34th G8 summit

Infobox G8
summit_name = 34th G8 Summit
year = 2008


caption = 34th G8 Summit official logo
country = Japan
dates = July 7 – July 9The 34th G8 summit took place in nihongo|Tōyako|洞爺湖|"Tōya-ko|Lake Toya on the northern island of Hokkaidō, Japan from July 7–9, 2008. [Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): [http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/summit/2008/index.html 34th G8 summit, overview.] ] The locations of previous summits to have been hosted by Japan include: Tokyo (1979, 1986, 1993); and Nago, Okinawa (2000).

Overview

The G8 is an unofficial forum which brings together the heads of the richest industrialized countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada (since 1976), Russia (since 1998),Saunders, Doug. [http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080704.wG8-analysis05/BNStory/International/columnists "Weight of the world too heavy for G8 shoulders,"] "Globe and Mail" (Toronto). July 5, 2008.] the President of the European Commission (since 1981).Reuters: [http://uk.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUKB26280520080703?sp=true "Factbox: The Group of Eight: what is it?"] , July 3, 2008.]

In discussions regarding Africa during the 34th G8 Summit, the G8 leaders set a five-year deadline to commit US$60 billion in funding to help fight disease in Africa and renewed a commitment made three years earlier to double aid for Africa to $25-billion by 2010 and to consider pledging further assistance after 2010. On the topic of global warming, the G8 leaders agreed on the need for the world to cut carbon emissions blamed for global warming by at least 50 percent by 2050. Environmental activists and leaders from the developing countries described the statement as a "toothless gesture". Results of discussions on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, which had earlier been leaked by Wikileaks, were not known. The G8 leaders made statements regarding their relations with Zimbabwe [http://www.g8summit.go.jp/eng/doc/doc080709_08_en.html ^Statment] , Iran and North Korea. The responses of the G8 leaders to the "Challenge to the G8 Governments" of over 100 NGOs and other organisations and individuals requesting them to "cancel all illegitimate debt", to "end the practice of using loans and debt cancellation to impose conditionalities" and to "facilitate the return of stolen assets kept in the banks in the G8 countries" are not presently known. Regarding the 2007–2008 world food price crisis, the differences between the G8 leaders and the citizens' groups' approaches to solving the crisis appeared unresolved. The G8's communiqué said that it was "imperative" to remove export restrictions, in contrast to requests of the signers of the "Challenge to the G8 Governments".

The G8 summits during the twenty-first century have also involved widespread parallel debates and protests by citizenscite web| last =| first =| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =G8 Action Network| work =| publisher =G8 Action Network| date =| url =http://www.jca.apc.org/alt-g8/en |format =| doi =| accessdate = 2008-06-29] and claimed human rights violations against some of them during massive police/military operations. Over 40 dissidents were arrested before the summit started and nineteen or twenty Koreans critical of the G8 leadership were detained at New Chitose Airport for at least 24 hours. During a "non-violent demonstration where no acts against property or people took place" according to a legal observer, at least four people were arrested, including a Reuters cameraman. At this venue, amongst the reasons cited for demonstrations and protests were that a G8 summit is merely an arbitrary meeting of national leaderscite news | first= | last= | pages= | language =| title=Let's Join in G8 Action Network Action Against Social Exclusion and Call for Fair Labor - Join Us in the Movement Against G8 | date=2008-06-20 | publisher=No G8 Action Japan | url=http://linux7.sanpal.co.jp/no-g8/?q=en/node/182 |accessdate=2008-06-29] and that it is also a nexus which becomes more than the sum of its parts, elevating the participants, the event and the venue as focal points for activist pressure. [http://www.bond.org.uk/News/g8summit.htm "Update: G8...Forward plan with others for future G8 summits,"] BOND (British Overseas NGOs for Development). 2008.]

Leaders at the summit

The composition of the G8 summit is not an agenda item, but wanted to see the group expand to include China, Mexico, India, Brazil and other major economies like Australia, South Korea and Spain.

Speaking in Paris only days before the G8 summit, French President Nicolas Sarkozy observed, "I think it is not reasonable to continue to meet as eight to solve the big questions of the world, forgetting China -- one billion 300 million people -- and not inviting India -- one billion people." [Wendlandt, Astrid. [http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSPAC00963220080705 "France's Sarkozy says "not reasonable" to meet as G8,"] Reuters. July 5, 2008; Pascal Liétout, Pascal. [http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/depeches/infojour/reuters.asp?id=74422 "Nicolas Sarkozy veut ouvrir le G8 à la Chine, l'Inde, l'Afrique,"] "L'Express" (Paris). July 5, 2008.] Japan and the United States announced opposition to Sarkozy's implied suggestion. [ [http://www.agi.it/world/news/200807070918-cro-ren0004-art.html "G8: U. S. Against Broadening to Emerging Economies,"] AGI (Agenzia Giornolistica Italiana). July 7, 2008.]

Permanent

The composition of the G8 summit is a perennial topic. The G8 summits have considered the President of the European Commission as a permanently welcome participant in all G8 meetings and decision-making since 1981. The G8 summit was the first for British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo FukudaGilson, Mike. [http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Land-of-Rising-Sun-can.4234436.jp "Land of Rising Sun can shed new light on climate fight,"] "The Scotsman" (Edinburgh). June 30, 2008.] and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.Zakaria, Tabassum. [http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=108847 "G8 summit of politically weak facing tough issues,"] "Turkish Daily News" (Istanbul). July 3, 2008.] It was also the last for U.S. president George W. Bush, whose term-limited office denies him an opportunity to return to future G8 summits.Raum, Tom. [http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/03/business/g8.php "Bush's final G-8 summit could be harmonious,"] International Herald-Tribune." July 3, 2008; Iwuagwu, Obi. [http://www.businessdayonline.com/analysis/comments/13137.html "Africa and the G8 Summits,"] "Business Day" (Lagos, Nigeria). July 17, 2008.]

