Creating a Fairer World:
What should the G-20 do?


A forum presented by Make Poverty History
16 November 2006, 10.00am-5.45pm
Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne

In November 2006, representatives of 20 nations, together with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund will meet in Melbourne to discuss a range of global economic issues.

Known as the G-20, this group represents 90 per cent of the world's gross domestic product and two-thirds of its population. The group includes the world's richest economies and some developing countries where extreme poverty persists.

Clearly, the G-20 has enormous potential to generate a coordinated response to some of the most pressing issues facing the world today - including the need to combat extreme poverty.

The G-20 has acknowledged that it 'should play an active role in addressing critical development issues' and has committed to a 'shared vision for global development'. At its meeting last year, the Group determined to 'carry the momentum forward' on international development.

Yet, while the G-20 provides a forum for governments and financial institutions to address these issues, there is no opportunity for civil society to directly participate in its meetings.

Creating a Fairer World: What Should the G-20 do? will provide an opportunity for community leaders, leading thinkers, non-government organisations, development professionals and others to come together to discuss their ideas and plans for combating extreme poverty and working towards a fairer world.

To be held in the historic Melbourne Town Hall on 16 November 2006 - just days before the G-20 Meeting - this event provides a unique opportunity for civil society to generate a timely debate on poverty eradication and influence the G-20 representatives.

The forum will feature a range of prominent international and Australian speakers with diverse backgrounds and expertise. It will be hosted by Make Poverty History Australia, which represents over 50 aid agencies and faith-based organisations committed to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Source: www.makepovertyhistory.com.au

If you are in Melbourne on this day, i encourage you to come along!!