WORLD> Backgrounder
How the G8 works
(g8italia2009.it)
Updated: 2009-07-02 16:43

The G8 Presidency system

The G8's membership comprises the main industrialised countries.

It is not an international organisation, nor does it have an administrative staff with a permanent secretariat; it is rather a process that culminates in an annual Summit at which the Heads of State and Government of the member countries hold talks with a view to finding solutions to the main world issues, which are summed up in the "Final Statement."

The G8 Presidency is taken on by each country in turn, which works to define the topics to be placed on the agenda and the priorities for action, and to identify the fresh goals and sectors of intervention.

The Presidency rotates in the following order: France, United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada. The European Union -- via the European Commission -- attends the G8, but neither chairs nor hosts the G8 Summit.

The Italian Presidency in 2009

Italy holds the G8 Presidency throughout 2009.

It thus holds responsibility for hosting and organising the preparatory meetings needed to lead up to L'Aquila Summit, which is to be held from 8 to 10 July and at which the Heads of State and Government will be meeting.

Over its presidential year, Italy also holds responsibility for speaking on behalf of the G8 and for holding talks with other countries, international organisations and civil society.

The ministerial meetings

The annual Summit of the Heads of State and Government is the part of the G8 Presidential year that enjoys the highest profile.

Similar meetings are held at ministerial level over the year and provide an opportunity for frank, direct debate on specific topics, such as foreign affairs, finance, trade, justice, security, the environment, agriculture and labour.

The Sherpas

A crucial role in the G8 is played by the Sherpas (called after the guides who help climbers scale the Himalayan peaks), who personally represent their respective Heads of State and Government on all the items on the Summit's agenda.

The Sherpa is assisted in the preparations for and conduct of the summit by two Sous-Sherpas, one at the Foreign Ministry and the other at the Economic Affairs and Finance Ministry.