Although Japan would host the G8 summit without mishap, Fukuda himself earned little or no credit from ordinary Japanese; and when he resigned as Japan's Prime Minister on September 1st, he would become the first of the G8 leaders to leave office. [ [http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12036328 "Get someone else,"] "The Economist." September 1, 2008.] , unless Canadian Prime Minister Harper loses the 2008 Canadian election.

* Canada Stephen Harper, Prime Minister. [ [http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2008/07/05/001-harper-japon-g8.shtml <>] Radio-Canada. July 5, 2008. (in French)]
* France Nicolas Sarkozy, President.Liétout, Pascal. [http://www.lepoint.fr/actualites/la-france-espere-voir-les-europeens-jouer-un-role-pivot-au-g8/1037/0/258278 <>] "Le Point" (Paris). July 5, 2008. (in French)]
* Germany Angela Merkel, Chancellor. [ [http://news.theage.com.au/world/merkel-demands-g8-pledge-on-carbon-20080705-328e.html "Merkel demands G8 pledge on carbon<'] "The Age" (Melbourne). July 5, 2008.]
* Italy Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister. [ [http://www.agi.it/ultime-notizie-page/200807050815-pol-rom1003-art.html "G8: Berlusconi Arrivato in Giappone, da Domani il Summit,"] AGI (Agenzia Giornalistica Italia). July 5, 2008. (in Italian)]
* Japan Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister. [see above] ]
* Russia Dmitry Medvedev, President. [Yao, Amber. [http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/04/content_8491338.htm "Medvedev: G8 summit offers opportunity to jointly tackle global challenges,"] Xinhua. July 4, 2008.]
* United Kingdom Gordon Brown, Prime Minister.
* United States George W. Bush, President. [ [http://voanews.com/english/2008-07-05-voa16.cfm "Bush Heads to Japan for G8 Summit,] VOA (Voice of America). July 5, 2008.]

Invited leaders (partial participation)

A number of national leaders were invited to attend the summit and to participate in some, but not all, G8 summit activities.

G8+5

The G8 plus the five largest emerging economies has come to be known as G8+5.
*flagicon|Brazil Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President. [Munari, Carmen. [http://oglobo.globo.com/pais/mat/2008/07/04/agenda_politica-lula_participa_de_reuniao_do_g8_no_japao-547102265.asp "Agenda política - Lula participa de reunião do G8 no Japão,"] "O Globo" (São Paulo). July 4, 2008 (in Portuguese).]
*flagicon|China China Hu Jintao, President. [ [http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-07/02/content_6812510.htm "President Hu to attend G8 summit in Japan,"] "China Daily" (Beijing). July 2, 2008.]
*flagicon|India India Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister. [ [http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/05/stories/2008070560091800.htm "G-8: world economy will be in focus,"] "The Hindu" (Chenai). July 5, 2008; [http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/07/stories/2008070751250100.htm "PM to take up fuel price issue, need for action plan at G8 meet,"] "The Hindu Business Line" (New Delhi) -- Dr Singh will have bilateral meeting the Prime Minister of Japan, the US President, and the leaders of Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia and the Secretary General of the United Nations.]
*flagicon|Mexico Mexico Felipe Calderón, President. [ [http://www.univision.com/contentroot/wirefeeds/world/7530839.html "México: presidente Calderón viaja a Japón por cumbre G8 y visita China,"] Univision (Mexico). July 4, 2008. (in Spanish)]
*flagicon|South Africa South Africa Thabo Mbeki, President. [Liang, Yan. [http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/06/content_8496764.htm "Mbeki to attend G-8 outreach session in Japan,"] Xinhua (Beijing). July 6, 2008; Fabricus, Peter. [http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3045&art_id=vn20080707060135134C252029 "Mbeki to press G8 leaders on Africa,"] "The Star" (Johannesburg). July 7, 2008.]

Other leaders

*flagicon|Algeria Algeria Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President. [Saidani, Hamid. [http://www.lakoom-info.com/news/news_juillet2008/news_id07052.htm <>] Lakoom-info (Paris). July 5, 2008. (in French)]
*flagicon|Australia Australia Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister. [Stewart, Cameron. [http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23971320-5013871,00.html "Perfect Timing for Kevin Rudd's Trip to Australia,"] "The Australian" (Melbourne). July 5, 2008.]
*flagicon|Ethiopia Ethiopia Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister. [Lian, Yan. [http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/05/content_8492693.htm "Japanese ambassador: G8 Summit to highlight African issues,"] Xinhua (Beijing)> July 5, 2008.]
*flagicon|Ghana Ghana John Agyekum Kufuor, President. [ [http://www.myjoyonline.com/news/200807/17927.asp "President Kufuor leaves for G8 summit,"] "Joy Online." July 5, 2008.]
*flagicon|Indonesia Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President. [Liang, Yan. [http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/02/content_8478531.htm "Indonesian president to speak on food security at G8+8 summit,"] Xinhua (Beijing). July 2, 2008.]
*flagicon|Nigeria Nigeria Umaru Yar'Adua, President. [Ibe, Paul. [http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=116209 "Yar’Adua in Japan for G8 Summit,"] "This Day Online" (Lagos). July 7, 2008; Ravichandran, R. [http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=343683 "Nigerian President Skipping D-8" (Group of 8 Islamic Developing Countries),] Bernama, Malaysian National News Agency (Kuala Lumpur). July 3, 2008.]
*flagicon|Senegal Senegal Abdoulaye Wade, President. [ [http://www.lakoom-info.com/news/news_juillet2008/news_id07055.htm <>] Lakoom-info (Paris). July 5, 2008. (in French)]
*flagicon|South Korea South Korea Lee Myung-bak, President. [ [http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200806/200806260006.html "Pres. Lee to Attend G8 Summit,"] "The Chosun Ilbo" (Seoul). June 26, 2008; Na Jeong-ju. [http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/07/113_27204.html "President Lee Heads for Japan for Expanded G8 Summit,"] "Korea Times" (Seoul). July 8, 2008 -- Lee is to hold a series of bilateral talks with U.S. President Bush, Russian President Medvedev and leaders of India, Brazil, Mexico and Indonesia.]
*flagicon|Tanzania Tanzania Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President. [http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EGUA-7G4RB3?OpenDocument "Support for Africa's development not just a moral imperative; it is critical to global security, Deputy Secretary-General tells African Union assembly,"] ReliefWeb, UN-OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs). June 30, 2008.]

