[Editorial] The G7 and global health: inaction or incisive leadership? (Lancet)

`They came, they met, and nothing happened.` So was the conclusion of James Rubin, former US Assistant Secretary of State. A harsh, but many might say fair, statement about the recent G7 meeting held in Germany. A few days before the start of the Summit, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon set the scene for leaders: `When they meet at the Schloss Elmau Summit in Germany on June 7-8, G7 leaders can show they are serious about seizing the moment and protecting people and the planet.` He was right to suggest that as the international community prepares to adopt a new sustainable development agenda in New York in September, together with a new climate treaty in Paris in December, G7 countries have `a special responsibility to lead`.