13th June, 2013
World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello has been named chair of a new Australian committee aimed at coordinating civil society engagement with G20 world leaders in the lead-up to next year’s G20 meeting.
The news – which was announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard this week – comes as Australia prepares to assume the presidency of the G20 later this year. Others among the 14 members of the Australian C20 Steering Committee include Rev Tara Curlewis, general secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia, Oxfam chief executive Dr Helen Szoke, and Professor Rob Moodie, of the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health.
Mr Costello is currently in Russia where he is meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and addressing the C20 Civil Summit in Moscow. Attended by more than 350 civil society delegates representing G20 countries, it is aimed at promoting dialogue between civil society and decision-makers and influencing the upcoming agenda of the G20 Summit.
Mr Costello says Australia has "significantly raised the profile of civil society on the international stage" by establishing the committee.
"This is truly a remarkable development that provides Australia with an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the world”s premier economic forum and to ensure the diverse interests of global citizens are heard when world leaders gather each year," he says.
– DAVID ADAMS
