

United Nations

UNAFEI

United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders

UNCAC

United Nations Convention Against Corruption

UNDP

United Nations Development Programme

UNEA

United Nations Environment Assembly

UNEP

United Nations Environment Programme

UNFCCC

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

UNFPA

United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency

UNGP

UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme

UNHCR

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

UNICEF

United Nations Children’s Fund

UNIDO

United Nations Industrial Development Organization

UNOC

United Nations Ocean Conference

UNODC

United Nations Office on Drug and Crime

VACS

Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils

VET

Vocational Education and Training

WHO

World Health Organization

WPS

Women, Peace and Security