Heads of intergovernmental organizations

Leaders of major intergovernmental organizations have been invited to participate in the summit's outreach sessions.

*. [see above] ]
* Commonwealth of Independent States Sergei Lebedev, Executive Secretary
* European Union Jose Manuel Barroso, President of EU Commission; [ [http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3465359,00.html "EU Promises Food Crisis Aid of 1 Billion Euros Before G8 Summit,"] Deutsche Welle (Bonn). July 7, 2008.] Nicolas Sarkozy, EU Council
* , Director General
* International Energy Agency Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director
* United Nations Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General. [Yan, Yangtze. [http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/07/content_8505863.htm "UN chief urges G8 nations to honor commitments to aid Africa,"] Xinhua (Beijing). July 7, 2008.]
* , Director General
* , President.Ibe, Paul. [http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=116209 "Yar’Adua in Japan for G8 Summit,"] "This Day Online" (Lagos). Jul7, 2008.]
* , Director-General
* , Director-General

Priorities

Traditionally, the host country of the G8 summit sets the agenda for negotiations, which take place primarily amongst multi-national civil servants in the weeks before the summit itself, leading to a joint declaration which all countries can agree to sign. This year, leaders of the G8 hoped to find common ground on climate change, the global economy and a host of political crises. [http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/Key_agreements_at_G8_summit/articleshow/3211972.cms "Key agreements at G8 summit,"] "Economic Times" (India). July 8, 2007.]

Africa

The G8 leaders were in a position to discuss the "full range of issues relating to African development".Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit.go.jp/doc/pdf/Africa_0630.pdf African Development, Japan's perspective,] June 30, 2008.] The need to address long-term planning for African development has been a G8 agenda item for a number of years. In 2008, Japan hosted both the G8 summit and the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-IV) -— a pentannual (recurring in five-year cycles) meeting for African leaders and their development partners. This meant that Japan had the opportunity to help Africa into the spotlight of international attention. [http://www.g8.utoronto.ca/evaluations/2008hokkaido/2008agenda/2008agenda.html Prospective Agenda for the 2008 G8 Hokkaido Summit,] , "G8 Information Centre" (Canada). April 30, 2007] Africa, which has been on the G8 agenda since 2000 when Japan last chaired the G8, has continued to lag behind on progress towards meeting Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) while Asia has made considerable strides during the same period. Unanswered questions remain about why what has happened in Asia has not happened in Africa. [http://blogs.odi.org.uk/blogs/main/archive/2007/12/20/5484.aspx The Japan G8 in 2008: a New Year’s Resolution for delivery on the big questions? ] , "ODI (Overseas Development Institute) blog."December 20, 2007.]

After discussions, the G8 leaders announced new measures on improving education, health, water supplies and sanitation and increasing the number of doctors and nurses in Africa. However, the "Times" says that it will be by the presence, or absence, of a headline figure on overall African aid that their talks will be judged a success or failure. Fukuda and Brown are reported to be pressing for the fulfillment of pledges made at the 2005 Gleneagles summit, but Sarkozy and Berlusconi are seen to be for pulling back from those commitments. [Parry, Richard Lloyd. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4284894.ece "G8 leaders locked in tense Africa talks,"] "Times Online" (London). July 7, 2008.

The G8 leaders set a five-year deadline to commit $60-billion in funding to help Africa fight disease, including pledging 100 million mosquito nets by 2010 which will prevent thousands of deaths from malaria. They also renewed a commitment made three years ago to double aid for Africa to $25-billion by 2010 and to consider pledging further assistance after 2010. [see above] ]

Climate change

The G8 leaders claimed that they would discuss the "full range of issues relating to climate".Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit.go.jp/doc/pdf/Climate_0630.pdf Climate change, Japan's perspective,] June 30, 2008.]

A package of proposals has been developed for further discussion including "a new framework that will ensure participation by the United States and China, the world's largest greenhouse-gas emitters." The G8 conference is claimed by G8 organisers to be "an important platform to firm up commitments" based on the initial framework agreed upon at the December 2007 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Bali, Indonesia.

In the "Challenge to the G8 Governments" by over 100 NGOs and other organisations and individuals, critics of the G8 claimed that the G8 states are themselves responsible for the climate crisis. They called for the G8 governments to "stop financing projects and policies that contribute to climate change".cite web| last =Jubilee South-Asia Pacific Movement on Debt and Development (JS-APMDD)| first =| authorlink =| coauthors =over 100 international, regional, national, and local organizations and individuals| title =Challenge to the G8 Governments| work =| publisher =Freedom from Debt Coalition| date =2008-07-07| url =http://www.fdc.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=318:challenge-to-the-g8-governments&catid=34:debt-campaign&Itemid=87 |format =| doi =| accessdate =2008-07-07 ]

G8 leaders agreed on the need for the world to cut carbon emissions blamed for global warming by at least 50 percent by 2050 and for each nation to set its own target for near term goals. The communiqué represents a small step forward from last year's call to "consider seriously" such long-term cuts; but environmental activists and leaders from the developing countries were disappointed, describing the statement as a toothless gesture. [see above] ]

