G7 ‘outreach’ an effort to build consensus on global issues like Ukraine, China, climate change

By ELAINE KURTENBACH and MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) — Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies are sitting down with a carefully chosen set of counterparts from other countries during their summit in Japan in an effort to expand the G7’s sway and to include voices from the so-called Global South. From South America to South Asia, Ukraine to the South Pacific, the guests include big emerging economies like Brazil, Indonesia and India and smaller countries like the Comoros and Cook Islands that represent regions belonging to what some call the “Global South.” The G7 has sought to dispel accusations it’s an “elite club” of countries whose relevance as global leaders is being eclipsed by up-and-coming powers.