COMMUNIQUÉ 2022 Progress towards an equitable world - must be more than a promise! - CIVIL SOCIETY 7
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COMMUNIQUÉ
2022
Progress towards
an equitable world –
must be more than
a promise!Progress towards an equitable
world – must be more than
a promise!
When Civil7 started in late 2021, almost Economic inequalities are on the rise,
two years of the pandemic were already globally as well as within countries. Political
behind us, with millions of associated stability is threatened by economic griev-
deaths worldwide and massive social and ances and political extremism. But what
economic damage. Health and economic is a rollback of progress in the G7 countries
recovery seemed to be the top political is taking the form of an existential threat
priorities. The number of people living in for many people in the Global South:
extreme poverty and hunger has dramat- a life in fear and insecurity, lack of freedom
ically increased in the last two years. The or the risk of becoming seriously ill and
health crisis joined a series of pressing not having access to adequate nutrition
global challenges such as extreme weather and health care.
events, increased economic and social
injustice, rising gender inequality, anti- In early 2022, before war broke out
democratic developments and armed in Ukraine, it was already estimated that
conflicts. With the war in Ukraine and its 274 million people would need humani-
devastating consequences, the focus tarian assistance and protection, the
has shifted. The world is in upheaval in highest figure in decades. The social and
2022, and the international community economic impacts of the COVID-19 pan-
is attempting to extinguish one fire demic, climate change (compounded
after another. The urgency of systemic by ecological and food crises) and conflicts
change has never been greater. Therefore, are most severe for vulnerable groups.
the motto of this year’s G7 presidency, Structural inequalities based on gender,
“Progress towards an equitable world”, income, age, ethnicity and disability
must be more than a promise. have been aggravated. In many countries,
we observe shrinking spaces for civic
The promises of prosperity, security and engagement and vulnerable populations.
stability have already been eroding for Global processes have become even
more and more people in the G7 countries – less participatory. Those with the least
during four decades of neoliberalism decision-making power and political
and exacerbated by the pandemic. influence are always hit hardest.
2What became clearer than ever in the to global change. The G7 must contribute
last few years: Politicians must think and to maintaining multilateralism and resist
act with the awareness that all crises are calls for a new “the West against the rest”
interdependent. They have to take respon- mentality.
sibility for a fair and sustainable world,
where no one is left behind and planetary Civil7 represents voices from international
boundaries are respected. Otherwise civil society and is coordinated by VENRO
it will always be crisis management. (the Association of German Development
This means affirmative action for the poor, and Humanitarian Aid NGOs) and the
disadvantaged, discriminated, excluded German NGO Forum on Environment and
persons and countries. It also means Development, accompanied by an inter-
adjusting trade, fiscal, energy, agricultural national steering committee. Over the past
and other policies accordingly. Without few months, about 500 representatives from
important policy changes, the 2030 Agenda more than 40 countries have been working
and its Sustainable Development Goals in the Civil7 network across five working
(SDGs) that the world’s heads of state groups. This C7 Communiqué reflects the
and government adopted at the United policy positions and priorities of Civil7 2022
Nations in 2015 will not be achieved. along the Working Groups: Open Societies;
Humanitarian Assistance and Conflict;
When the G7 leaders meet to discuss Economic Justice and Transformation;
their priorities in the context of this year’s Climate and Environmental Justice; and
German presidency, the voices of civil Global Health. United, Civil7 calls for
society and, above all, of the people most strong, progressive and sustainable out-
affected by crises, must be heard. The comes at the G7 Summit and associated
G7 countries only account for ten percent ministerial meetings.
of the world population, but together their
economies generate about 45 percent
of the global gross domestic product.
This implies significant power – but first and
foremost the responsibility to contribute
3“You are not just responsible
for your own country; your
responsibility is global.
Be a leader and set an example
to strengthen justice and
equality worldwide.”
