About the G8 and G20 Summits

ABOUT THE G8 SUMMIT

WHAT: The Group of Eight (G8) is an informal meeting representing the world's most powerful economies. Leaders meet annually to discuss matters related to the global economy, development, the environment, and international security.

WHO: Canada, United States, Japan, Italy, France, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom

WHEN: June 25-26, 2010

WHERE: Huntsville, Ontario Muskoka Region

WHY is this an Oxfam Canada campaign focus?

This year's G8/G20 Summits are hosted in Canada and we recognize this as a crucial moment for Canadians generate global momentum around critical issues and engage leadership to make meaningful commitments.

The 2010 Summits present Oxfam Canada with an opportunity to lead on issues related to the environment, poverty, human rights and social justice. We are particularly interested in the effects that these decisions have on the lives of the world's poor, of which the majority are women.

The actions and policies of the G8/G20 and their member-states have significant impact on millions of lives and Oxfam Canada sees this an exceptional moment to work together to educate, empower and ignite the positive change we would like to see in our world.

*Canada plans to spend $50 million hosting the 2010 Muskoka G8.

ABOUT THE G20 SUMMIT

WHAT: The Group of Twenty (G20) was established in 1999 when it became clear that emerging economies are integral to ensuring sustainable economic growth and development worldwide. Ten years later, the G20 was designated the premier forum for international economic cooperation in Pittsburg. This year's G20 meeting is co-hosted by Canada and South Korea.

WHY the transition from the G8 to the G20?

These countries represent ninety per cent of the world's economic output and the G20 focuses almost entirely on matters concerning the international financial system.

WHO: Includes Finance Ministers and central governors from Canada, United States, Japan, Italy, France, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, Iran, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, India, Saudi Arabia, China, Indonesia, Turkey and the European Union

WHEN: June 26-27, 2010

WHERE: Toronto, Ontario

Keep in mind!

*Recently the G20 agenda has included reforming the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). In the wake of the recent economic crisis, the G20 has also called for greater state control over the economy.

*The 2010 G8/G20 is known as the 'Transition Summit as the G20 will, from now on, effectively overshadow the activities and capacity of the G8.

Over the years the G8's mandate has become increasingly broad and unclear. Harper insists that G8 will continue to exist, albeit in a much more limited capacity.