Some notes on the G8 civil society meeting held in Canada April 15-16th (from Kel Currah):

The Civil G8 was attended by some 60 delegates from 17 countries. There would have been more delegates but a small number were unable to get a visa at such short notice. The Civil G8 met in five working groups: Health & HIV/AIDS; Climate Change; Food, Water and Education; Accountability; Governance, Peace & Security. On the final day, the Civil G8 met with the G8 Sherpas.

The Italian and German sherpa did not attend the Civil G8 or the actual sherpa meeting due to other meetings at home. The EU, French and Russian sherpa did attend the official meeting but skipped the Civil G8. So the meeting was held with the UK, Japanese, US and Canadian sherpa and the deputies of the other sherpas. The meeting took place under Chatham House rules but I am hoping to circulate some of the general comments of the Dialogue. There was nothing stated that was exceptionally new.

It is not known whether there will be a Civil G20. It is understood that the request to the G20 sherpas to meet with civil society has only just gone out from the Canadian government. This leaves very little time to organise properly a well attended Civil G20 (it would have taken place on the 24th & 25th May alongside the formal Sherpa meeting) so it is unlikely it will proceed prior to the June G20. There is some hopes for a Civil G20 later in the year prior to Korea.