G7: Russia Response, Aid For Women In Developing Countries In Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Russia is expected to be a major topic in this week's meeting between G7 foreign ministers, as well as relevant programs to assist women in developing nations.

Britain: Proper Response to Halt Russian 'Propaganda'

Ahead of the conference, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the meeting will include a review of a proposal to develop a strategy that should block disinformation and other "propaganda" initiated by Russia.

Raab said the goal is to "come together to provide a rebuttal and frankly to provide the truth" should "lies and propaganda or fake news" emerge from Russian channels.

Before the meeting between the Group of Seven foreign ministers was announced, some western security officials accused Russia and China of sowing mistrust across different countries.

Russia has denied the allegations and China has accused the West of bullying. Spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, also said that western allegations are "their own sins."

40 Million Girls to School

This week's G7 meeting is also expected to discuss the commitment of helping women in developing countries to have a better future through various programs.

The pledge includes $15 billion under a two-year package that should see up to 40 million more girls from low- and middle-income countries being sent to school. The goal also includes helping 20 million more girls learn how to read.

While many charities have already approved the pledge, some raised concerns about the United Kingdom's recent policy of reducing spending on overseas aid.

The British government has yet to announce which programs will be affected by the overseas aid spending cut, but some women advocates are concerned that girls who are already struggling with the impact of the pandemic may lose their chance at a better education.

In the latest data from the United Nations, it was found that women account for more than two-thirds of the world's entire illiterate people at 796 million.

Financing Climate Change Solutions

Another hot topic during the G7 meeting is climate change.

It is expected that climate finance targets will be set during the conference as more advocates and scientific studies prove the reality of global warming and other effects of climate change.

Climate experts have been calling on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to put pressure on G7 nations in regards to providing better financing options for poor countries that struggle to manage climate-related issues.

Former diplomats and advisers to different governments said climate finance at the G7 circle will play a major role in getting the support of poorer countries in search of adequate aid to get their climate goals on track.

For former French diplomat Laurence Tubiana, it is crucial for the G7 leaders to discuss the "cost of access to capital" among developing nations as transitioning without funds will be impossible.

G7 Meeting Quick Facts