The September 2009 Pittsburgh Summit marked a milestone in the reform of global governance by making the G20 "the premier forum for international economic cooperation" to reflect the new global balances and the growing role of the emerging countries. The G8's role has evolved but the original nature of the forum has remained intact. As a result, the Heads of State and Government of the most advanced economies can conduct direct and informal talks. During its presidency, France recommends that the "new G8" focus on issues where its members can have a genuine impact, avoiding duplication of the G20 agenda.
The three priorities are issues of common interest for G8 countries, international peace and security issues and the partnership with Africa.
1 - New common challenges: the Internet, innovation, green growth and a sustainable economy, and nuclear safety
Internet:
The French Presidency also wants to be innovative in placing the issue of the Internet on the agenda of the G8 Summit for the first time. The Heads of State and
Government will discuss the evolution of the Internet and its impact on both economic growth and changes in our societies, as well as on the promotion of human rights and democratic
freedoms (in particular in light of the Arab Springs). The Summit will be preceded and inspired by the eG8 Forum, which will be held in Paris on 24 and 25 May and will bring
together a wide range of actors from the world of the Internet, representing both the private sector and civil society. A few of the figures participating in the eG8 Forum will be
invited to join the meeting of Heads of State and Government to report on the ideas expressed at the Forum and to take part in the design of a shared vision of the future of the
Internet in our countries.
Green growth and innovation:
The objective is to identify concrete measures to develop these essential springboards for growth and jobs in our advanced economies.
Nuclear safety:
Following the unprecedented earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan and caused a nuclear accident at the plant in Fukushima, the G8 will express at Deauville its
solidarity with the Japanese authorities and people. The Summit will also give fresh impetus to tightening international nuclear safety requirements.
Finally, Leaders will have the opportunity to exchange thoughts on climate change six months prior to the Durban Conference, and on trade, where they will reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism.
More:
The Internet : new challenges|
2 -- The 'Arab Springs': a partnership for democracy
The 'Arab Springs' will be the focus of discussions between G8 Leaders. There will be a special working session devoted to this subject, in which the Prime Ministers of Egypt and Tunisia will participate.
The French Presidency of the G8 supports these transitions to democracy and will establish a strengthened and long-term partnership with the countries of the region involved to support civil society and economic and social reforms, particularly aimed at young people, whose thirst for freedom sparked off the liberation movements of the Arab peoples.
3 - Strengthening the partnership with Africa: a long-term vision
The G8's commitment to Africa is taking shape in concrete forms, both in the area of strengthening African peace and security capabilities, and in the area of cooperation for
development.
In Deauville, the G8 Leaders will meet their African partners for open and direct discussions on the challenges of this continent.
The G8 will also express its support for democratic progress in Africa by inviting the newly elected Heads of State of Cote d'Ivoire, Niger and Guinea-Conakry to take part in the outreach dialogue on Africa.
We will also continue the exercise begun by the Canadian Presidency on following up the commitments of the G8 countries, in particular in the areas of health and food security. In a spirit of 'mutual responsibility', the African countries will present a summary of the progress made in governance, transparency and the effectiveness of aid.
More:
The G8's Partnership with Africa
4 -- "Peace and security": traditional themes of the G8
The "peace and security" agenda will form an essential element of the French Presidency of the G8. In addition to political issues (Iran, Libya, Syria, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan and non-proliferation) the French Presidency will focus in particular on new drug trafficking routes connecting Latin America, West Africa and Europe, as well as the fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel.
More:
Ministerial meeting on Transatlantic Cocaine Trafficking|
Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction|
GPG8: the Global Partnership against the spread of weapons and materials of mass destruction|
G8 BMENA - Forum for the Future
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