Peter Ritchie
The Royal Institute of International Affairs (CHATAM HOUSE) United Kingdom
My expectations before the meeting with Sherpas were low. We had to discuss a lot of problems within the framework of the meeting which could prevent us from executing a deep analysis of our problems. But the advantage of the meeting was the fact that all the Sherpas were attending and this is very important simply because it increases the chances of the civil society to be heard by the G8 Group leaders.
The dialogue between the Sherpas and NGOs showed that not all representatives of Russian NGOs have the full understanding of the international nature of G8 activities – the discussed items mostly dealt with Russian problems. I think, that the Russian colleagues have to realize the necessity to discuss and analyze national and international issues as a whole unit.
The same approach the Russian NGOs should elaborate within the monitoring and analysis of G8 promises and their implementation of civil society. This is the prerogative of not only Russian NGOs but also civil organizations of G8 and other countries.
