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The leaders of the G8 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK, the US and the President of the European Commission) and the G5 countries (Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa) discussed the major challenges that have arisen in the world economy at the Heiligendamm Summit in 2007. They recognised the interdependence of their economies and the importance of an active exchange on the framework conditions of a globalized and competitive world economy. They decided to embark on a high-level, structured dialogue on specific challenges which was subsequently referred to as the Heiligendamm Dialogue Process (HDP).
The G8 Summit in Japan in 2008 will receive an Interim Report on the progress made and a concluding report on the outcomes of the Dialogue Process will be presented at the G8 Summit in Italy in 2009.
The four main topics to be covered are:
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Promoting cross-border investment to our mutual benefit including the encouragement of responsible business conduct;
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Promoting research and innovation including, among others, intellectual property rights;
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Energy with special focus on energy efficiency;
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Development, particularly in Africa.
The OECD was asked to provide a platform for this new dialogue process with support for energy efficiency coming from the IEA. With a core mission to improve the functioning of the global economy and its mandate to strengthen partnership with the major emerging economies, this was seen as an important opportunity to reinforce the OECD's role as a hub for dialogue on global economic issues.
The HDP Support Unit, charged with the preparation of the Steering Committee and Working Group meetings, operates under the direct supervision of the OECD Secretary-General and the guidance of the Steering Committee. The Support Unit also co-operates with OECD directorates and benefits from the OECD’s vast expertise and knowledge.
The Leaders’ decision and the political basis for the Dialogue can be found in the G8 Summit declaration “Growth and Responsibility in the World Economy” and in the Joint Statement by the German G8 Presidency and the Heads of State and/or Government of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa .
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