The impact of climate change on small Pacific Island nations will also be an "unofficial theme" of the G8 summit, according to a report by the Asahi Evening News. cite news |first=|last=|title=Pacific Isles On 'Unofficial' G-8 Agenda |url=http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/07/06/pacific-isles-on-unofficial-g-8-agenda|work=Asahi Evening News |publisher=Pacific Magazine|date=2008-07-06 |accessdate=2008-07-08] Japan had unveiled a plan called the Cool Earth Partnership in June 2008 in order to help small Pacific states and other developing nations cope with the challenges of climate change. An official for the Japanese Ministry of the Environment stated that it wanted to unveil the new aid package before the G8 Summit in order to further dialogue on the subject. Tavau Teii, the Deputy Prime Minister of Tuvalu, a recipient of Japan's aid package against rising sea levels, toured Japan in the run up to the G8 Summit to raise awareness on the impact of climate change on his small island country. cite news |first=Taro|last=Karasaki|title=Pacific isles look to Japan for help |url=http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200807040496.html|work=TV Asahi |publisher=|date=2008-07-05 |accessdate=2008-07-08]

Intellectual property rights controversy

see also|Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement [http://wikileaks.org/leak/acta-proposal-2007.pdf wikileaks.org: ACTA Full text (176 KB) ] , "wikileaks.org", accessed 2008-05-25]

A leaked document [http://wikileaks.org/wiki/Proposed_US_ACTA_plurilateral_intellectual_property_trade_agreement_%282007%29 wikileaks.org: ACTA ] , "wikileaks.org", accessed 2008-05-25] details provisions of a proposed plurilateral trade agreement that would impose strict enforcement of intellectual property rights related to Internet activity and trade in information-based goods. If adopted, a treaty of this form would impose a strong, top-down enforcement regime imposing new cooperation requirements upon ISPs, including perfunctory disclosure of customer information, as well as measures restricting the use of online privacy tools. The proposal also specifies a plan to encourage developing nations to accept the legal regime. Talking points from the European Commission, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and others have published selected passages ostensibly from this document; refer to [http://ipjustice.org/wp/campaigns/acta/ here] for useful links.

Political issues

Amongst the important issues which were open for discussion included terrorism and nuclear non-proliferation. [http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/summit/2008/info/theme.html G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit: Main Themes ] , "Japan MOFA", accessed 2008-01-02]

* Zimbabwe: The G8 communiqué expressed "grave concern" about the violence-marred election process which superficially confirmed Robert Mugabe's continuing hold on the presidency. They warned of further action including targeted sanctions against those in Mugabe's government who were behind the violence. The leaders jointly recommended the appointment of a UN special envoy. [see above] ] Gordon Brown pressed for a statement which would have labeled Mugabe an illegitimate president, and George Bush described last month's violent presidential election as a "sham". However, there was no unanimity amongst the G8; and Russia quietly signaled opposition to imposing further sanctions against Mugabe's regime. [Blair, David. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2267652/G8-summit-increase-pressure-on-Robert-Mugabe.html "G8 summit increase pressure on Robert Mugabe,"] "Telegraph" (London). July 8, 2008.]
* Iran: The G8 communiqué urged the Iranian government to end its uranium enrichment program in line with UN Security Council resolutions; and they formally called on Tehran to respond positively to international mediation. [see above] ]
* North Korea: The G8 communiqué encouraged North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons and to cooperate in the verification of its dossier of nuclear programmes. In support for a key concern of the Japanese government, the G8 leaders also urged progress in resolving unanswered questions about North Korea's abductions of Japanese civilians in the 1970s and 1980s. [see above] ]

World Economy

The Summit Website highlights several key issues surrounding the world economy to be discussed, including: sustained growth of the world economy, investment, trade, protection of intellectual property rights, emerging economies and natural resources.

The requests to the G8 governments expressed in the "Challenge to the G8 Governments" by over 100 NGOs and other organisations and individuals regarding the world economy were to "cancel all illegitimate debt", "end the practice of using loans and debt cancellation to impose conditionalities" and "facilitate the return of stolen assets kept in the banks in the G8 countries."

Food Crisis

Regarding the 2007–2008 world food price crisis, over 100 NGOs and other organisations and individuals issued a "Challenge to the G8 Governments" which called for the G8 to "respect efforts to reverse the harmful policies that have led to the food crisis" and for the G8 to "ban speculation on food prices".

G8 leaders called on those nations with sufficient food stocks to release some of their reserves to help others cope with soaring prices; and the G8's mildly worded communiqué said it was "imperative" to remove export restrictions. [see above] ]

chedule and agenda

A tentative schedule for the G8 summit was arranged in advance; and contingencies affecting some surrounding events were anticipated the summit planners.Reuters (India): [http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINT30931120080703?sp=true "Factbox -- Schedule for G8 Summit and Surrounding Events News."] July 3, 2008.]

July 5

Saturday's agenda included the following: [see above] ]
*Peace Walk by activists, including anti-G8 protesters in Sapporo, Hokkaido. [Kubota, Yoko and Edwina Gibbs. [http://uk.reuters.com/article/UKNews1/idUKT36823520080705 "Several thousand anti-G8 protesters rally in Japan,"] Reuters. July 5, 2008; [http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200807051550.htm "Police detain four protesters during anti-globalization rally,"] "The Hindu" (Chenai). July 5, 2008.]

