G20 leaders' sherpas end session in St. Petersburg

Representatives, the so-called sherpas, of the leaders of G20 countries ended their two-day meeting in St Petersburg on Sunday in a continuation of preparations for a G20 September summit which is to be presided over by Russia. They discussed anti-corruption efforts, food supply security, a reform of international finacial architecture, and the development of investments and infrastructure. The official website of Russia's G20 presidency reports, "Those present at the session considered topical items that are on the G20 agenda, and the results of the recent (ministerial) meetings, specifically those of the G20 Finance ministers' and central bank governors' meeting in Washington on Saturday. The sherpas also reviewed preparation for the forthcoming meeting of G20 Labour ministers, and a joint session of G20 Labour and Finance ministers. While in St Petersburg, the sherpas for the first time in G20 history held a discussion together with members of G20 business, civil, and trade union communities. These groups have prepared their recommendations for G20 leaders on matters concerning employment, counteraction to corruption, environmentally responsible development and power engineering, food security, financial inclusion (enlarged access to financial services), a reform of international financial architecture, investments and infrastructure, as well as the "Millennium Development Goals after 2015" aspect. Russia presides over G20 from Decembe 1, 2012, to December 1, 2013. The main event of Russia's G20 presidency -- a G20 summit -- is due to be held in St Petersburg early in September. Meanwhile the G20 leaders' sherpas are preparing for it. They have already met three times. Traditionally, these meetings are held behind closed doors and are off limits to the journalists.