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The Week in Germany: Current Affairs
January 5, 2007
"Growth and Responsibility" is the general theme of the German
G8 presidency in 2007.
The focus of the summit in Heiligendamm will be on efforts to shape a
globalized world economy and development in Africa.
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Germany is scheduled to take over the presidency of the Group of Eight
(G8) from Russia on January 1. The G8 is a key international forum with
global responsibility.
The heads of state and government of the world’s six leading industrial
nations first came together to discuss global economic issues in Rambouillet,
France in 1975.
That marked the beginning of a tradition of holding the annual economic
summits that continue to be the high point of the year-long G8 presidencies.
The G8 membership is made up of Canada (since 1976), France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, Russia (since 1998), the United Kingdom, and the United
States. The European Commission is also represented at all G8 meetings.
G8 summits now cover a full range of global policy issues in the economic,
foreign, security, and development policy areas.
Summit topics
The German presidency agenda will focus on the special responsibility
the G8 has to help ensure stable conditions in the global economy. It
will also seek to strengthen G8 efforts to assist disadvantaged sections
of the world population.
In its economic policy agenda the German presidency will address issues
of fundamental importance for stability in global trade and financial
relations, including a reduction of global imbalances, an improvement
in investment conditions, as well as efforts to prevent climate change.
There will also be a focus on problems that require urgent attention in
Africa, i.e. economic development, poverty reduction, and the fight against
HIV/AIDS.
Boost for the region
Federal and state authorities are coordinating preparations for the G8
summit in Heiligendamm. The summit is expected to draw attention to this
part of Germany and to provide a tremendous boost for the State of Mecklenburg-Western
Pomerania.
Related construction projects are already having a positive effect and
improved infrastructures are expected to be of long-term benefit to the
regional economy.
Dialogue with civil society
The German government has scheduled a conference with non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) in advance of the summit. Talks are currently being
held with representatives of civil society in preparation for the conference.
A J8 (junior summit) will also be held, in the context of which selected
young people from G8 countries will have an opportunity to discuss relevant
issues with the heads of state and government.
Links:
 German
G8 Presidency Website
G8 Background
Focuses of the German G8 Presidency
Preparations
for the G8 Summit
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