The youth policy dialogue and participation process known as Youth7 (Y7) has become an integral part of the G7. It unites young adults from the G7 states, the European Union and partner countries who come together to discuss current issues on the G7 agenda, the Presidency programme, and their own priorities. They develop responses and proposed solutions to current and future global challenges and engage on them with the heads of state and government of the G7.
The G7 Youth Summit (Y7 Summit), the highlight of the youth policy dialogue, will take place between 16 and 20 May 2022 in Berlin. Since the spring, the young G7 representatives have been working on current issues and developing policy recommendations in four priority areas:
- Sustainable & Green Planet
- Economic Transformation for Shared Progress
- Resilience of Democracies
- Global Health & Solidarity.
In light of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, a fifth priority was added: Youth, Peace & Security. The Federal Chancellery has extended an invitation to the Y7 Summit to a delegation from Ukraine.
During the Y7 Summit the delegates will finalise their policy recommendations and adopt a joint Communiqué. Federal Youth Minister Lisa Paus has confirmed her attendance at the Summit and will meet with the delegates on 17 May to discuss their submission. The Communiqué is scheduled to be presented to Germany’s Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz on 20 May 2022.
The Y7 process is shaped and led by young adults. Co-chairs Carolina Claus and Benjamin Günther are supported in their role by eight volunteer coordinators.
IJAB, the International Youth Service of the Federal Republic of Germany coordinates the Y7 Youth Dialogue 2022 in cooperation with the German National Committee for International Youth Work. The Y7 Youth Dialogue 2022 is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.