World leaders met Wednesday in the earthquake-devastated town of L’Aquila, Italy. Issues taken center stage in what are slated to be intense debates are: the global economic crisis, world hunger, climate change, and world security issues from Iran to North Korea.

The Global Economy

The Group of Eight -- United States, Germany, Japan, France, Britain, Italy, Canada and Russia – are kicking off with a debate on the economic crisis, after realizing that prospects for rapid recovery may have been overambitious. G8 leaders badly underestimated the economic problems facing them when they met in Japan last year and are expected to focus on what must be done to prevent another meltdown.

The world leaders are hoping to find a balance between continuing to stimulate struggling economies and looking for exit strategies.

World Hunger

The number of hungry across the globe has reached a historic high in 2009 with 1.02 billion people (or one in six) going hungry every day. Fueled by the dramatic 83% hike in food prices between 2005 and 2008, the economic crisis has worsened the hunger crisis and is compelling heads of state to discuss food security as warnings of political instability and social unrest.
Obama is expected to announce significant increase in funding for agricultural development aid.

Climate change

Topping the list of G-8 discussions are possible ways to slow the release of greenhouse gases linked to climate change, including a commitment to keep the globe’s average temperature rise under 3.6degrees Fahrenheit in a bid to contain global warming. But the U.S. had previously refused to back it under the Bush administration and Obama has declined to comment on his decision.

Scientists have claimed for some time that an increase beyond 3.6 degrees could trigger dangerous rises in seal level and other dire problems, but progress on environmental issues may be delayed by Chinese President Hu Jintao returning home due to unrest in northwestern China in which 156 people have died. Before he left, summit host Silvio Berlusconi spoke of Chinese "resistance" on climate goals. China is now the world’s largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter, and its emissions are increasing rapidly with economic growth and rising energy demand.

World Security

Security issues are also on the agenda, with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi saying the summit could move to tighten sanctions against Iran. Some G8 officials, however, have said that the meeting might limit statements to a condemnation or measures such as the withdrawal of diplomats.

The forum will also consider how best to best deal with North Korea who vowed in mid June of retaliating against the U.S. with " merciless military strike" if the US follows through with its promise of providing nuclear support to South Korea in the event of a showdown with the North.

So what exactly is the G8?

The Group of Eight (G8) is an informal forum, created by France in 1975, for governments of eight nations of the northern hemisphere: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. "G8" can refer to the member states or to the annual summit meeting of the G8 heads of government.

The presidency of the group rotates annually among the member countries. The country holding the presidency is responsible for planning and hosting a series of meetings, leading up to a mid-year summit attended by the heads of government. Japan held the G8 presidency in 2008, Italy is the 2009 president, and Canada will be president in 2010.

The ministerial meetings bring together ministers to discuss issues of mutual or global concern, including health, law enforcement, labor, economic and social development, energy, environment, foreign affairs, justice and interior, terrorism, and trade.

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