G7 scholars submit recommendations to G7 leaders for policy direction

Scientists and scholars have submitted recommendations to G7 leaders for consideration when they meet June 8-9 for their annual summit in Charlevoix, QC. The recommendations are contained in two statements on the “most pressing issues of our times” – the digital future and Arctic sustainability.

The statements came out of two summits held in recent weeks and organized by the Royal Society of Canada. RSC president Dr Chad Gaffield tells RE$EARCH MONEY that the statements were drafted collaboratively by the G7 academies, with each academy presenting the joint statements to their leaders.

“In addition to engaging with political leaders in each country through the Academies, we are also attempting to contribute to public debate and interest as we work with domestic and international partners,” says Gaffield. “We’ve certainly been able to be helpful in keeping with the idea that the world of science and scholarship can really help at this challenging time.”

In Canada, the statements were presented in April to Peter Boehm - DM for the G7 Summit and personal representative of the prime minister, science minister Kirsty Duncan and prime minister Justin Trudeau. At the Arctic Sustainability Summit in Montreal in May, Gaffield says Trudeau, in a pre-recorded video, acknowledged RSC’s efforts.

“In the past, the Academies have not taken the whole year to organize research summits (and) make concerted efforts to support the policy discussions. (Canada’s leaders) are pleased that we stepped up. That (Trudeau video statement) is a clear indication on his part that what we’re doing is consistent with the government’s emphasis on the importance of evidence-based policy discussions,” says Gaffield.

“Working together on climate change, oceans and clean energy” is one of five focus themes of Canada’s presidency of the G7. The other themes are: investing in growth, jobs for the future, gender equality and women empowerment, and building a more peaceful and secure world.

Gaffield says the statements are helpful in identifying key challenges and recommendations on priority issues and principles for action.

“We identified a series of principles that will allow us to continue policy development,” says Gaffield, adding that the RSC has also been collaborating with counterparts in France, next year’s host, and the US, 2020 host.

On the digital future issue, the G7 Academies have proposed principles of action while on Arctic sustainability, they have proposed collaboration in data-sharing and support for interdisciplinary research.

Gaffield says Canada is well situated to take the lead on the two key issues. “We can understand and have deep appreciation of climate change … Canada is obviously well situated to contribute to global Arctic (discussions) because what is happening there (in the Arctic) is a global phenomenon, and it is really key for us to use what we’re learning there as a way to move forward.”

On the digital future discussions, Gaffield notes that the other themes of G7, like investing in growth and jobs of the future, are intimately connected to artificial intelligence and digital technologies, which are real strengths for Canada.

Gaffield adds that Canada’s hosting of the G7 has not only put Canada’s science in the international forefront, but it has also helped engage Canada’s science and research ecosystem.

“Clearly the central message that comes out of our statements is that we cannot think about the challenges and opportunities of the global Arctic or of our digital age without bringing together -- in an integrated way -- the kind of research expertise that has been for far too long, separate and really has been not harnessed together in ways that are necessary,” he explains. “It’s clear in our research summits … Everyone came away convinced that the approach of cross-disciplinary or interdisciplinary is really essential to coming to grips with all the complexity of the challenges that we’re facing today.”

Climate Change

Aside from the Arctic sustainability issue, Canada is stepping up to address climate change. Trudeau recently appointed a new ambassador for climate change, Patricia Fuller, and invited global leaders to Canada to discuss the protection of our oceans, seas and coastal communities. The dialogue is part of the G7 Outreach Session taking place June 9. Among the invited are the heads of G20 (which the G7 Summit feeds into), International Monetary Fund, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, United Nations, World Bank, the chair of the African Union, chair of the Caribbean Community and other heads of state.

In a statement, the PMO said “these leaders and heads of international organizations will meet with G7 leaders to discuss how to build resilient coasts and communities, share ocean knowledge and science, and support sustainable oceans and fisheries. They will also explore how to best address pressing challenges, including plastics in our oceans and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.”

Fuller recently served as director general of Economic Development at Global Affairs Canada prior to her new, three-year appointment. She also previously served as Canada’s ambassador to Uruguay and Chile. She’s expected to advise both the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Foreign Affairs “on how Canada can best advance its climate change priorities on the world stage and work closely with Canadian missions to put the Government of Canada’s environmental policies into practice.” She’s also expected to work with other countries on innovative climate solutions and promote Canada’s clean tech sector to global investors.

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