The President of Russia's message reads, in part:
“This is the first time in the G20 history that such a representative forum is being convened. It is encouraging to see how the constructive dialogue between the G20 and civil society is expanding and shifting to the new dimension, bringing together a wide range of experts, representatives of non-governmental organisations, public figures and concerned citizens to discuss current global challenges.
I am fully aware of a great deal of preparations that preceded this meeting. The working groups have held extensive discussions and prepared recommendations for the G20. We appreciate your high competence and expertise, and your desire to make a substantial contribution to addressing the issues of critical importance, such as promoting economic growth and jobs, enhancing financial regulation and financial literacy, reforming the international financial architecture, fighting corruption, ensuring food security, elaborating the agenda for sustainable development and environment protection.
We see the key goal of the dialogue with civil society in making sure that the anti-crisis measures taken by the G20 and the leading international financial institutions were transparent and inclusive, and thereby winning the confidence of the people. It is important to use the practical experience of civil society organizations to work out a balanced strategy for global development. Russia has been consistent on this point: economic recovery measures should not come at the expense of lowered living standards. Rather, they should improve people’s well-being by strengthening national economies, creating quality jobs, and establishing fair rules for international trade.
I am sure that the rich agenda and the committed delegates of this forum will generate tangible results, and that your substantive recommendations and proposals will bring added value and help the G20 Leaders develop consolidated solutions to the complex social and economic challenges that the world is facing today.“
The Civil20 forum, in which civil society representatives of G20 countries participate, is traditionally held in the run-up to the G20 Summit in the country that currently holds the presidency. The Civil20’s main objective is to ensure a productive dialogue between civil society, politicians and decision-makers on the basis of the priorities expressed in the official agenda of the Russian presidency.
More than 350 people, including representatives of civil society, international organisations, business and the media, as well as public officials, are taking part in the forum. Civil society is represented there by delegates from G20 countries, as well as representatives from non-profit organisations, academic community, the Global NGO group, and the Civil Society Group.
The summit’s programme includes plenary sessions, cross-sectional meetings, working group meetings, open discussion forums, and a public meeting of the drafting committee. The result of the forum will be a final Address to G20 Leaders, which reflects all aspects of the C20’s activities.