July 6

Sunday's agenda included the following: [see above] ]
* Non-government organizations hold "People's Summit" in Sapporo, Hokkaido (to July 8).2008 Japan G8 Summit NGO Forum. [http://www.g8ngoforum.org/english/2008/04/about-toyako-tanzaku-action.html " About Tanzaku Action - One Million Wishes,"] July 2008.]
* Bush-Fukuda bilateral meeting, [Abramowitz, Michael. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/06/AR2008070600265.html?hpid=topnews "G-8 Plans to Address Aid Accountability Before Summit in Japan; Bush Urges Monitoring Mechanism for African Assistance,"] "Washington Post." July 7, 2008.] US-Japan summit. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0019_0001.html Japan-US summit] .]
* Harper-Fukuda bilateral meeting, [Mayeda, Andrew. [http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=a711ddf3-a32a-45db-8d0e-0cf726e89540 "Canada, Japan to push for 'strong' stand on Zimbabwe at G8,"] "Ottawa Citizen." July 6, 2008.] Canada-Japan summit. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0020_0001.html Japan-Canada summit] .]
* U.S.-Japan leaders dinner. [see above] ]

July 7

The first official day of meetings in Tōyako focused on African development issues. The exchange of views were aired in a number of bilateral meetings and in an expanded afternoon session which brought together the G8 leaders and leaders of seven African countries -- Algeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and the chairman of the African Union Commission. Monday's agenda included the following: [see above] ]
* Merkel-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0040_0002.html Japan-Germany summit] .]
* Medvedev-Brown bilateral meeting.Webster, Phillip. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article4284329.ece "Gordon Brown in G8 meeting with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev,"] "Times Online" (London). July 7, 2008.]
* Medvedev-Merkel bilateral meeting. [see above] ]
* Medvedev-Sarkozy bilateral meeting. [see above] ]
* Medvedev-Bush bilateral meeting. [ [http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12846303&PageNum=0 "Medvedev and Bush discuss ABM issues, European security,"] ITAR-TASS (Moscow). July 7, 2008.]
* Outreach Working Lunch: G8 leaders + 8 African leaders.Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit.go.jp/eng/info/pdf/schedule.pdf Schedule] ; Webster, Phillip. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4286365.ece "G8 leaders feast on 13 courses after discussing world food shortages,"] "Times" (London). July 7, 2008.]
* Outreach Working Session: G8 leaders + 8 African leaders. [see above] ]
* Mbeki-Bush bilateral meeting. [http://www.sabcnews.com/world/asia1pacific/0,2172,172774,00.html "Mbeki, Bush hold bilateral talks alongside summit,"] SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation). July 7, 2008.]
* Mbeki-Fukuda bilateral meeting, [see above] ] South Africa-Japan summit. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0048_0002.html Japan-South Africa summit] .]
* Bouteflika-Sarkozy bilateral meeting. [Cerles, Gerard - AFP/Getty
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25565283/displaymode/1176/rpho/25565283/ Sarkozy en route to bilateral meeting with Bouteflika, photo caption.] MSNBC. July 7, 2008.]
* Bouteflika-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0049_0002.html Japan-Algeria summit] .]
* Yar'Adua-Fukuda bilateral meeting, [see above] ] Nigeria-Japan summit. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0053_0002.html Japan-Nigeria summit] .]
* Brown-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0039_0002.html Japan-UK summit] .]
* G8 Social Event (Tanabata-related event) [see above] ]
* G8 Social Dinner.Webster, Phillip. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4286365.ece "G8 leaders feast on 13 courses after discussing world food shortages,"] "Times" (London). July 7, 2008.]

July 8

The second day of meetings in Tōyako focused on the food crisis, oil prices, and climate change. Tuesday's agenda included the following: [see above] ]

* Merkel-Bush bilateral meeting. [WhiteHouse: [http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/20080708.html US-Germany summit.] ]
* G8 Morning Working Session. [see above] ]
* G8 Working Lunch. [see above] ]
* G8 Afternoon Working Session. [see above] ]
* Meeting of the "+5" countries (G8+5) in Sapporo ahead of Wednesday' morning session (Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa)
* Medvedev-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0062_0002.html Japan-Russia summit.] ]
* Berlusconi-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0063_0002.html Japan-Italy summit.] ]
* G8 Working Dinner. [see above] ]

July 9

The third day of the summit was devoted to crafting summary statements to describe some of the substantive issues which were discussed by the leaders. Wednesday's schedule included two morning sessions. An outreach meeting in the early morning brought together G8 leaders and the leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico, South Africa. There was a separate meeting for G8 leaders and leaders of "major economies" -- Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa and South Korea. [see above] ] Wednesday's agenda encompassed the following: [see above] ]
* Singh-Bush bilateral meeting. [http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200807090940.htm "Hectic day for Manmohan at G-8,"] "The Hindu" (Chennai). July 9, 2008.]
* Singh-Medvedev bilateral meeting. [see above] ]
* Singh-Rudd bilateral meeting. [see above] ]
* Singh-Sarkozy bilateral meeting. [see above] ]
* Singh-Brown bilateral meeting. [see above] ]
* Singh-Merkel bilateral meeting. [see above] ]
* Outreach Working Session. [see above] ]
* Major Economies Meeting. [see above] ]
* G8 Working Lunch with participants from Major Economies Meeting. [see above] ]
* Hu-Bush bilateral meeting. [WhiteHouse: [http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/images/20080709-4_d-0460-2-515h.html US-China summit.] ]
*Press Conference. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0081_0006.html Press conference] ]
* Lee-Bush bilateral meeting. [WhiteHouse: [http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/images/20080709-4_d-0581-6-515h.html US-South Korean summit.] ]
* Hu-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0085_0002.html Japan-China summit.] ]
* Singh-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0086_0002.html Japan-India summit.] ]
* Calderon-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0087_0002.html Japan-Mexico summit.] ]
* Lula da Silva-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0088_0002.html Japan-Brazil summit.] ]
* Rudd-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0089_0001.html Japan-Canada summit.] ]
* Yudhoyono-Fukuda bilateral meeting. [Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit-photogallery.mofa.go.jp/public_hokkaido/en/pages/info0090_0003.html Japan-Indonesia summit.] ]

NGO Response

International development NGOs [http://www.bond.org.uk/News/g8summit.htm] and networks reacted with a mixture of disappointment and frustration to the final communiqué of the July 2008 G8 summit in Hokkaido, Japan.

60,000 UK citizens and 1,000,000 people worldwide had signed petitions calling on G8 leaders to resolve the food crisis, address climate change, deliver funds for water and sanitation, and provide aid for healthcare and education.

However, concrete plans from the G8 to deliver action on these vital concerns were not forthcoming.

