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Each year, the G8 Research Group, thanks to the generous support of its benefactors, is able to invite University of Toronto students to attend the G8 Summit.  It is an unparalleled opporunity for students to observe global decision-making and diplomacy in action.

The University of Toronto is the only university in the world that offers this privilege to students.  In the past, students witnessed first-hand the creation of historic G8 initiatives such as the Africa Action Plan and the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction.  They also monitored the G8 as it responded to crises including the 2005 terrorist bombings in London, and the 2006 conflict in Lebanon.

Students who attend the G8 Summit with the G8 Research Group function as analysts and issue-area experts.  Prior to the summit, students prepare comprehensive reports providing a detailed analysis on each G8 member-state’s priorities for the summit.  They also prepare reports on each of the major issues that are expected to appear on the summit agenda.  These reports are based primarily on policy documents, position papers, executive briefs, media coverage, and expert interviews.  The reports serve to predict the most salient concerns for each country and the expected outcome of discussions on a given issue.

At the summit, students attend press conferences and briefings, conduct interviews, and analyze documents as they are released in order to monitor progress on issues that they have identified as priorities and others that may arise.  This research is integral to the G8 Research Group’s work throughout the year, as it provides the context for the next cycle of analysis, which is closely monitored by the organization’s international stakeholders, both governmental and non-governmental. 

Given that the student-authored reports prepared by the G8 Research Group between summits are considered to be authoritative in their respective domains, students serve as a source of expertise for the international media during the summit, giving interviews about the G8 and the issues on the summit agenda.

Students also engage in dialogue with government officials, high-level bureaucrats, and leaders of civil society groups.  In the past they have even had the opportunity to meet with heads of government of G8 member-states.

The opportunity to experience the G8 Summit as both observer and active participant is the ultimate experience for any student of world politics and global governance.  Your support can make this opportunity possible.

To learn about how your organization can support this worthwhile endeavour, please take a moment to view our donor information package or e-mail us at donate@g8live.org.