Staging these summits in different locations over the same weekend was a monumental task, but by all accounts, both summits were a success for Canada and the two groups of leaders.

There is no question that the G-8 has proved its value as a catalyst for action on development and international peace and security. It can stand tall as a result of the important initiatives taken in Muskoka.

In particular, G-8 leaders launched the Canadian-led Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, pledging to contribute $5 billion over five years to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health in developing countries. Donations and contributions from other countries and foundations will bring that total to $7.3 billion.

Leaders also took a decisive step forward in improving the transparency and credibility of the G-8 with the release of the Muskoka Accountability Report. The Report is a forthright assessment of recent G-8 commitments on development-related issues. It shows that important progress has been made, but that more needs to be done, including the regular reporting of progress on commitments.

In the G-8’s traditional outreach session with African leaders, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to continued collaboration in support of African-led efforts to build a more stable, democratic and prosperous Africa. 

For its part, the G-20 reaffirmed its role in Toronto as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. The first evening of discussion among the leaders was all about what needs to be done to maintain the global economic recovery.

There was a tremendous amount of will among the leaders to find a fine balance between measures needed to promote economic recovery and the sort of fiscal consolidation that will be needed to ensure balanced and sustainable growth.

The Muskoka and Toronto summits were not just about the deliberations of leaders. Youth delegates from around the world gathered at MY SUMMIT 2010 and presented their own communiqué about the issues to the leaders. Business leaders shared their opinions on key economic issues through the G-20 Business Summit. Our eDiscussion on the G-8 allowed us to read the views expressed by the Canadian public.

Our extensive outreach efforts with other countries, international organizations and civil society also helped Canada meet its objectives as host. I am grateful for their participation and hope this trend will remain at the G-8 and G-20 for future summits.

I also cannot say enough about the support we received from other government departments in the planning and policy work for the two summits. Our colleagues there showed determination to making the summits a success.

The summits were also memorable for me because my role as Canada’s Sherpa represented my last major assignment as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs as I retire from the Department after 40 years of service. I will look back on the summit experience with a great deal of regard for the people involved and an appreciation of the important work that lies ahead.

“It is exciting to see bright young people engaging on international issues and contributing to the future of their countries and the world,” said Prime Minister Harper. “MY SUMMIT 2010 is about giving youth a voice on G-8 and G-20 issues and providing them with a valuable learning experience.”

MY SUMMIT 2010 is the official international youth summit being held concurrently with the G-8 and the G-20 summits. Canada is co-hosting MY SUMMIT 2010 with Global Vision, a not-for-profit organization with expertise in youth leadership training.

The G-8 portion of MY SUMMIT 2010 took place in Muskoka, Ontario, from June 23 to 25. During the G-20 portion of MY SUMMIT 2010, which is taking place from June 26 to 27 in Toronto, youth delegates will observe parts of the G-20 Leaders’ Summit, and will discuss international economic issues.

There are 13 Canadian youth delegates participating in MY SUMMIT 2010. Prime Minister Harper also invited his G-8/G-20 counterparts to send youth delegations comprised of seven university students to the youth summit.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today made the following remarks on the closing of the G-8 Summit:

“Greetings, everyone.  We had a very successful summit.  We have refocused the G-8 on its strengths: development, peace and of course global security challenges.  The G-8 has committed an additional $5 billion US over the next five years, and with our partners, as I mentioned yesterday, bringing the total to $7.3 billion on the Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.  Accountability will be the key as we move forward, and as you know, we’ve put increased emphasis on that.

“We also discussed a further range of global challenges, nuclear proliferation, Iran, the implementation of sanctions foreseen by resolution, United Nations resolution 1929, also North Korea and the Cheonan incident.  The governments of Iran and North Korea have chosen to acquire weapons to threaten their neighbours.  The world must see to it that what they spend on these weapons will not be the only cost that they incur.  We’ve also discussed Afghanistan, Pakistan, governance, stability in that particular region, of course the Middle East and climate change.  It is essential that the G-8 keep its promises going forward.  This is essential to the credibility and effectiveness of this forum as an organization.

“The G-8 has been reshaped and reenergized.  Its members share common objectives in the world, and of course, now I look forward to meeting my colleagues of the G-20 in Toronto.”

