The G7 and G20 are informal forums for multilateral cooperation. They offer a framework for multilateral exchange among leading economies, operating independently of the structures of international organisations. In periods of geopolitical turbulence, these forums can play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of significant issues. Member countries’ heads of state and government hold summit meetings at regular intervals for discussions and coordination on global issues. There are also regular various ministerial meetings, such as the labour and employment ministerial.
The G7
The "Group of Seven" (G7) includes Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Canada and the United States of America; the European Commission is also represented. The presidency of the group rotates annually among its members. Germany held the G7 presidency most recently in 2022. Last year, the presidency was held by Italy. The LEMM Declaration adopted by the G7 Labour and Employment Ministers in Cagliari, Italy, can be found here.
The Italian G7 presidency focused on the use of artificial intelligence in the world of work and ageing societies. In addition to the final declaration of the G7 labour and employment ministers, a G7 action plan for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the world of work was adopted. This is intended to help increase productivity, ensure decent work and strengthen workers' rights. The labor and employment ministers are committed to the trustworthy and transparent use of AI in Western industrialized nations. In doing so, the G7 wants to send a signal and set a good example. When it came to inclusive labor markets, there was a particular focus on the challenges posed by aging societies. A further G7 action plan for improved working conditions in care and fair wage policies, better working conditions and more gender equality was adopted.
The Employment Working Group (EWG), which was firmly established under the German G7 presidency in 2022, discussed these topics in its meetings under the Italian presidency and prepared the joint final declaration of the employment ministers, which was adopted in Cagliari.
Canada holds the G7 presidency this year. Due to the elections, the work of the individual working groups has been delayed. In the area of labor and social affairs, the focus is on the topics of robust labor markets as a result of economic shocks, increasing employment rates and the volume of work as a result of creating inclusive labor markets and implementing the G7 AI Action Plan. A meeting of the G7 labor and employment ministers is to take place virtually this year.
G20
The "Group of Twenty" (G20) has existed since 1999. The summit of G20 members' heads of state and government in Pittsburgh (USA) in 2009 marked an important turning point, however. In the wake of the global financial and economic crisis, the group decided to make the G20 the central forum for international economic cooperation. As a result, since then the labour ministers have also met at least once a year.
Like the G7, the G20 is an informal forum. It is not an international organisation, having neither its own administrative apparatus nor a permanent representation of its members.
In addition to Germany, the following 18 countries belong to the G20: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The EU is also represented and since 2024 the African Union has been as well. As with the G7, the presidency rotates annually.
Labour and social policy of the G20
In light of the financial and economic crisis, the 2009 G20 summit in Pittsburgh held the very first G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting. Its goal was to hold discussions on labour and social policy issues that were equivalent to the discussions on economic and financial policy issues. The Pittsburgh Leaders' Statement emphasised "putting quality jobs at the heart of recovery" from the effects of the crisis. The first meeting of the G20 labour ministers and employment ministers took place in Washington in April 2010 when the United States held the presidency.
Germany held the G20 presidency in 2017. During the presidency, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs resolutely advanced both fighting inequality and promoting inclusive economic growth within the G20. Together with our G20 partners, we worked out concrete options for action and policy recommendations to get an essential step closer to the common goal of inclusive, productive, and sustainable labour markets.
South Africa has held the presidency since 1 December 2024. In the field of labour and social policy, South Africa has made the following issues priorities:
- Inclusive Growth and Youth Employment
- Gender Equality in the Workforce
- Addressing Inequality and Declining Labour Income Share
- Social Security and Digitalization for an Inclusive Future of Work
Like in the G7, the G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) use their meetings to develop proposals, which are to be included in the ministerial statement. The statement is to be adopted at the annual conclusion of the G20 labour ministers (Labour Employment Ministers’ Meeting, LEMM). The stated aim is also to have key results of the G20 labour and employment ministers be incorporated into the summit document.