Women 20 Chair Calls For Russia's Return To G8 At Eurasian Women's Forum In St. Petersburg

Sumaira FH Published September 20, 2018 | 06:46 PM

Susana Balbo, the chair of the Women 20 (W20) group, told Sputnik on Thursday that Russia should be returned to the G8 (Group of Eight) because its communication with other developed nations could facilitate the inclusion of women in all spheres of life, including care services.

ST. PETERSBURG (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th September, 2018) Susana Balbo, the chair of the Women 20 (W20) group, told Sputnik on Thursday that Russia should be returned to the G8 (Group of Eight) because its communication with other developed nations could facilitate the inclusion of women in all spheres of life, including care services.

The group that used to be called the G8 before Russia's membership was suspended in 2014 after the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, is currently called the G7 and includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

"Russia should return. For instance, an unofficial meeting of W7 gathered women of the most developed countries this year. They delivered a message to their leaders regarding care services. We know that care services are led by women. If Russia can rejoin G8 and positively communicate with other nations in this sphere and other spheres, it would be a very positive development," Balbo, who is representing Argentina, which currently holds the W20 presidency, said on the sidelines of the Eurasian Women's Forum that opened earlier in the day in the Russian city of St.

Petersburg.

According to the W20 chair, broader participation at the G7 level would give the G20 better chances to achieve its goals and fulfill its agenda regarding the inclusion of women in various spheres of life.

The W20 was established in May 2015 as a means of interaction between the G20 and social partners. Its mission is to support economic development in the G20 nations, with consideration given to increasing the role played by women in resolutions adopted in line with the group's framework for strong, sustainable, and balanced growth.

Argentina is set to host the 2018 G20 Buenos Aires summit from November 30 to December 1.