What does G stand for in G7? Meaning explained as member countries attend G7 Summit 2022 in Germany

The G7 Summit 2022 is drawing to a close, with some of the world’s major leaders putting up a united front.

One of the major decisions made by the G7 forum was the united support for Ukraine, as well points made about the global food crisis.

The group meets annually to discuss global issues. But what does G7 stand for, and what is the aim of group?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What does G7 stand for?

G7 stands for Group of Seven.

This relates to the number of member countries within the forum.

It was previously known as the G8 - when the group consisted of eight members from between 1997 until 2014.

Which countries are in the G7?

The current memebrs of the G7 group are:

The European Union, although not a country itself, represents the political group of Europe within the group.

Countries from outside the official members are often invited to attend the summit as guests.

In the 2022 summit, this included India, Argentina, Senegal, South Africa and Indonesia.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky also made a virtual appearance at the 2022 meeting.

Russia was an official member of the group from 1997 until 2014, when the country was suspended for its annexation of Crimea.

Shortly after the suspension, Russia voluntarily left the forum, with the G8 name reverting to G7 upon the country leaving.

What is the aim of the G7?

The forum was created in 1973, after originating from a gathering of finance ministers from each respective country.

Since its inception, the G7 has grown to become a formal meeting place for world leaders to discuss ongoing global issues.

This includes topics such as security, trade, the economy and climate change.

The group has come to agreements on major issues throughout the years, posing a united standpoint between the members.

The G7 launched global initatives for issues such as the AIDS pandemic, climate change and supporting developing countries with financial aid.

In 2018, the annual summit hit the headlines after former US President Donald Trump insisted that Russia be reinstated to the group, while also clashing with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over steel and aluminium tariffs and his refusal to sign the economic agreement of the forum.

During the 2022 summit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined other countries in presented a united front in support of Ukraine.

A statement fromt he group read: “We will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

“We remain appalled by and continue to condemn the brutal, unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine by Russia and aided by Belarus.”