John Kirton
Head of G8 Research Group, University of Toronto
MOSCOW, December, 2 – RIA-Novosti
John Kirton, chief of the G8 research group of Toronto University says the St Petersburg summit has defined high standards for similar meetings in future.
“The Civil G8-2006 has determined unexampled high standards for future summits. The voice of the civil society was finally heard thanks to our Russian colleagues”, - he said at the final meeting of NGO within the framework of the “Civil G8”.
According to John Kirton, two years ago when the G8 summit was held in Sea-Island, the voice of the civil society was not heard.
”It considerably changed at the St Petersburg summit, - the Canadian expert said. – This is a very important experience and a step forward”.
John Kirton also stressed that NGOs should play more active role not only during summits but also within the framework of their preparation. “We should take part in formulating questions which will be discussed during future summits, not only to witness this process”, - he said.
John Kirton underlined that within the framework of the Civil G8 activities we witnessed some positive changes in Russia. Particularly, in the sphere of energy safety. According to him, “the participants of the next summit in Germany should pay a special attention at the issues of Africa, climate and gender factor”.
”We all witness today a considerable climate changes. We have no right to loose one more year and do nothing about it – we should make all possible efforts to discuss the problem in Germany”, - stressed John Kirton.