France's G7 Development Focus | The Futures Summit

As France prepares to convene the upcoming G7 Development Ministerial later this month, it is seeking to shape a forward-looking agenda for development cooperation in a period of significant global upheaval. Traditional models of aid are under pressure from fiscal limitations, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and growing demands for more inclusive and effective approaches. Within this context, France has emphasized the need to better align development cooperation with broader priorities such as sustainable growth, climate action, and social inclusion while also strengthening coordination efforts among major economies. The ministerial presents an important opportunity to assess whether and how leading donors can respond collectively to evolving development challenges and adapt their approaches to remain effective in a rapidly changing global landscape.

At the same time, debates around reforming the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) are gaining renewed momentum. As the architecture of development finance becomes more diverse due to the rise of new donors, philanthropic actors, and increased private sector engagement – questions have emerged on whether existing coordination mechanisms are fit for purpose. France has been a leading voice in calling for a more inclusive and flexible system that better reflects a multipolar world and incorporates a wider range of perspectives, particularly from the Global South. 

CSIS Global Development Department President Enoh T. Ebong was joined by Éléonore Caroit, French Minister for Francophonie & International Partnerships to discuss how France is approaching these priorities, how the G7 development agenda will be shaped, and what the future of development cooperation should look like.

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