Dr Anna-Maija Mertens
Coordinator of the Working Group
Open Societies
OPEN
SOCIETIESOnly 2 in 10 people still live
in a free country
In light of the tragic and atrocious events live in a free country. Civic space has been
unfolding in Ukraine, as the illusions of shrinking or has vanished altogether in
a post-Cold War world order shatter, demo- some countries, and fundamental human
crats worldwide finally begin to realize rights and freedoms are being infringed
that the very survival of democracy is at upon. The G7 countries have a historical
stake. We find ourselves at a turning responsibility to protect civil society
point, the roots of which lie in the slow, organizations and actors and guarantee
gradual and worldwide democratic back- their rights and freedoms. Only then
sliding we are experiencing, fueled by can civil society contribute effectively to
corruption and the rise of authoritarianism. safeguarding and building resilient demo
The pandemic has further accelerated cracies and fighting authoritarianism
and exacerbated this trend. According to and corruption.
Freedom House, only 2 in 10 people still
We recommend that the G7 leaders
1. S
et up a Civic Space other countries. It should work with
Task Force financial institutions to facilitate uninter-
Establish a Civic Space Task Force as a rupted funding for these groups and
global initiative of G7 governments, civil provide further resources to support
society groups, businesses and banks civil society, also in G7 countries. The Task
to increase engagement with and support Force could facilitate discussions and
for civil society organizations, particularly recommendations for G7 governments
those under threat from authoritarian and the broader community. Aspects
regimes and conflict. should be opportunities for coordinating
In June 2021, G7 leaders in Cornwall civil society support, overcoming threats
committed to protecting civic space and faced by civic actors and considering
open societies. This year, G7 leaders in civil society needs in devising solutions
Elmau should agree to set up a permanent to global crises and conflicts.
Task Force to fulfil these commitments.
As a first step, the Task Force should work 2. A
dopt a revised Open
with multiple stakeholders to strengthen Societies Statement
and expand protection mechanisms The G7 governments should adopt a
for civil society organizations and activists revised Open Societies Statement as part
under threat to enable them to operate of the G7 Elmau Communiqué and the
in conflict areas or temporarily relocate to outcome documents of future summits.
5By incorporating the Open Societies
Statement in their Communiqué, the
G7 countries would ensure that they focus
on priority issues requiring G7 action.
The renewed Open Societies Statement
should build on the 2021 Open Societies
Statement. It should reflect upon the
progress achieved so far on current com- “G7 governments should
mitments and agree on priority areas of maximize the contribution
action for the next year. A draft with our of civil society through
proposals for the Open Societies Statement their action. By doing
is published on the C7 website Civil7.org. so they will build more
democratic and open
3. I mplement the commitments in societies that better
national contexts and abroad meet the challenges of
The G7 leaders should lead by example and our times and steer our
commit to aligning their domestic laws progress towards a more
and policies with their commitments on equitable world”
Open Societies. Therefore, they should
review existing and add new commitments Katerina Hadzi-Miceva Evans
Coordinator of the Working Group
in their respective National Action Plans Open Societies
within the Open Government Partnership
initiative. Open Societies Statement prior-
ities should also become an integral part
of foreign policy engagements, including
in development, trade and security policies
programming and funding. The G7 coun-
tries should engage with the OECD Obser-
vatory of Civic Space, for example by
committing to undertake Civic Space Scans
around open societies issues. G7 members
could also expand the mandate of the
G7 Rapid Response Mechanism to incorpo-
rate Open Societies Statement priorities.
6“G7 is a powerful forum, but global
challenges are bigger, and a meaningful
participation of all affected states
and vulnerable groups must be assured
to find sustainable solutions to rising
hunger, conflicts, climate change
hazards and gender injustice globally.”
Kira Fischer
Coordinator of the Working Group
Humanitarian Assistance and Conflict
HUMANITARIAN
ASSISTANCE
AND CONFLICTAct now – The humanitarian system is under
immense and increasing pressure
Global humanitarian needs have never and diplomacy. Efforts to prevent and
been so high. Even before the catastrophic respond to crises must be conflict-sensitive
escalation of war in Ukraine, 274 million and informed by the leadership and
people needed humanitarian assistance decision-making of all people affected,
and protection worldwide. At least 45 mil- especially women, LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian,
lion people globally are just one step away Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual/Transgender,
from famine, and more than 600,000 people Queer, Intersexual and Asexual) persons;
are on the brink of starvation. Driven by children, youth and elderly persons;
conflict, climate crisis, social injustice and refugees and internally displaced persons;
COVID-19, these figures will only increase. and those with diverse disabilities.
