G7 Development Ministers conclude successful meeting and issue statement on Ukraine

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

May 19, 2022 – Berlin, Germany - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, has concluded a productive trip to Berlin, Germany for the G7 Development Ministers’ Meeting from May 18 to 19, 2022. 

The ministers met to discuss development responses to global challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, food security, climate change and Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine. They also focused on coordinating support for countries in Africa and the Middle East that are already facing increased food insecurity, a situation that has been exacerbated by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The G7 development ministers issued a joint statement on Ukraine, resolving to stand together to provide immediate assistance, as well as long-term development support to rebuild. The ministers were honoured to be joined by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal for the discussion.

While at the G7, Minister Sajjan announced $9 million in humanitarian and development funding to support people experiencing heightened vulnerability, including sexual and gender-based violence due to the war in Ukraine. The funding will be allocated to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and Humanity and Inclusion. Canada also announced $2 million to support dairy farmers in western Ukraine, creating opportunities for economic growth and helping to enhance food security in the region.

Throughout the meetings, Minister Sajjan shared Canada’s perspective on climate action, infrastructure investment and using a feminist lens in international development, further demonstrating Canada’s leadership in line with its Feminist International Assistance Policy. Minister Sajjan was joined by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, for a joint working session on strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

Minister Sajjan held bilateral discussions with Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, James Cleverly, United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Europe and North America, and Svenja Schulze, Germany’s Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. 

At the close of the meeting, the G7 development ministers issued a joint communiqué, Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in times of multiple crises, which reaffirms their commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda.

Quotes

“Although the current moment is rife with challenges, Canada and our G7 partners are unwavering in our support for Ukraine. Canada’s funding will help vulnerable people to access food, water, safety and security, and will help to find solutions to the food security crisis.”

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

Quick facts

  • The G7 is an informal group of like-minded partners that brings together Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.

  • The G7 dates back to the mid-1970s, and the G7 presidency, which rotates annually between member countries, sets the agenda for the year in consultation with G7 partners. Germany holds the presidency for 2022. 

  • G7 development ministers last met in person at the Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting in December 2021 in the United Kingdom.

  • To date in 2022, Canada has committed $245 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. 

  • The funding allocated to Humanity and Inclusion announced today is from Canada’s $100 million contribution for humanitarian aid in the region announced by the Prime Minister on April 9, 2022.

  • Canada also increased development assistance funding to Ukraine by $35 million to address emerging priorities, including by supporting the resilience of Ukraine’s government institutions and civil society organizations so they can meet the needs of Ukrainians, in particular women and vulnerable groups. The $9 million announced today to UNFPA and to support the dairy cooperative is in addition to that funding. 

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Haley Hodgson 
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of International Development 
Haley.Hodgson@international.gc.ca

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