Food Crisis

The G8 registered their deep concern about the current global food crisis, but did not announce tangible or measurable initiatives for tackling it.

According to World Vision the $10 billion pledged since January will make a difference in the short term. Tearfund see the appointment of a G8 Expert Group to monitor the implementation of food security commitments as a positive step, although the lack of measurable plans adopted means that it is unclear exactly what role this group will play.

Many NGOs report that the G8 did not address the structural causes of the food crisis. Instead of delivering trade justice, G8 leaders pushed for even more trade liberalisation for developing countries. The G8 also remained silent on the role of food-price speculation in global markets in making the crisis worse.They also used only vague words on reducing bio-fuels and addressing climate change.

Climate Change

The G8 pledged to cut CO2 emissions by half by 2050. However NGOs including CAFOD, ActionAid, Christian Aid, Oxfam and Save the Children all argue that this is not credible, because there is no agreed baseline year, no agreement on when emissions will peak and begin to decline and no mid-term target on emissions reductions.

$6 billion was pledged to a ‘Climate Investment Fund’. However Christian Aid points out two problems with this. Firstly, the fund will be housed at the World Bank, which has a track record of imposing damaging economic policies on poor countries and is backing a large portfolio of greenhouse gas emitting projects around the world. Secondly, this is not new money - the money will come out of aid budgets, at a time when aid budgets are decreasing.

Water and Sanitation

The international alliance End Water Poverty reports that hopes of a breakthrough in the global sanitation and water crisis at the G8 summit were dashed as the G8 delivered a communiqué largely devoid of concrete actions to help the 2.6 billion people lacking access to a safe toilet, and the 1.1 billion people lacking access to clean water. Instead of agreeing an action plan to tackle what a recent WaterAid report claims kills more children than any other single factor, G8 leaders were content to report on progress at the 2009 summit and take steps to implement the discredited 2003 G8 Evian Water Action Plan.

Aid for Healthcare and Education

Tearfund welcomed that fact that G8 leaders committed to provide a projected $60 billion for health over the next 5 years. However, they point out that this falls far short of what is required to achieve the health-related MDGs and Universal Access by 2010. Based on current UNAIDS resource estimates, the G8 share of resources needed for HIV alone is US$65 billion for the next three years. Meanwhile previous commitments, such as universal access to paediatric treatment, as outlined at Heiligendamm in 2007, are conspicuous by their absence.

There are no timetables for delivery or measurable action plans attached to the communiqué. G8 leaders have agreed to establish a monitoring mechanism but the details remain unclear. Without funding, timetables and monitoring mechanisms, the G8 leaders’ stated concerns about global health will be empty gestures.

According to the Global Campaign for Education, there has been a pledge of $1 billion for education, yet this is less than 10% of what is needed to deliver what is every child’s human right.

Citizens' responses and authorities' counter-responses

Over 40 dissidents were arrested before the summit started and nineteen or twenty Koreans critical of the G8 leadership were detained at New Chitose Airport for at least 24 hours. During a "non-violent demonstration where no acts against property or people took place" according to a legal observer, at least four people were arrested, including a Reuters cameraman.

Protesters and demonstrations

Many of the groups planning protests were coordinated through the G8 Action Network.

Not all demonstrations were agitating in opposition to some issue. At the 2005 Scotland summit, for the first time the tens of thousands of people protesting outside were actually supporting the summit's agenda of African aid; [see above] ] and some activists travelled to Hokkaido for the same purpose. Veteran British actor and Oxfam activist Bill Nighy in Sapporo explained succinctly: "We want to achieve exactly what we wanted to achieve last time [at Heiligendamm, Germany] , which is to keep the G8 leaders and their governments to their promise. The promise that they would fulfil the Millennium Development Goals: primary school education for everyone; HIV medicines for all the people that are requiring it; maternal health; sustainable environment. We simply want them not to renege on those promises and to keep it up to schedule. At the moment, they are disastrously behind schedule. So we are looking to remind them of that." [ [http://www.thestar.co.uk/latest-entertainment-news/Were-not-G8-protesters-says.4266746.jp "We're not G8 protesters, says Nighy,"] "Star" (Sheffield). July 8, 2008.]

Some protesting organizations in Sapporo during the G8 summit tried to leverage the spirit of the Japanese festival of "Tanabata" "matsuri" to focus attention on what they hope this summit will accomplish.

"Tanabata matsuri" is a traditional early-summer celebration in Japan. At this time of year, it is customary to make a wish on a star on "Tanabata" Day." This special wish is written on a small slip of paper called "tanzaku". The "tanzaku" is then hung on a living bamboo as an expression of hope and as an token of the writer's resolve to strive to follow-through with the necessary actions to make that wish become a reality.

In the evening of July 7th, the G8 leaders were invited to create their own "tanzaku," and the group was captured by the summit photographer in front of the bamboo on which their private wishes had been tied. The same theme was exploited by non-governmental organizations like Oxfam and CARE International in setting up an online wish petition campaign to coincide with the G8 Summit and "Tanabata". [Oxfam: [http://www1.oxfam.qc.ca/en/actions/pour_tous/tanabata "Tanabata: Your wishes to the Summit!"] July 2008.]

The Iranian international news network, broadcasting in English on a round-the-clock basis, reported activists in the streets of Sapporo who were urging the G8 to pay more attention to food producers and rapidly escalating food prices. [ [http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=62639&sectionid=3510212 "Protesters rally ahead of G8 summit,"] PressTV. July 5, 2008.]

Human rights violations and border controls

One day before the G8 Finance Ministers' Meeting started in Osaka with a very large police presence, a day labourer in Kamagasaki was allegedly tortured by the police. In response, many day labourers and other local citizens carried out several days of street protests. [http://japan.indymedia.org/newswire/display/4499/ "Resistance action against police in Kamagasaki,"] Indymedia. June 17, 2008.]

