A response to the global economic-financial crisis; restoring citizens’ confidence and boosting sounder, more balanced growth, for example by drawing up new, agreed rules for economic activity; a focus on the social dimension of employment; combating protectionism and liberalising international trade; resolving regional crises; food security; and combating climate change. These are the Italian G8 Presidency’s key issues for discussion at the L’Aquila Summit of major economies plus the emerging countries, Africa and the principal international organisations.
Global rules for the economy
The aim is to draw up a code of agreed rules for the world of the economy and finance, with precise criteria and monitoring and control mechanisms: a set of common principles governing the rules of proper conduct, integrity and transparency for finance and international business (Global Standard). The goal is also to revitalise international trade by giving new impetus to the Doha negotiations with a view to completing them in a rapid timescale. Reaching agreement would make it possible to boost exports worldwide and support the development of poor countries by offering them increased access to rich countries’ markets. Actions to reduce the impact of the crisis on employment levels and ensure that social protection systems are sustainable and effective will also be studied.
Climate, towards the Copenhagen Conference
To tackle climate change, the L’Aquila Summit will host the first meeting at leader level of the Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate. This will be a key step in the run-up to the United Nations Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.
International dossiers: from Iran to the Middle East
The Summit will also discuss international policy issues: a committed effort to move forward on the nuclear non-proliferation front; the situation in Iran and the Middle East; the fight against terrorism; the stabilisation of Afghanistan and the situation in North Korea.
The development of the poor countries and Africa
The Summit will send out a strong message to reduce the impact of the crisis on developing countries, a crisis that undermines the progress made in fighting poverty, by drawing up a “rescue package”. Food security will also be discussed. Development issues will be addressed from different perspectives, both in the G8 sessions and in those with emerging and African countries.