As representatives of the Civil7, we The humanitarian system is under im-
call on G7 members to respond to their mense and increasing pressure, primarily
moral and political obligation to mobilise due to political and policy failures. Much
resources and implement policies to more must be done by G7 members to take
anticipate, prevent and respond to these anticipatory action to prevent conflict,
rising needs. The G7 must invest in human- crises and disasters of all types. Without
ity through a principled, dignity-centred, this action, the G7 will be unable to fulfil
gender-sensitive, inclusive and needs-based its ambition of progress towards an
approach to financing, policy, advocacy equitable world.
We recommend that the G7 leaders
1. R
educe the need for hazards, and strengthen efforts to help
humanitarian assistance crisis-affected communities enhance
Increase political efforts to prevent conflict-, resilience, absorb shocks and minimize
climate- and health-related crises from the impacts of crises.
occurring in the first place. Invest in conflict
prevention and peacebuilding and imple- 2. Strengthen compliance with
ment policies that meaningfully address international humanitarian law
climate-related loss and damage through Take concrete action to ensure the protec-
locally led mitigation and risk reduction tion of civilians in all conflicts and crises.
efforts, wherever they occur. Strengthen Uphold obligations, including to end sexual
early warning systems to ensure adequate and gender-based violence; to prevent
and timely anticipatory action for emerging and prosecute starvation as a method
conflict, climate and health risks and of warfare; and to protect civilian objects,
8including medical facilities and schools. leadership of local and national organi
Build on the commitments endorsed zations, including youth and women’s
by 51 states plus the European Union in organizations. Increase funding quantity
the 2019 Call for Humanitarian Action and transparency to ensure that needs
to implement international humanitarian can be met in all crises, and the response
law on the ground, to advocate with and to new and escalating needs does not
train state and non-state actors, including divert funding from other critical humani-
communities, in international humanitarian tarian responses.
law and to document violations and
seek accountability to fight impunity in 5. H
old themselves and each other
all its forms. accountable for all commitments
Uphold accountability and ensure coher-
3. E
nable and ensure a principled ence in all political and financial commit-
humanitarian response ments, placing human security and dignity
Ensure that the humanitarian response at the heart of every action. Fulfil the full
to all crises can be delivered in line with range of obligations undertaken in the 2021
humanitarian principles without being G7 Famine Prevention and Humanitarian
hampered by conditions or diverted by Crises Compact, and adjust where neces
political agendas. Strengthen humanitarian sary to respond to the growing hunger
diplomacy, ensure safe and unimpeded crises and rising humanitarian needs and
access so assistance can reach those most prevent further crises. Report on the ful
in need, and act when people are pre filment of these and future commitments in
vented from receiving the assistance to the G7 accountability report and establish
which they are entitled. Protect humani- a permanent G7 agenda to focus on conflict
tarian space by ensuring that humanitarian prevention and humanitarian assistance
exemptions are included in the design beyond 2022.
and implementation of all sanctions and
counter-terrorism legislation. “The failure of responsible
parties in preventing and
4. Increase the quantity and addressing the drivers
quality of funding, prioritizing of conflict and insecurity
means the humanitarian
support for local actors
system must be further
Recognize the invaluable role of local and reinforced and resourced
national actors as they are the first and as we try to meet ever-
most context-aware responders in a crisis. increasing levels of global
Improve funding quality in order to quickly, vulnerability and need.”
predictably and flexibly reach those best
Jeremy Wellard
placed to anticipate and respond to crises, Coordinator of the Working Group
ensuring meaningful participation and Humanitarian Assistance and Conflict
9“Let’s raise our civil society
voices around the world jointly
to demand from the G7 to end
poverty and advance a fair, just
and peaceful transition towards a
zero-carbon sustainable economy!”