For more information, see the Summit Documents page.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the G-8 portion of MY SUMMIT 2010, youth delegates said the primary issues when combating the problem of maternal and child health are a lack of specialist training in the developing world surrounding prenatal and newborn care, and access to essential obstetric expertise.

“We call upon G-8 Leaders to provide funding for educational training teams to present developing countries with the tools and education necessary in creating a long term maternal and child health plan,” the communiqué stated.

The voice of youth is the voice of change, the delegates said in their communiqué, adding that they “pledge to passionately work with our international partners on the challenges that confront us all.”

On the topic of green energy, MY SUMMIT 2010 told the G-8 that renewable energy sources should be the primary focus of all new investment. “We strongly urge G-8 Leaders to adopt a common strategy on green initiatives, and ensure safe exploration, in light of the recent Gulf oil spill,” the communiqué said.

The delegates said they acknowledge the benefits that nuclear power possesses as an energy source, particularly for states with limited energy potential, but urged G-8 countries to “work with other International Atomic Energy Agency compliant states, to develop and further commercialize safe, efficient and peaceable nuclear designs.”

But while safe nuclear technology remains an important energy source, the delegates acknowledged “the danger and graveness posed to humanity and our planet by the possession and use of nuclear arms” and asked for “a commitment from the G-8 to confront those states not abiding by international obligations with regard to nuclear disarmament. We support appropriate and prompt diplomatic actions against such states. Such situations include targeted economic sanctions against those who do not abide by international non-proliferation efforts, such as Iran and North Korea.”

The communiqué asked G-8 leaders to commit to continued food aid to developing countries, stating that the current global crisis is no excuse for reducing foreign aid to developing countries.

The full text of the communiqué is available at: http://g8.gc.ca/10170/my-summit-2010-final-communique/

We, the Youth of the G-8 States, gathered in Muskoka for MY SUMMIT 2010 on June 23 to 25 to commit ourselves to working together on the issues of today and those of tomorrow. We strongly believe that the voice of youth is the voice of change, and pledge to passionately work with our international partners on the challenges that confront us all. Below, you will find our outlined plans and recommendations pertaining to the central themes of the 2010 G-8

Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Terrorism

We acknowledge the benefits that nuclear power possesses as an energy source, particularly for states with limited energy potential. Therefore, we urge G-8 states to work with other International Atomic Energy Agency compliant states, to develop and further commercialize safe, efficient and peaceable nuclear designs. While security safeguards, such as storage, must be modernized in all affected states, compliant states must have the possibility of nuclear power as a viable energy option.

While we identify the benefits of safe nuclear technology as an energy source, we acknowledge the danger and graveness posed to humanity and our planet by the possession and use of nuclear arms. While attempts have been made by the international community to curtail their use, notably by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the risks associated with nuclear weapons perseveres to the present day. Therefore, we call for a statement by the G-8 nations that affirms a desire to see all nuclear weapon states work toward a safe and secure global disarmament plan in accordance with international treaties and obligations.

Furthermore, we recognize the merits of integrity with respect to nuclear capabilities, as it will aid in diffusing tensions between states. We reiterate that all G-8 Leaders must affirm their support on this issue by enforcing an active movement to encourage all states to disclose their nuclear capabilities and to implement a rigorous monitoring system for nuclear materials. Disclosure will enable all nations with nuclear power to create a future strategic agreement for lowering nuclear stockpiles and to ensure the candor of the exchange of nuclear materials.

 We distinguish that co-operation amongst all states of the world may not be attainable; we invite the G-8 states to take action. We seek a commitment from the G-8 to confront those states not abiding by international obligations with regard to nuclear disarmament. We support appropriate and prompt diplomatic actions against such states. Such situations include targeted economic sanctions against those who do not abide by international non-proliferation efforts, such as Iran and North Korea.

In the 21st century, terrorism remains a persistent threat to global peace and security. We urge G-8 Leaders to sign a declaration that denounces loss of life as a result of terrorist-sponsored acts. As terrorism becomes increasingly trans-national, an agreement promoting information sharing amongst G-8 states will provide a framework for future collaboration in the event of, and for the prevention of, an attack. It will allow states to work as a united front to keep nuclear weapons and materials inaccessible to terrorist organizations. Only through international co-operation and information sharing can nations adequately address the persistent threat that is trans-national terrorism in a globalized world.

