For all Torontonians, it would seem that both summits that took place over the last weekend in June – the G–8 in Muskoka, and the G–20 in Toronto – proved to be a waste, considering that the majority of newspapers put most of their focus on the reporting of blockaded streets. In turn, these streets squared off the public from interrupting an otherwise important summit, which later resulted in riots by protesters causing window-smashing, and the burning of three cop cars leading to mass arrests. There were even reports that suggested tear gas was used for the first time in Toronto; a crazy weekend indeed.
But our dearest prime minister, Stephen Harper, begs to differ, considering the summits were…“Worth it.”
And why wouldn’t he. After spending an approximate $1.1 billion (not to forget the $1.9 million spent toward building a man made pond), including $933 million for security, in reality, Harper has no choice but to deem these summits worthwhile after the initial over-spending. Yet throughout the weekend, through all the constant reports of police brutality and mayhem, Torontonians failed to hear a mention of what was actually achieved within these summits. So, it begs the question, were these summits a waste of time, or did world leaders actually manage to achieve something?
What makes the G–20 summit so important in the first place?
According to the government of Canada's G–20 Toronto Summit website, "the G–20 is the world’s premier forum for international economic cooperation on issues that shape the global economy. G–20 members account for 90 per cent of global output, 80 per cent of world trade, and two thirds of the world’s population. Through coordinated approaches to global financial and economic challenges, the G–20 helps to advance stability, growth, jobs, and prosperity for everyone.”
In particular, the G–8 in Muskoka focused on an effective agenda to address key challenges in development, international peace and security, and environmental protection; conversely, the G–20 focused on ensuring a full return to growth with quality jobs, to reform, and strengthening financial systems, and to create strong, sustainable, and balanced global growth.
According to the background information booklet provided to me while at the Alternative Media Centre under the theme of “Recovery and New Beginnings,” the G–20 Toronto Summit focused on recovery from the global, economic and financial crisis, in addition to the implementation of commitments from previous G–20 summits – Washington in November 2008, London in April 2009, and Pittsburgh in September 2009 – laying the foundation for sustainable and balanced growth for future generations.
I’m not quite sure how holding an expensive summit to discuss the future of the global economy somehow makes a difference in regards to fixing the global financial crisis. Perhaps a traditional, old-fashioned conference room would’ve done the trick just fine. Still, I’m not too certain on how protesting will make a difference either. Granted, there are some things I disagree with in terms of what needs to be done for us to move forward. But, discussing the key issues and finding effective solutions is the stepping-stone needed to pave the way for recovery; perhaps not a billion dollar meeting? Hopefully, world leaders were productive in their attempts, and the results will be felt come the next G–20 in South Korea, Seoul: Coming to a conference room near you, this Fall.
Image courtesy of stock.xchng.
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