Dr Klaus Schilder
Coordinator of the Working Group
Economic Justice and Transformation
ECONOMIC
JUSTICE AND
TRANSFORMATIONThe old models of economic growth have served
the economic interests of a happy few
In the third year of the pandemic and in and financial system that is sustainable,
light of the war in Ukraine, the human respects both planetary boundaries
toll mounts while the world faces severe and people’s well-being and does not leave
economic and financial consequences from anyone behind. What is needed is deep
the crises – both inside the G7 and across transformative action towards a society
the Global South. The multiple crises are and an economy based on the principles
undermining the achievement of the 2030 of sufficiency, sustainability of life and
Agenda and worsen global inequalities, human rights, including reform of the
poverty and hunger. Resulting injustices global trading system.
are not gender-blind, as women and girls As C7, we urge the G7 leaders to
across the world are particularly affected. strengthen crisis responses and take swift
Above all, it is clear that the economic action for a steady and inclusive economic
models of the past are unsuitable for recovery, particularly in the countries of
the future. Hyper-globalization, deregulated the Global South. We call for an economic
free trade, globalized supply chains and and financial transition that is climate-
economic growth at any price have served neutral and environmentally neutral,
the economic interests of a happy few. people-centered, human rights-based and
This old model has crashed. The challenge inclusive, thus putting a strong emphasis
is now a managed de-globalization, a green on equity, gender equality and diversity
and just transition towards an economic sensitivity.
We recommend that the G7 leaders
1. Tackle the debt crisis 2. M
eet developing countries’
Send a clear signal on fulfilling the G7’s urgent financing needs
responsibility for a binding inclusion Work towards a new SDR (Special Drawing
of private creditors by committing to Rights) allocation in 2022 of 2.35 trillion
legislative protection and financial USD and a significant and fair rechannelling
support for debtor countries who need of SDRs through vehicles beyond the IMF,
to default on stubborn creditors. In addi- following the key principles of being
tion, provide immediate debt relief for debt-free, non-conditioned and accessible
vulnerable countries, e.g. those affected to low- and middle-income countries.
by catastrophic events, and ensure that
“catastrophe” clauses are included
in future loans.
113. Mobilize tax revenues
Introduce democratic global tax govern-
ance with inclusive participation of devel-
oping countries through negotiation
of a UN tax convention for improved and
equitable international cooperation on
tax; undertake fundamental corporate
income tax reform by introducing unitary
taxation; and introduce much needed
comprehensive beneficial ownership regis-
ters to curb illicit financial flows.
4. Actively promote transformative “The multiple crises and
development finance the unequal recovery
Recommit to the 0.7% ODA target and reflect the urgent need
agree on a clear timeline to reach this for global actions that
target with new and additional resources; the G7 can start to
mobilize new and innovative sources, succeed in the objective
including a financial transaction tax, e.g. of leaving no one behind.”
to finance a new Global Fund for Social
Patricia Miranda
Protection.
Coordinator of the Working Group
Economic Justice and Transformation
5. R
everse and stop the negative
impacts of private financing
Stop the promotion of private equity
investment for social infrastructure
initiatives; initiate a joint commitment
of the G7 to terminate international invest-
ment agreements; establish mandatory
environmental, social and governance
due diligence obligations for all companies
in line with the UN Guiding Principles and
OECD Guidelines; actively support the
UN open-ended intergovernmental work-
ing group in its work towards a binding
instrument on business and human rights.
12“As the largest contributors to
the climate crisis, the G7 countries
have a responsibility to reduce
their greenhouse gas emissions now
and to integrate climate protection
in all policy areas.”
