The Group of 15 Summit
Purpose
The G15, a group of 17 developing countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America, was set up to foster cooperation and provide input for other international groups, such as the World Trade Organization and the Group of Seven rich industrialized nations.
Current Composition
The G15 is comprised of Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Zimbabwe
Tehran Times
18th May, 2010
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad presented a number of proposal to the G15 summit, which was held in Tehran on Monday.
Ahmadinejad called for the establishment of a new global system, saying the world is yearning for this change.
“In light of the enormous economic, political, scientific, cultural, and intellectual capacities of G15 states, the Islamic Republic of Iran recommends a standing committee comprised of representatives of the current members be established with a mandate to prepare theoretical frameworks for changes and to present appropriate and relevant strategies,” Ahmadinejad stated.
If the member states approve the proposal, the strategies devised could be placed on the G15 agenda for further deliberation, he added.
“The current state of global affairs necessitates a convergence in various international and regional issues more than ever before,” he said.
Therefore, it is recommended that an advisory committee comprised of G15 foreign ministers also be established to help efforts to realize the goals of the G15 through regular meetings, he noted.
“The current challenges the global economy is facing require the reliance on the enormous capabilities and resources of G15 members. Thus, it is proposed that specialized committees in the areas of industry, agriculture, banking, energy, and technology be established to study measures and methods to strengthen relations and expand interactions in the abovementioned areas,” he added.
The proposal for the establishment of a joint trade bank should also be placed on the G15’s agenda, Ahmadinejad said.
The mechanism of the UN Security Council is based on the old, reactionary system, which was created after World War II, but this system has lost its credibility in the eyes of other nations, he added.
“Today, a number of permanent members of the UN Security Council are still expecting other states and nations to submit to their will, just like… 65 years ago,” the Iranian president observed.
“The presence of the world’s major powers on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency has prevented the agency from performing its real duties in disarmament, non-proliferation, and contributing to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
“The shadow of threats has now expanded over the world, and the possession and development of nuclear weapons and the threat to use such weapons have almost become the official policies of some major powers,” he added.
“Today, it has become clear to everyone that it is impossible to continue with the current unfair system. If this trend continues, there will be many more problems,” Ahmadinejad stated.
A collective attitude for basic change and development has emerged in the world, he noted.
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