During the month before the 34th G8 Summit started, "over 40 people were arrested in pre-emptive sweeps of broad left and anarchist groups".

During the days just preceding the summit, Via Campesina complained about the detention for over 24 hours of 19 (or 20) Korean farmers at New Chitose Airport and their likely deportation from Japan, stating that the farmers were travelling with an official invitation letter from Nouminren (Japanese Family Farmers' Movement) and a full programme of their planned activities in Japan as requested by the Japanese authorities. Via Campesina asserted the "right to meet, demonstrate and propose solutions to the problems facing humanity and the environment" and demanded that "all the farmers, workers and other activists detained at the Sapporo Airport be allowed to join the civil society activities parallel to the G8 Summit."cite web| last =| first =| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =La Via Campesina Statement on the unfair detention of 19 Korean farmers| work =| publisher =Via Campesina| date =2008-07-04| url =http://www.viacampesina.org/main_en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=576&Itemid=38 |format =| doi =| accessdate =2008-07-07 ] cite news | first=Yoko| last=Kubota | pages= | language =| title=Japan holds 20 anti-G8 Koreans: activists | date=2008-07-04 | publisher= | url=http://uk.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20080704/tpl-uk-g8-activists-43a8d4f.html |accessdate=2008-07-07]

During a "non-violent demonstration where no acts against property or people took place, or even appeared likely to take place" according to Ko Watari, a legal observer, at least four people were arrested, including a Reuters cameraman. The arrestees potentially face "years in prison" according to the "No! G8 Legal Team".cite web| last =No! G8 Legal Team -- NG8LT | first =| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =Call for Solidarity with Counter-G8 Protesters in Japan| work =| publisher =Z Communications| date =2007-08-07| url =http://www.zcommunications.org/znet/viewArticle/18117 |format =| doi =| accessdate =2008-07-09 ]

Citizen journalism

Citizens' groups organized several citizen journalism centres to provide independent media coverage of the expected protests.cite web| last =| first =| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =G8 Media Network Working Units| work =| publisher =G8 Media Network| date =2008-06-29| url =http://g8medianetwork.org/ |format =| doi =| accessdate =2008-06-29] In a sense, this text is the work product of something like citizen journalism, creating this article as part of "the first rough draft of history." [Braiker, Brian. [http://www.newsweek.com/id/50317?tid=relatedcl "History's New First Draft,"] "Newsweek" (New York). July 8, 2008; Keyes, Ralph. [http://books.google.com/books?id=d6JZryGvfxYC&pg=PA107&dq=Newsweek+first+draft+of+history&client=firefox-a&sig=ACfU3U1RKLjBGwm_VoOsbWwOKAilB7nQbg "The Quote Verifier: Who Said What, Where, and when," p. 107.] ]

Accomplishments

The G8 summit is an international event which is observed and reported by news media, but the G8's continuing relevance after more than 30 years is somewhat unclear. [Lee, Don. [http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-summit6-2008jul06,0,2282497.story "On eve of summit, G-8's relevance is unclear,"] "Los Angeles Times." July 6, 2008.] More than one analyst suggests that a G-8 summit is not the place to flesh out the details of any difficult or controversial policy issue in the context of a three-day event. [Wang Jingzhong and Tian Fan. [http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/06/content_8498232.htm "News Analysis: G8 summit to wrestle with '3F crisis',"] Xinhua (Beijing). July 7, 2008 -- '3F crisis' = Financial turmoil, Fuel and Food price hikes.] Rather, the meeting offers an opportunity to bring a range of complex and sometimes inter-related issues. The G8 summit brings leaders together "not so they can dream up quick fixes, but to talk and think about them together."Feldman, Adam. [http://www.forbes.com/opinions/2008/07/05/problems-unity-progress-oped-cx_af_summit08_0707feldman.html "What's Wrong With The G-8,"] "Forbes" (New York). July 7, 2008.]

Analysts anticipate that this will not be a summit in which an ambitious new agenda is mapped out, but rather one which will be cautiously focused on trying to keep the lid on growing global discontent. [see above] ] In 1976, the first year Canada attended, the nations issued a 1,600-word statement that made seven commitments, none of which were ever fully delivered by the members. In 2007, the nations made 329 commitments, about a third of which are being turned into reality. This, defenders of the G8 say, is proof of the summits' continuing effectiveness: the G8 are generally doing a better job than ever before of delivering on pledges made at these annual summit meetings. [see above] ]

The projected evaluation of this G8 summit can be assessed or measured in a context which encompasses the most recent G8 summits. At the 2004 summit at Sea Island in United States, the G8 leaders agreed to extend debt relief programs for poor countries, but fell short of demands for a total write-off of loans owed by African nations to multilateral lending agencies. The G8 leaders said they would extend the term of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries initiative, under which poor states can write off some of their debt. A summary of accomplishments from the three most recent G8 summits would include:Reuters: [http://uk.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUKT28411020080702?sp=true "Factbox: What happened at the last five G8 summits."] July 2, 2008.]

2005 summit. In Gleneagles in Scotland, the G8 leaders agreed to more than double aid to Africa by 2010; but aid agencies argued there was little new money in the pledge. They also pledged that G8 nations and other donors would increase total aid for all developing countries by about $50 billion a year by 2010. Assistance to Africa was put at the top of the 2005 summit by British Prime Minister Tony Blair;Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit.go.jp/doc/pdf/Africa_0630.pdf Africa on agenda at Gleneagles, Saint Petersburg, Heiligendamm.] June 30, 2008.] but those well-intentioned plans were thwarted because Blair was forced to return to London after terrorist bomb explosions disrupted London's public transportation. The discussion about African issues was not as fruitful as the regular G8 sessions and had a "fragmented" character. A credible analysis of the summit suggests that Gleneagles stands apart from the other G8 summits ....

