Working together to create growth that benefits all our citizens
As the 2018 G7 president, Canada put forward an ambitious vision of a more equal and more secure world – a vision that we will continue to advance at the G20 summit in Argentina.
In June, Canada welcomed the world to the beautiful Charlevoix region of Quebec for the G7 summit, where leaders discussed how to invest in economic growth that benefits everyone and prepare people for the jobs of the future. We made progress on advancing gender equality, building a more peaceful and prosperous world, fighting climate change, protecting our oceans and investing in clean energy.
These themes were inspired by the simple but powerful idea that growth must benefit everyone. Today, many people feel that automation, technological change and global trade have left them behind. They are worried about their prospects, and their children’s futures, too.
As world leaders, we can and must do more to help people adapt to changing economic realities, and make real, meaningful investments in their future. Canada believes creating new opportunities for the middle class, and for people working hard to join it, is the single best way to restore people’s confidence in the future, and stem the spread of polarisation and division.
We recognise that no country can solve these challenges alone. If we are going to make globalisation work for more people, first we need to get everyone in the same room. Canada invited a number of outreach countries and international organisations to the G7 summit to make sure we took a wide-lens approach on issues that impact us all. One of these countries was Argentina, which has put forward a G20 agenda that will complement the G7 accomplishments.
The G20 summit – like the G7 summit was in Charlevoix – is a key opportunity to make progress towards a world where everyone can benefit from the increasingly global and digital economy. Global economic growth is at its strongest since 2011. Now is the time to secure our prosperity, invest in quality education and training, clean energy, infrastructure and new technologies that will improve the lives of all citizens and build stronger, healthier communities, economies and democracies.
Canada will continue to advocate for quality education for women and girls around the world. During the G7 summit, Canada and partners announced nearly CA$3.8 billion in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. This historic investment is the largest of its kind, and will make an enormous difference in the lives of millions of people in the most vulnerable situations on Earth. Canada is pleased to see the continuing momentum at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, where Canada welcomed an additional CA$527 million from partners to help developing countries give every child access to quality education and modern skills training.
Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri and I have spoken several times about our respective G7 and G20 presidencies, and I am confident we will build on the progress made at the G7 to promote gender equality and girls’ education. Just as Canada put gender equality at the centre of its presidency, Argentina has integrated the empowerment of women and girls throughout its G20 agenda.
People understand more than ever that gender equality is a global responsibility, and one we need to work on together to achieve. In addition to achieving gender equality, we face other challenges such as climate change, growing income inequality, and escalating numbers of displaced populations and migrants around the world. I look forward to joining leaders in Buenos Aires to continue these vital conversations, and find new ways to collaborate to create a better world.
