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History made for women at G20 in Mexico By Nathan Howes SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The recent G20 summit in Mexico held good news for women across the world, according to an Oakville woman who has attended more than 20 G8 and G20 summits since 1994. Ella Kokotsis was in Los Cabos, Mexico, June 18 and 19 as director of accountability for the G8 and G20 Research Groups based at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. Improving the global financial system during a time of uncertainty was a key discussion point for G20 leaders at this year's gathering, which had four major themes and also included -- the global economy; structural reform for growth and employment; enhancing food security and agricultural development; and, promoting sustainable development and green growth to fight climate change. However, according to Kokotsis, the summit broke new ground regarding women. Up for discussion was a recent Thompson Reuters Foundation poll, conducted by 370 gender specialists, ranking Canada first among its G20 partners on policies that promote gender equality. This included protection from exploitation, access to healthcare and safeguards against violence. Kokotsis said India ranked last due to high incidences of slavery, child marriage and infanticide and Mexico, the summit's host country, was not far ahead. "The timing of the release of this poll on the eve of the G20 was particularly interesting given that the G20 addressed, for the first time in its history, issues of gender equality in its final declaration," Kokotsis told The Oakville Beaver in an e-mail while she was out of the country. "In it, the G20 noted their commitment to take concrete actions to overcome the barriers hindering women's full economic and social participation and to expand economic opportunities for women in G20 economies." To support the initiative, G20 leaders committed to having a report completed by the time of their next meeting, which would address access to financial services and education by women and youths. and its commitment to stay in the Euro-zone." The main concern at the G20 this time around was the financial crisis in Europe, said Kokotsis. Summit leaders were concerned about the possibility of the antiausterity party winning the Greek elections -- an outcome that would result in an imminent exit for Greece from the Euro-zone, Kokotsis said. "This could have had potentially devastating consequences on global financial markets, as well as other ailing European countries, notably Spain," said Kokotsis. The Canadian government also played a critical role in trade negotiations that saw Canada join the new Trans-Pacific Partnership. The partnership joins numerous Pacific Rim countries in a new trade agreement that's intended to reduce barriers to trade and investment, Kokotsis said. Prime Minister Stephen Harper also contributed to generating global growth and jobs by preparing an action plan focused on greater government spending. "The Prime Minister repeated his 9 · Wednesday, June 27, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com SUBMITTED PHOTO AT THE G20: Oakville's Ella Kokotsis was in Mexico for the summit. "The timing of this G20 (summit) was extremely critical, given the tension in global financial markets," said Kokotsis. "With Greek elections taking place one day prior, the G20 had to show solidarity in their support for the newly-elected Greek government position in supporting trade expansion and investment as a necessary condition for global economic recovery and job creation," said Kokotsis. Green growth remained a top priority for Mexican President Felipe Calderon going into this year's summit, said Kokotsis. In the months leading up to the summit, Calderon repeatedly expressed concern for the need to integrate economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion as a means of achieving a number of global development and economic goals, Kokotsis said. "This theme resonated throughout the summit, as the leaders reinforced the importance of green growth policies that supported sustainable development and poverty reduction," said Kokotsis. "This summit proved that the G20 was capable of moving beyond purely global financial issues, as the leaders addressed a number of social, political, environmental and development issues during their discussions," said Kokotsis who works full-time for the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). Strategic Advice for Small/Medium Sized Businesses Work one-on-one with an advisor who has been a business owner. Get an effective sounding board for your ideas and plans. Use ongoing advice to refresh priorities and implement your plans. Brought to you by the merchants of Bronte Village BIA Free all day family festival: OAKVILLE'S CANADA DAY Sunday July 1, 2012 We provide Owner/Managers of private companies with strategic advice from experienced entrepreneurs. Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park Inflatables for Kids Safari Science Reptile Show Vendor Village Kinsmen Beer & Burger Garden Special Surprises! Live Music on Two Stages Fireworks at Dusk* *Listen to a LIVE simulcast on 102.9 K-Lite FM www.vector17-advisors.com 288 Lakeshore Road E., Suite 7, Oakville, ON L6J 1J2 905-599-5536 Ride the Canada Day School Shule Bus from the Burloak RioCAN Centre For full event lisng and entertainment schedule: www.brontevillage.net/canada-day Facebook: Bronte Events Oakville YouTube: BronteBIAOakville Twier: Bronteevents THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: THANK YOU TO OUR MEDIA PARTNERS: Better Health. Better Life. 2 012