Civil Society representatives come together to influence G20 Agenda

Global civil society will come together at the University of Melbourne on 20-21 June 2014 for the C20 Summit to determine the specific policy issues and solutions civil society wants the G20 to consider when it meets in Brisbane in November.

The C20 (‘Civil Society’) Summit is the first of the lead-in G20 ‘satellite’ conferences and provides the platform for dialogue between civil society and the political leaders of the G20 countries.

Tim Costello, Chair of the C20 Steering Committee said, “In a world where we are seeing increasing inequality within and between countries, the C20’s primary aim is to ensure that people are put at the centre of G20 decision making and that the most vulnerable citizens do not get left behind.”

Through a series of presentations and discussion panels, the two-day Summit program will develop policy recommendations around the broad theme of inclusive, sustainable economic growth, that helps alleviate poverty and income inequality.

Delegates chairing discussions or speaking at the event include senior representatives of the leading NGOs including World Vision, ACOSS, WWF, Oxfam, Transparency International and the National Employment Services Association, as well as national and international speakers across the four key policy issues:

• Inclusive Growth and Employment;
• Infrastructure;
• Climate & Sustainability; and
• Governance.

Speakers and panellists include:

• Hon Julie Bishop MP: Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs
• Hon Tanya Plibersek MP: Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development
• Hon Kevin Andrews MP: Minister for Social Services
• Huguette Labelle: Chair, Transparency International
• Tim Costello: Australia’s C20 Steering Committee Chair and World Vision Australia CEO
• Cassandra Goldie: CEO, Australian Council of Social Service
• Judge Rauf Soulio: Australian Multicultural Council
• Joseph Assaf: Founder, Ethnic Business Awards
• Jody Broun: Aboriginal Advocate
• Gillian Triggs: President, Human Rights Commission

 For more information on the C20 and the full list of Summit speakers go to: www.c20.org.au