Does the G8 threaten the role of the United Nations, the IMF or the World Bank?
The G8 is an informal club for discussion and co-operation by the leading industrialised countries. It is neither an organisation nor an international institution. It is not a legal entity and does not have a permanent secretariat. It takes no binding measures and does not claim to compete with or replace the international organisations. Far from being a threat to the United Nations, the WTO and the international financial institutions, the G8 highlights the co-ordination and driving-force responsibilities of the leading industrialised countries and hence contributes to the smooth running of the international community.