We proclaim that an appropriate strategy of combating terrorism should give priority to the long-term socio-economic approaches over a short-term reactive military approach. We seek a commitment from the G-8 nations to direct foreign aid and developmental programs towards areas of vulnerability. It is our duty to take a proactive and preventative stance against the suppression of cultural freedoms, educational and socio-economic causes of terrorism. 

Food Security

According to the most recent estimates of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1.02 billion people are currently undernourished. This represents a significant increase from the 2006 estimate of 854 million undernourished people. Hunger and under nutrition affect us not only due to motives of humanity, justice and solidarity, but also because it causes political instability and wars. We call upon the G-8 Leaders to reiterate their unwavering commitment to the Millennium Development Goal of halving, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people who suffer from hunger, and pledge themselves to eradicating hunger by 2025. The G-8 should live up to its commitment of providing 0.7% of their GDP to ensure sustainable international development, turning agriculture into a major pillar of the post-crisis economy.

Free trade is a prerequisite for the development of a functioning agriculture and the production of sufficient food in developing countries. Therefore the G-8 should conclude the Doha World Trade Organization negotiations, remove all trade barriers such as exports bans, tariffs and subsidies, and thus create more efficient global food trade. The 49 least developed countries should be allowed to keep their tariffs and subsidies for a limited period of time. Trade should also account for environmental and social standards for food. Major agricultural exporting economies should work together in developing a progressive strategy for how their own farmers can deal with a less protectionist environment in agricultural markets.    

The current global crisis is no excuse for reducing foreign aid to developing countries. A comprehensive strategy for food security should consider interrelations between short- and long-term solutions. We recommend that the vital long term approach to addressing food insecurity is to target local economies. Our commitment to agricultural development at the ground level is not only beneficial for building vibrant regional markets, but also confronts the issues of equitable access to food and supports maintaining ownership at a local level. We support the idea that smallholder farm management of resources is needed to maintain sufficient stock levels and minimize the effects of climate change and natural disasters. We urge countries to reduce the income tax burden for smallholder farmers and increase credit availability for local entrepreneurs. Not only will these approaches foster rural economies and employment opportunities, but they will also promote ecological agriculture.

We understand that nutritional health does not merely consist of having enough food to eat, but also having the right kinds of food to eat. We applaud G-8 governments for adding micronutrients to their food assistance programs and urge them to expand their educational initiatives. According to the World Health Organization, deficiencies of iron, vitamin A, and zinc rank among the top ten leading causes of death through disease in developing countries. Therefore, micronutrients serve as an effective means of ensuring good health and assisting in the prevention of blindness, illness, deficiencies and even death. In addition to contributing to food security, micronutrients also contribute to the social and economic development of individuals and communities, as longevity in the developing world improves.

We also urge G-8 Leaders to contribute to research and technology development initiatives that promote farm productivity enhancement. A strong emphasis should be made on improving market access, the efficiency of food distribution, storage techniques and supply chains via local expertise. Accessibility to and information about seeds and fertilizer should be made readily available. It is vital to emphasize long-term investment in self-directed development, as it contributes to more credibility and respect. We call upon all states to support these aims as an efficient and effective way to transform the results of research into policy and practice in these communities.

We also believe the improvement of biotechnology practices is fundamental in addressing concerns surrounding global food security. Farming and agricultural techniques are directly related to the many environmental concerns we are facing today, and as we enter this era of adverse climate change, threatened water systems and land degradation, we must place particular emphasis on the way in which we manage our increasingly scarce global resources. We recommend using the efficient use of resources by employing waste for bio-fuel production. We must enlighten and empower smallholders in adopting environmentally efficient practices at the local level. The commitment to sustainable and equitable use of biodiversity must be better regulated on the national level. We encourage the practice of growing appropriate crops in the appropriate climate, and the most efficient use of resources to maximize agricultural potential. While these progressions have yielded large increases in productivity, strict regulatory measures must be adopted globally in order to ensure the responsible management of advancing recombinant DNA technology and bio-safety.

