So, the G8 and G20 summits are coming to Canada and I thought I would give you a little heads up on what all the fuss is about.

The terms G8 and G20 refer to two groups of countries. The Group of 8 (G8) includes France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Russia. Each year the heads of government (presidents, prime ministers, etc) of each of these countries get together and talk about very important stuff. Whoever’s hosting gets to set the agenda for the meeting. This year Canada’s hosting, and Stephen Harper has decided to focus on maternal health.

The Group of 20 (G20) is more focused on economics and the international financial system. It’s an annual meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from 20 different countries that together make up 85 percent of global gross national product, 80% of world trade, and 2/3 of the world’s population. One of this year’s meetings is set to be held in Toronto in June.

Because the people at these meetings have so much power, when they come together and make decisions, it has an influence around the world.  It’s a struggle to get them to keep their promises sometimes, but there’s also the issue of making sure they don’t decide to do something that would be negative to the rest of the world.  Expect some protests, some big promises, and hopefully, some big results.

You can read more about the G8 and G20 summits happening this June on their official sites. You should also DEFINITELY check out AtTheTable.org’s G8/G20 101 and learn more about how to make your voice heard at these important events!  And to see where Plan stands, click here.