Christiane Hildebrandt
Coordinator of the Working Group
Climate and and Environmental Justice
CLIMATE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL
JUSTICEThe G7 must protect the climate
and restore biodiversity
The world is at a tipping point. Global Mitigating and adapting to climate change
warming is intensifying, more frequent and and addressing loss and damage requires
severe climate impacts are causing dam- evidence-based, socially and gender-just
age and suffering and hitting those hardest and holistic policies, as well as a rapid
who are least responsible. The loss of bio redirection of financial flows away from
diversity has never been as grim as it is now, fossil fuels.
and climate-related hunger is increasing. Yet, governments are still subsidizing
Half of the world’s population lives fossil fuels, which account for 80 percent
in areas which are highly vulnerable of all greenhouse gas emissions and
to climate change. Furthermore, climate are fuelling conflicts that harm both human
change disproportionately affects in and natural environments. Some govern-
digenous peoples, women, children, small ments also promote false solutions such
island nations, small-scale farmers and as biomass from forests and electricity
fishermen as well as people on the move produced with natural gas that allow
and in fragile contexts. The COVID-19 pan- industries to continue polluting the envi-
demic, conflicts, extreme weather events ronment and destroying ecosystems.
and intensive agriculture, compounded The G7 economies are overwhelmingly
by ecological and food crises, have drasti responsible for the socioecological crises
cally reinforced structural inequalities we are experiencing. The G7 leaders have
and increased poverty and human rights the duty to disentangle economies from
violations. fossil fuels, protect and restore biodiversity
The window of opportunity is rapidly and ecosystems and contribute to a more
closing for mitigation and adaptation equitable, just, resilient and healthy world
to global climate destabilization. Limits for everyone everywhere.
to some forms of human adaptation have The G7 needs to play an important role
been reached, resulting in losses and in the negotiations for the new global
damages. Time is running out to limit biodiversity agreement and the Fossil Fuel
global warming to 1.5°C and achieve the Non-Proliferation Treaty to complement
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). the Paris Agreement and to financially
The world must act now. Economies support a rapid, equitable and managed
must be weaned off fossil fuels, food phase-out of fossil fuels. The leadership
systems must be transformed and bio and meaningful participation of indigenous
diversity protected and restored. Policy people, women, local communities and
solutions must be gender-sensitive vulnerable populations must be ensured
and based on human rights, placing at all stages of climate action.
the most vulnerable at the centre.
14We recommend that the G7 leaders
1. E
nsure an equitable fossil fuel 3. Protect and restore ecosystems
phase-out and a just transition Implement robust, human rights-centred
Align the G7’s policies with the Net Zero 30x30-compatible plans to protect and
Scenario of the International Energy Agency restore ocean and land ecosystems in
(IEA) and ensure that energy security prior- partnership with local communities, and
itizes energy efficiency and renewable increase resources for governance and
energies instead of diversification of fossil monitoring of protection zones.
fuel supply. On an international level, in-
crease technological cooperation, capacity 4. E
nsure sustainable
building and financial support for a just food systems
transition, respecting environmental and Ensure a just and inclusive transition to
human rights. sustainable food systems and the right to
healthy and climate-friendly diets, achieve
2. Address climate impacts SDGs 2 (zero hunger) and 15 (life on land)
Address climate impacts faced by vulner- by fostering agro-ecological systems with
able countries and people by urgently a focus on small-scale farmers and women
increasing adaptation finance and setting and stopping harmful subsidies, and end
up a needs-based target in the 2025 goal. hunger and malnutrition.
Commit to supporting the establishment
of a Loss and Damage Finance Facility
at COP27 with new, additional, sustained
resources and scale up accessible grant
support.
“The rich industrialized countries
must meet their obligations to
support developing countries with
finance and technology to deal
with the climate impacts and adopt
greener development policies.”
Harjeet Singh
Coordinator of the Working Group
Climate and and Environmental Justice
15“The main responsibility of the
G7 is to demonstrate sustainable
political leadership and live up
to the responsibilities rich states
have: universal health coverage
and access to the best possible
treatment for everyone.”