Maternal and Child Health

Canada, in its role of the current Presidency of the G-8, has chosen to place the problem of maternal and child health at the forefront of the 2010 G-8 agenda, keeping in mind the applicable Millennium Development Goals set by the international community. The maternal death rate continues to be a major issue in the developing world. At the current rate of investment, these goals will not be met by 2015. We hope that with the support of the Leaders of the G-8 States, we will be able to increase levels of investment to combat this problem.

The primary issues when combating the problem of maternal and child health are a lack of specialist training in the developing world surrounding prenatal and newborn care, and access to essential obstetric expertise. We believe that the development of a training program for midwives in developing countries would be a cost efficient way to provide continuous guidance and education in the long term. Midwives will help mothers learn about the importance of care during pregnancy, the delivery process, and newborn care. Where emergency obstetric care is within the legal framework, medical staff should be appropriately trained to ensure that this is a safe procedure. We call upon G-8 Leaders to provide funding for educational training teams to present developing countries with the tools and education necessary in creating a long term maternal and child health plan.

In the mean time it is important to recognize the cultural and societal role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as a trusted first contact point for pregnant women. In addition it is essential to ensure that aid allocated for maternal health is used to close the gap between traditional and medical practices. This can be achieved through improved training of TBAs by establishing them as liaisons with local midwives with access to the appropriate expertise and back up referral systems. This is dependant on the increased training of local midwives in developing countries.

According to the United Nations Population Fund, in 2008, 215 million women in the developing world that wanted to avoid pregnancy did not have access to effective contraception. We believe that education should include contraception and be made available to women in developing countries. We recommend that contraceptive methods be made accessible as a means of improving the health of women in these countries. We suggest that health officials have knowledge of the different forms of contraception, and have the capability of administering it to those who want and require it. We support the voluntary use of contraceptives as a cost-effective means of helping prevent unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexual diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Additionally, we promote sex education at schools to provide more information about contraception, pregnancy and possible complications, and simple therapies of treating child diseases. We urge the Leaders of the G-8 to help make available the necessary information, and a system capable of providing safe and voluntary methods of contraception to those women who seek it.

Furthermore, we call upon G-8 governments to assist partner countries in the implementation of their national health plans, as developed in partnership with the World Health Organization.  We believe that the implementation of such a program would enable health officials to provide a continuum of care, delivered at critical points in the maternal and child life cycles, as stated in the Millennium Development Goals. We suggest that there should be a means of communication throughout all urban and rural areas that will inform all mothers of the benefit of these vaccinations, as inoculations are a cost-effective way of preventing widespread disease.

In addition, supplying mothers before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as their children, with inexpensive micronutrients is an effective means of addressing maternal and child health. Simple nutritional services such as supplying iodized salt and basic essential vitamins have a significant impact on mothers, newborns, and children. The concept of nutrition services is not new, nor is it costly. Additionally, we believe we should strengthen the capabilities of medical facilities by providing appropriate medical equipment in problematic regions and supporting institutions with integrative functions, such as providing emergency treatment for malnutrition as well as providing short-term training for parents lacking information on adequate child care. We strongly believe that it is necessary to work with the World Food Programme to provide specific nutritional requirements for maternal and child health, listing them in so-called “food kits” and supplying mothers with allowances to get them. We urge the G-8 Leaders to continue support for this vital initiative, and to take a proactive approach by addressing this fundamental factor in maternal and child health.

It is important to recognize that maternal health is linked to and plays a vital role in development overall. Increasing the access to contraception and care would save lives, improve educational and employment opportunities for women, empower women, increase family savings, reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and of sexually transmitted infections, reduce the pressure on natural resources, and increase productivity and economic growth. We encourage all of the G-8 Leaders to focus on the effective allocation of the funds and execution of programs. For maternal and child health, the time is now. Without action, we will not reach our Millennium Development Goals.

