Canada is preparing to host world leaders in the coming days for the G7 summit in Kananaskis,Alberta,as global tensions rise. The summit’s agenda, aimed at fostering unity and trade cooperation, is overshadowed by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as the unpredictable nature of US President Donald Trump.

More than a dozen global leaders are expected to convene at the Rocky Mountain resort on Monday, amidst concerns that the Israel-Iran conflict could further destabilize international markets.

According to John Kirton of the G7 Research Group at the University of Toronto, “Never before has a G7 summit confronted so many severe, interconnected crises, with so many new leaders and an unpredictable US president.”

While presidents and prime ministers from various nations are slated to participate, the summit may hinge on Canada’s ability to manage relations with President trump, especially for Prime Minister Mark Carney.

One Canadian government official, speaking anonymously, likened the preparations to “preparing the red carpet for Godzilla.”

The last G7 meeting in Canada involving President Trump in 2018 concluded with a dispute with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,whom Trump labeled as “very dishonest and weak”. Trump also declined to endorse the conventional joint communiqué, and has since imposed tariffs on Canada and suggested it become the “51st state” of the US.

An official from the prime minister’s office stated, “We just want unity at the summit but we don’t know what headspace the president will be in.”

Carney, who assumed office less than two months ago, has opted to replace the joint communiqué with “thematic statements” to mitigate potential disagreements, according to the official.

Leading up to the summit, President Trump has been preoccupied with the Israel-Iran conflict, the deployment of US troops to Los angeles in response to immigration protests, and a military parade in Washington. His focus on the G7 has been limited.

A senior US official indicated that Trump intends to “make progress on top-level economic and security issues of shared concern” during the summit, scheduled to begin Sunday night.

These priorities include “making America’s trade relationships fair and reciprocal, unlocking new markets for american energy exports, and positioning the US to be the world leader and international partner of choice on AI technology,” the US official stated.

The senior US official acknowledged Canada’s efforts, stating that Canada had “worked with G7 colleagues to craft short, action-oriented leader statements”.

“We appreciate Canada’s co-operation in the planning of this summit and their choice of a great location in canada for these crucial conversations,” the official added.

When asked if he would challenge Trump’s suggestion that Canada become the 51st US state, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded: “But let me be absolutely clear: Canada is an independent, sovereign country and a much-valued member of the Commonwealth.”

An EU official noted that the Israel-Iran conflict would “certainly going to change a bit the character of the meeting”.

“From our perspective, we have been concerned about Iran’s support to Russia for a while,” they added.

Carney’s strategy for the G7 involves inviting influential global figures from India, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, even though the latter will not be attending.

Carlo Dade, from the Canada West Foundation, observed that “The invitation of India’s Modi and MBS shows a meaningful shift in canada’s global outlook under Carney.”

In planning for the summit, Canada recently announced its commitment to meet NATO’s defense spending target of 2 percent of GDP by the end of the fiscal year.

“Never before has a G7 summit confronted so many severe, interconnected crises, with so many new leaders and an unpredictable US president.”

This level of defense spending has been a point of contention with President Trump, who has advocated for NATO members to allocate 5 percent of their GDP to defense.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who reportedly has a strained relationship with President Trump, is expected to seek assurances regarding a sanctions package that would impose 500 percent tariffs on countries purchasing energy from Russia.

According to the EU official, ukraine “remains a difficult discussion with the US” but “G7 partners are moving forward with additional pressure on Russia”.

Kyiv has been urging Western allies to intensify economic sanctions against Russia to encourage Moscow to engage in negotiations,despite ongoing Russian military operations.

A European official noted that President Trump’s response to the EU’s proposal to lower the G7-agreed Russian oil price cap,and also his interactions with President Zelenskyy,will be closely monitored during the summit.

the G7 summit will also provide the first opportunity for the US, Mexico, and canada to discuss the USMCA trade agreement, which is scheduled for review next year but has faced challenges due to tariffs imposed by President Trump.

An official in the prime minister’s office mentioned, “There’s rumblings of a sit-down but nothing confirmed,” adding, “But this is not going to be a miracle meeting, it is indeed just about face time.”

This summit marks the first G7 meeting for Starmer, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba, and Carney. Leaders from Australia,Brazil,and South Korea are also expected to participate.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with President Trump shortly after a tense encounter in the Oval Office, where Trump made unsubstantiated claims about a “genocide” of white farmers in South Africa.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance is seen as part of Carney’s effort to improve relations following accusations by Canadian officials of India’s involvement in the 2023 murder of Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. A protest by Khalistan supporters is planned during Modi’s visit.

Dade from the Canada West foundation stated, “This is all about pragmatism and practicality and less finger-waving as we saw before with Trudeau; Canada can’t afford to do that any more.”