In the framework of the Italian G7 Presidency, Mr Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, went to Pescara, Italy, on 22 October 2024.
The Minister of State was able to signal France's commitment to global public health, food security and the fight against malnutrition.
The G7 Development Ministers' Meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint statement highlighting the priorities of the G7 and France as regards development:
- to encourage the G7 Apulia Initiative, which works towards establishing sustainable, resilient, inclusive food systems;
- to support the call for innovative projects to combat malnutrition, known as the Innovation Challenge, which will be promoted ahead of the next Nutrition for Growth summit, to be held in Paris on 27 and 28 March 2025;
- to strengthen global health systems, particularly the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) initiative, which was launched in Paris in June 2024 and aims to produce in Africa 60% of the vaccines used on that continent;
- to strengthen the G7's cooperation with African countries to promote girls' education;
- to develop sustainable investment in sport, echoing the Paris appeal made on the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Finally, with an International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty taking place in Paris today, the Minister of State called on the G7 partners to summon up the widest possible support for Lebanon and the civilian populations affected by the conflict.