G8

G8 or the Group of Eight was an international forum of eight countries comprised of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, the United States, Canada (since 1976) and Russia (since 1997) for dealing with global issues. Russia was indefinitely suspended in 2014, and hence there is not G8 as such. Russia permanently withdrew from the G8 in January 2017.

Its history began with the meeting of Heads of State and Government of the leading industrial nations for the first time in Rambouillet, France in 1975 to discuss developments in the global economy. At that time the world's six (G6) or (G7 after Canada joined) was represented by the largest economic powers of the world. This was the founding moment of the world economic summit.

The organisation had loose structure. The Presidency of the organization played major roles. G8 summits discussed the whole spectrum of global politics. Foreign and security policy and development issues were discussed in addition to economic matters. This forum had also launched a large number of global initiatives, including the campaign against world poverty.

The G8 remained an informal forum of Heads of State and Government without an international organisation and own administrative structure with a permanent secretariat or office for its individual members.

Nearby pages
Gabelle, Gaberlunzie, Gabinus, Gabion, Gabon