Germany's Scholz wants G7 to be pioneer for climate-friendly growth

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz poses for photographs during the television recording of his annual New Year's speech at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany December 30, 2021. Kay Nietfeld/Pool via REUTERS

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany wants to use its presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) to develop it into a club that is pioneering in its efforts to achieve green growth and a socially just world, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in his first New Year's address.

"Starting tomorrow, Germany will for one year take over the presidency of the group of seven economically strong, democratic states - the G7," Scholz said in his speech on Friday, according to a pre-released transcript from the government's press office.