Kananaskis, Alberta – June 15, 2025 – As world leaders prepare for what is already a contentious G7 in Kananaskis, dominated by trade war rhetoric and complicated dynamics among world leaders, there is still time for Canada to use its Presidency to achieve meaningful results, according to the Canadian International Education Policy Working Group (CIEPWG). The coalition of more than 20 international agencies working to deliver quality education around the world is urging Prime Minister Carney to rise above the discord and think globally to achieve its priority of “protecting our communities and the world.”
Even without a final Communiqué, eaders can still ensure the G7 remains relevant by agreeing on critical steps towards global peace and security—with education as a proven solution at the core. CIEPWG is calling on Prime Minister Carney to champion a G7 Education, Peace, and Security Initiative before the end of its Presidency this year, which would help ensure that 12 million more children are safely in school and learning.
“As the G7 struggles to build consensus under the weight of trade wars and competing agendas, Canada can still be the country that delivers real results for global peace and security. We need another ‘Charlevoix-style eruption’ – but the good kind. Because the world cannot afford another G7 talk shop—we need action,” said Brett Tarver, Director of Story & Creative for Children Believe and CIEPWG Spokesperson.
EDUCATION AS A STRATEGIC COMPLEMENT TO THE PEACE AND PROSPERITY MANDATE
The proposal represents smart foreign policy that can complement Canada’s recent commitments to invest in building a more stable and prosperous world. The Carney government has pledged billions to protect Canada’s security and sovereignty. CIEWPG argues that these investments could be further bolstered if the government also invested in corresponding conflict prevention efforts at the community level. Every dollar invested in education saves approximately $16 in crisis response. When we strengthen education systems, we invest in children and communities that are resistant to future violence – the very threats our increased defence spending aims to counter. Children with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities gained through access to quality education go on to build more inclusive, cohesive, and prosperous communities.
“Prime Minister Carney has a clear mandate to protect Canadian security and sovereignty, and that investment can be further strengthened by parallel commitments to conflict prevention through access to education for all children. We’re urging the kind of bold leadership we have seen at previous Canadian G7s that saves lives and prevents conflict and instability before it starts.” said Brett Tarver.
CANADA’S PROVEN TRACK RECORD CREATES URGENCY
Canada has done this before. The 2018 Charlevoix Declaration reached 4 million girls with quality education. The 2010 Muskoka Initiative saved 400,000 children’s lives. But those landmark investments have been fully deployed, creating a critical funding gap just when global education needs have never been greater.
THE 2025 G7 PRESIDENCY OPPORTUNITY FOR SUBSTANTIVE LEADERSHIP
The math is simple: 81% of Canadians support investing in solving global challenges. The need is urgent. There is a high return on investment for Canadian peace and prosperity.
While other leaders may be focused on trade disputes and bilateral tensions, Prime Minister Carney can use its G7 Presidency to establish a defining legacy—positioning Canada as the nation that chose to step up when others stepped back, proving that education is our most powerful tool for building peace in an uncertain world.
PROVEN IMPACT OF PREVIOUS G7 INITIATIVES:
- 2018 Charlevoix Declaration: Reached 4 million girls with quality education
- 2010 Muskoka Initiative: Saved 400,000 lives and reduced maternal mortality by 45%
KEY BENEFITS:
- Prevention vs. reaction: Every dollar invested in conflict prevention saves approximately $16 in crisis response
- Economic growth: Education investments yield multiple returns in stability & prosperity
- Security dividends: Quality education counters conditions that lead to conflict & violence
PUBLIC SUPPORT:
- 81% of Canadians support investing in solving global challenges (Abacus Data)
- Broad non-partisan support for Canada’s international leadership role
- CIEPWG member organizations represent millions of Canadian who donate and support children’s right to education
ABOUT THE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY WORKING GROUP
The Canadian International Education Policy Working Group (CIEPWG) is a coalition of over 20 international development, humanitarian, and advocacy organizations committed to advancing Canada’s role in global education. Key signatories to the G7 Education, Peace, and Security Initiative include Children Believe, Right To Play International, Results Canada and many others
MEDIA CONTACT
Brett Tarver
Director of Story & Creative, Children Believe
CIEPWG Coalition Spokesperson
btarver@childrenbelieve.ca
647-465-5537
Available for interviews at G7 Media Centre throughout the summit