The dialogue forum continues the tradition of dialogue between the G8 nations and civil society. As in Gleneagles in 2005 and St. Petersburg in 2006, the G8 member states are giving peaceful representatives of civil society the opportunity to voice their opinions and criticisms.
Broad-based dialogue
Firstly, three discussion panels will focus on the key topics: the global economy, Africa, and climate change. Six working group will then look in more detail at the priority areas of the German G8 presidency:
- Climate/ energy
- Africa
- Intellectual property rights (IPR)
- Biodiversity
- Global economy/ investment
- Raw materials
Each of these facilitated working groups will provide an opportunity to engage in a detailed discussion, comparing and contrasting the positions and approaches of the G8 with those of civil society.
The highlight of the event will be a plenary session with the G8 Sherpas. An open, interactive setting for the discussion will provide a wide scope for tackling the above topics in some depth.