Climate Change

We recognize climate change as one of the most important challenges the world faces for the future. In Copenhagen last December, world leaders met and tried to reach an agreement that would reduce carbon emissions around the globe. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 2007 report suggests that in order to avoid a global temperature rise above 2°C, that CO2 levels must be reduced by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. We are concerned about the potential repercussions of not following the recommendations the report stipulates. We are not satisfied with the outcome of the Copenhagen conference, and therefore call for all G-8 Leaders to recommit to combating this issue. All states must bring realistic and attainable positions to the table, as the world cannot afford another Copenhagen. We view the upcoming climate change conference in Cancun, Mexico as an opportunity to reach an agreement that will be fair for every state and every generation. The G-8 States recognize that as developed countries we have a responsibility to not only reduce our own emissions, but to assist developing countries in confronting climate change by stabilizing their emissions. We see the 2010 G-8 Summit as a platform for world leaders to build the foundations of an agreement that can be implemented by all states at the Cancun conference in December 2010.

We are aware of concerns that reducing carbon emissions could have significant economic impacts, and that the global economy is still fragile; however, we strongly believe that a green strategy that focuses on clean energy and sustainable development is compatible with a growing and flourishing economy. We believe that only through cooperation and diplomatic consensus can the climate change challenge issue be tackled. Therefore, we call for all G-8 members to adopt a diverse portfolio of measures that have proven to be effective. We recognize nuclear technology as an interim measure, but renewable energy sources should be the primary focus of all new investment. We strongly urge G-8 Leaders to adopt a common strategy on green initiatives, and ensure safe exploration, in light of the recent Gulf oil spill. We urge the G-8 Leaders to recognize their crucial role in promoting green energy initiatives within the private sector. Furthermore, with respect to the responsible leadership roles all G-8 states play, we urge G-8 members to encourage developing states to work with bodies such as the International Energy Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency  to make this broad range of energy options possible for all states. We ask the G-8 leaders to begin open and frank discussions to consider and evaluate the impact of carbon taxation.

In addition, we call upon the G-8 states to focus on prioritizing the research and technological improvements that will allow sustainability to be paired with the continued improvement of our respective societies’ standards of living. We urge the G-8 leaders to continue greening existing technologies and exploring new technological innovation to reduce the impact of carbon emissions, and call on G-8 states to continue commercializing such technology so that it can be made readily available to all states. We recognize the importance of carbon sinks and biodiversity, and therefore urge G-8 Leaders to enhance efforts to stop deforestation, restore forest cover, create new forests, and protect ocean flora.

We understand that the environmental challenges of tomorrow might be the greatest in history, but with hard work and cooperation, the G-8 Leaders can affect positive change for future generations. There are currently technologies in place to help reduce the production of greenhouse gases; however, a common strategy must be implemented so priority is given to green initiatives. We cannot afford to waste these opportunities to make a difference. Climate change threatens our basic human rights to a safe and sustainable environment. Failing to tackle climate change is a failure to protect human rights. Cancun must not suffer the same fate as Copenhagen.

Transcript

G-8 Chair’s Press Conference
26 June, 2010
Huntsville, Ontario

Greetings everyone, we had a very successful Summit. We have refocused the G-8 on its strengths: development, peace and of course, global security challenges. The G-8 has committed an additional $5 billion U.S over the next five years and with our partners, as I mentioned yesterday, bringing the total to $7.3 billion dollars on the Muskoka initiative on maternal, newborn and child health. Accountability will be the key as we move forward and as you know, we have put increased emphasis on that.

We also discussed a further range of global challenges: nuclear proliferation, Iran, the implementation of sanctions foreseen by resolution – the United Nations’ resolution 1929, also North Korea and the Cheonan incident. The governments of Iran and North Korea have chosen to acquire weapons to threaten their neighbors. The world must see to it that they spend – that what they spend on these weapons will not be the only cost that they incur.

We have also discussed Afghanistan, Pakistan, government stability in that particular region, of course the Middle East and climate change. It is essential that the G-8 keep its promises going forward. This is essential to the credibility and effectiveness of this forum as an organization. The G-8 has been reshaped and reenergized. Its members share common objectives in the world and of course now I look forward to meeting my colleagues of the G-20 in Toronto. 

Terrorism threatens people everywhere and undermines peace, stability and security. All acts of terrorism are criminal, inhumane, and unjustifiable irrespective of motivation. We condemn suicide bombings, and we abhor in particular the practice of recruiting the young or disadvantaged to carry out such acts. We deplore the upsurge in hostage-takings perpetrated by terrorists, as such abductions are repugnant to our fundamental notions of freedom, and we commit to work together to prevent their proliferation and bring those responsible to justice. We express our concern about the links of some terrorists to illicit drug trafficking and organized crime – we are determined to disrupt these partnerships of convenience. As highlighted at the Washington Summit on Nuclear security, nuclear terrorism is one of the most challenging threats to international security.