Peter Wiessner
Coordinator of the Working Group
Global Health
GLOBAL
HEALTHA transformation of the global health
architecture is required
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has Our recommendations underscore the
buckled health and community systems principles of global health solidarity, multi
and services. It has also exacerbated lateralism, localization/decolonization
existing inequalities within and across and country ownership, protection and
countries through inequitable access to advancement of health equity and human
vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics and rights. We call for equal access to scientific
other health innovations. This puts evidence and innovation, for balancing
vulnerable people at further risk. Tackling the health of people, animals and ecosys-
these challenges requires a transforma tems, and for recognizing that the health of
tion of the global health architecture people is closely connected to the health
to address today’s public health threats of animals and our shared environment, as
and ward off tomorrow’s. expressed in the One Health concept. We
We call on the G7 leaders to recommit call for gender equality and comprehensive
to fighting global pandemics such as HIV, sexual reproductive health and rights as
tuberculosis, malaria, polio and COVID-19, well as people-centred health and commu-
as well as poverty-related neglected nity systems. Meaningful participation of
tropical diseases and non-communicable key and vulnerable populations, including
diseases, malnutrition and antimicrobial the poorest and most marginalized, must be
resistance, and to protect the universal placed in the centre, as well as the principles
right to the highest attainable level of physi of partnership, transparency and account
cal and mental health. ability, so as to leave no one behind.
We recommend that the G7 leaders
1. S
trengthen Universal in critical areas such as water, sanitation
Health Coverage and hygiene (WASH), nutrition as well as
Scale up investment in community-based/ digital health. Moreover, end out-of-pocket
-led primary health care through monito payments.
ring and enabling legal, policy and social
environments. Strengthen all pillars of 2. I mprove pandemic prepared-
health systems, notably the health work- ness, response and recovery
force – including health promotion, preven- Strengthen WHO’s independence and
tion, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative coordinating role, multilateral structures
care as well as procurement and supply and public health systems to prevent
chains. Ensure that all basic needs are met fragmentation and reinforce global
17solidarity. Increase resources for the 4. E
nsure equitable access
Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator to medicines and health
(ACT-A) and initiate reforms with communi- commodities
ties, civil society and low- and middle- Ensure the availability, accessibility, accept
income country (LMIC) governments. ability and affordability of medicines
Prioritize the One Health approach, equi- and health commodities through immediate
table access to diagnostics, prevention support for the proposed TRIPS waiver
and treatment, including mental health on COVID-19 health commodities; ensure
support, to prevent future pandemics. complete technology transfers to LMICs
to increase local production; ensure
3. Tackle communicable systematic, meaningful community partici-
and non-communicable pation at all stages.
diseases (NCDs)
Increase investment in poverty-related and 5. Increase health financing
neglected tropical diseases, NCDs and Go beyond official development assis-
diseases of aging. Invest in publicly-funded tance to include global public investment
research and development and create and other innovative funding mechanisms,
enabling environments for behavioural including expanding the multi-sectoral
change. Secure equitable access to vaccines, health financing of WHO and fully funding
therapeutics, diagnostics and prevention, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tubercu-
as well as mental health services. Remove losis and Malaria with a minimum of USD
the determinants that cause obesity and 18 billion and other multilateral financing
NCDs among the most vulnerable people. mechanisms such as ACT-A, the Coalition
for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
(CEPI), the Vaccine Alliance Gavi, the inter-
national drug purchase facility Unitaid,
the Global Financing Facility (GFF) and the
Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
“Build civil society in
your countries like your
lives depend on it.”
Olha Boiko
Climate Action Network for
Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and
Central Asia, Kyiv, March 2022
18Imprint
The Civil Society 7 (C7) Group is
one of the official engagement groups
of the G7 and represents positions
from the international civil society.
VENRO, the Association of German
Development and Humanitarian
Aid NGOs, and the German NGO Forum
on Environment and Development,
were mandated by the Chancellery to
coordinate the C7.
Civil7 Secretariat
c /o VENRO e.V.
Stresemannstr. 72
10963 Berlin
Germany
Tel.: +49 30 2639299-20
contact@civil7.org
www.civil7.org
Please follow us on Twitter:
@civil7official
Civil7 is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry
for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
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