:It would have been a regular summit if not for the terrorist attacks on London, as odd as it may seem at first sight. Although the tragedy took away a considerable portion of attention that would have otherwise been directed to the world richest and most powerful countries ..., the attacks provided for the relative success of the summit ... due to the necessity to demonstrate the united front against terrorism and to achieve somewhat tangible results that terrorists could not prevent. [Panova, Victoria. [http://www.g7.utoronto.ca/evaluations/2005gleneagles/panova2005-0718.html "Impressions of the 2005 Gleneagles Summit,"] G8 Information Centre, 2005 Gleneagles Summit Analytical Studies. July 18, 2005.]

2006 summit. In Saint Petersburg in Russia, the G8 leaders agreed to a formal agenda of energy security, combating infectious diseases and promoting education -- all topics held little controversy and required no financial commitment by G8 members. Assistance to Africa from the 2005 summit agenda re-appeared on the 2006 agenda; [see above] ] but no tangible actions ensued. [see above] ]

2007 summit. In Heiligendamm in Germany, the G8 leaders agreed to consider a global goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to negotiate a new global climate pact that would extend and broaden the Kyoto Protocols.Japan, MOFA: [http://www.g8summit.go.jp/doc/pdf/Climate_0630.pdf Climate change on agenda at Heiligendamm.] June 30, 2008.] For Africa, the G8 pledged $60 billion to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis; [see above] ] but the declaration set out no specific timetable, nor did it break down individual countries' contributions or spell out how much of the total funds had been previously promised. [see above] ]

Budget

Japan spent an unprecedented amount on hosting the G-8 Summit.Fukada, Takahiro. [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080701f1.html "G8 Countdown; ¥60 billion G8 budget draws flak,"] "Japan Times Online" (Tokyo). July 1, 2008.] Although a full accounting has not been announced, the estimated total budget was more than ¥60 billion:
*¥30 billion (£283 million; $561 million) used by the National Police Agency for patrolling the venues, including taking counter-terrorism measures.Ryall, Julian. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/2247087/G8-summit-to-be-guarded-by-40,000-police.html "G8 summit to be guarded by 40,000 police,"] "The Independent" (London). July 4, 2008.] When the three-day meeting ends, Japanese taxpayers will face a bill which dwarfs the estimated £1.3m Britain stumped up at Gleneagles three years ago. A foreign ministry spokesman suggested that "the number of parties attending this year is unprecedented, which has admittedly complicated the arrangements, and it's simply not fair to compare it with previous summits." [McCurry, Justin. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/05/g8.globaleconomy1 "G8 summit: Breathtaking venue with no protesters to spoil the view,"] "Guardian" (Manchester). July 5, 2008.]
*¥25.5 billion will be spent by the Foreign Ministry. [see above] ]
*#approximately ¥9 billion for communications infrastructure between the summit venue in Toyako and Rusutsu, where the international media center will be located.
*#approximately ¥5 billion for the media center, which is constructed on a parking lot in a ski resort and will accommodate around 3,000 people from the press and governments. Inside and outside the center, cutting-edge environmental technology, including fuel cells and heat pumps, will be exhibited. The center itself boasts eco-friendly features, including solar panels, "green" walls and a snow cooling system. Once the summit is over, however, the building will be demolished.
*¥1 billion each for The Defense Ministry and Japan Coast Guard for transporting the leaders and patrolling sea areas near the venue and monitoring the 46 km no-fly zone surrounding the summit site. [see above] ]

Notable statistics

Delegates

With more than 2,000 delegates in total, it is the largest G8 summit ever. Besides the leaders of the G8 nations attending, there are the government leaders of seven African nations and representatives from the five developing countries. Also in attendance are leaders from Australia, Indonesia and South Korea. [http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/217236,extra-the-g8-summit-in-numbers.html "The G8 summit in numbers,"] "The Earth Times" (San Diego). July 7, 2008.]

Logistics

*Media: There are approximately 4,000 journalists covering the summit from a specially built ¥2.8-billion ($25.92-million), media center. One hundred antennas were put up for mobile phones.
*Site: The world leaders are staying at Windsor Hotel Toya Resort, located on the peak of the 625 m tall Mount Poromoi, overlooking Lake Tōya.
*Security: There are more than 20,000 police providing ground-based security.. Military security includes 4 fighter jets, AWACS reconnaissance, 12 warships and Patriot surface-to-air-missiles.cite news | first= | last= Gipfelsoli Infogroup/Media G8way| pages= | language =| title=Anti-G8 protesters are on their way to the G8 Hotel | date=2008-07-07| publisher=Indymedia Japan | url=http://japan.indymedia.org/newswire/display/4596/index.php |accessdate=2008-07-09]
*Human rights: Over 40 dissidents were arrested before the summit started. At least 4 people were arrested, including a Reuters cameraman, during what a legal observer claimed was a "non-violent demonstration where no acts against property or people took place."
* Freedom of speech: Nineteen or twenty Koreans critical of the G8 leadership and expected to participate in citizens' debates were detained by the Japanese authorities at New Chitose Airport for at least 24 hours and were expected to be deported.
*Cost: The total cost of the three-day summit has been estimated at ¥60-billion.
*Food: Fifty chefs from 23 local hotels are creating special meals using 105 different local products; and the first night banquet featured 19 dishes. Expressed differently, the summit leaders enjoyed a six-course lunch followed by an eight-course dinner.
*NGOs: More than 140 non-government organizations are holding an alternative summit in the prefectural capital of Sapporo.

References

See also

* G6 and G7
* Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
* United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

External links

* G8 Research Group: [http://www.g8.utoronto.ca G8 Information Centre] ,University of Toronto
* Official G8 website: [http://www.g8summit.go.jp/ 34th G8 Hokkaido Summit]
* Official prefectural website: [http://www.do-summit.jp/en/ Hokkaido Toyako Preparation Council]
* Official municipal website: [http://g8-summit.town.toyako.hokkaido.jp/eng/index.html Toyako-cho Summit Promotion]