Originally, the G7 exclusively addressed the development of the global economy (this is why their meetings are known as “world economic summits”). This agenda has broadened over the years. In the meantime, it covers the whole spectrum of global issues, including foreign and security policy, trade, climate, health and sustainable development.

Given that healthy populations are a strong engine of socio-economic stability and growth, Germany made “health” a priority of its 2015 Presidency.

The Federal Government leveraged the G7 Presidency to - jointly with its partners - draw vital lessons from the Ebola crisis in an effort to ensure a faster response to similar global crises going forward. Given that strong national health systems offer the best protection from cross-border health crises, the G7 agreed at their 2015 summit in Schloss Elmau to assist at least 60 countries, over the next five years, in implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR). The G7 have already offered their assistance to 76 countries. More countries are likely to be added to the list.

The G7 supported the ongoing process to reform and strengthen WHO’s capacities to prepare for and respond to complex health crises. Moreover, the G7 reaffirmed the central role of WHO in international health security.

Another priority of Germany’s G7 Presidency was antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR is in ascendance globally and poses a worldwide risk. Therefore, Germany lobbied the G7 partners to intensify their fight against antimicrobial resistance. The G7 has reaffirmed its commitment to the One Health approach that encompasses all areas of human and animal health as well as agriculture and the environment. The Group supports WHO’s action plan on antimicrobial resistance.