When promising to repair the global economy and build an inclusive and sustainable recovery, G-20 leaders injected 1.1 trillion dollars into many institutions whose economic, finance and trade policies lead to the current global economic situation.

The Halifax Initiative has stated that global governance reform must go hand in hand with an economic paradigm that promotes equity, justice and environmental sustainability, and governments fulfill their human rights obligations and all citizens are able to claim their rights. With Canada hosting both the G8 and G 20 meetings, 2010 is an opportunity to ensure G20 policies result in democratic and sustainable changes in the the world.

The Canadian Halifax Initiative, initiated a letter signed by over 100 international civil society organizations that calls on all governments to adhere to six key principles for renewing multilateralism and building a global leaders forum.

• Inclusive of the poorest countries, starting with the African Union,
• Representation in composition,
• Transparency and accountability,
• A strengthened the role of the United Nations,
• Open to civil society.