G7 Summit Grows as Saudi Crown Prince Eyes Role on Global Stage

PCI

MBS skipped last year’s G7 in Italy but remains a central figure in Middle Eastern politics. (File photo by Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0)

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has been invited to this year’s G7 summit in Alberta, Canada. While it’s unclear if he will attend, his potential presence signals the growing importance of non-G7 nations in solving global issues—especially the war in Gaza.

MBS skipped last year’s G7 in Italy but remains a central figure in Middle Eastern politics. Saudi Arabia has supported a ceasefire in Gaza and pushed for a Palestinian state, even as the U.S. urges it to normalize ties with Israel. That deal still seems distant.

The Crown Prince promotes social changes in Saudi Arabia, such as expanded rights for women. However, critics highlight the continued repression of dissent and the poor treatment of migrant workers. The 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi also still casts a shadow, with Canada having sanctioned 17 Saudis linked to the killing.

The Alberta summit, taking place from June 15 to 17, is drawing more than just the G7 countries—Canada, the U.S., the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Japan, and the European Union. Leaders from India, Brazil, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, and NATO will also attend.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed her trip. She hopes to meet U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss ongoing tariffs. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is working to smooth trade tensions before broader talks on the North American trade agreement begin.

The guest list for the G7 is growing, indicating a shift in the group’s composition. It began as a club for the world’s wealthiest democracies, but now it serves as a platform for global cooperation and collaboration. Whether MBS attends or not, the invitation is a clear sign that the world’s power dynamics are shifting rapidly.