Terrorism will not be defeated by force alone. It is critical to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, and, in particular, that governments promote the rule of law, the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democratic values, good governance, tolerance and inclusiveness to offer a viable alternative to those who could be susceptible to terrorist recruitment and to radicalization leading to violence. We are committed to helping countries address their basic development needs and meet the legitimate aspirations of their people. All peoples everywhere deserve security in their communities, education for their children, opportunity for employment and a sense of dignity and self-worth.

We reaffirm that full respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law is critical to an effective counter-terrorism strategy, and we reject the false choice between our security and our democratic values. All of our actions against terrorism must be consistent with the UN Charter and applicable international law. We reiterate the central role of the UN in the fight against terrorism and stress the importance of full implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We strongly urge all states to join and implement the international conventions and protocols against terrorism. We welcome improvements to the UN al-Qa’ida and Taliban sanctions regime, most recently the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1904, and we underscore the importance of further progress in its implementation, and continuing work in support of fair and clear procedures.

Terrorism is a global threat that requires a global response. No single country or group of countries can hope to defeat terrorism. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, extensive international cooperation has weakened the ability of terrorists to recruit, train, fund and execute attacks. We are committed to further enhancing international cooperation, by strengthening old partnerships and building new ones with governments, multilateral organizations and the private sector. We also recognize the crucial role of civil society in effective counter-terrorism efforts. We pledge to strengthen the cooperation between relevant UN bodies and the G-8 and, together with committed partners, we will work to broaden, deepen and make more robust the global multilateral counter-terrorism umbrella.

We recognize the role of the G-8 Roma/Lyon Group (comprised of our counter-terrorism and anti-crime experts) in the global fight against terrorism, as well as the work of the Counter-Terrorism Action Group (CTAG), which seeks to build capacity and political will to assist countries in addressing the terrorist threat. We applaud Canada’s leadership in bringing strategic focus to the groups’ efforts through the preparation of a robust action plan on counter-terrorism and organized crime. We endorse this plan.

We underscore our determination to work cooperatively on key challenges, including transportation security, border security and identity integrity, preventing chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological terrorism, combating terrorism financing, countering violent extremism, radicalization leading to violence, and recruitment. Given the complex nature of the terrorist threat, an integrated and coordinated G-8 response is essential to meeting this challenge.

We acknowledge that terrorist groups and other criminal organizations tend to flourish where governments lack the capacity and resiliency to address security vulnerabilities, in some cases threatening the stability of states. We emphasize the essential role capacity-building can play to support countries in need of assistance to fulfill their international counter-terrorism commitments. Addressing the institutional weaknesses that allow terrorists to operate freely is a critical element of our efforts. Building upon the efforts of the CTAG, we emphasize the need to improve the coordination of the growing bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism capacity-building initiatives, and to make these efforts more innovative, far-reaching and sustained. We recognize the profound effects of terrorism on these countries and regions, and we are mindful of their needs. We, the G-8 countries, stand together to support them, in particular, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Sahel, Somalia and Yemen. We will seek to build closer cooperation among relevant G-8 partner programs to make our effort to address terrorism and related security threats more coherent and effective.

Despite our operational successes against al-Qa’ida and other terrorist groups, radicalization leading to violence remains a source of serious concern. Special attention must be paid to curtailing the influence of violent extremists, undermining their false narrative, isolating them from the people they pretend to serve and disrupting their misuse of the internet. Our work will focus on identifying the drivers of violent extremism and then on preventing those most at risk of recruitment and radicalization from becoming terrorists.

By preying on the innocent and vulnerable, terrorists cause unspeakable harm to the very fabric of society. Their actions impact not only the victims, but their families, friends and fellow citizens. Survivors of terrorism and their families have risen against terrorism in the aftermath of horrific attacks. We reiterate our commitment to further develop initiatives that assist them. They are giving a voice to victims while bravely speaking out against violent and extremist ideologies. We stand with them and their families, and we are committed to ensuring that their voices are heard and that the victims are never forgotten.