As the G20 summit in Brisbane draws to a close, many people are reflecting on what has actually been achieved.
While some say it has been significant others believe key issues were overlooked.
Whitney Angell reports.
TRANSCRIPT
The communique has been released.
And the Brisbane Action Plan contains more than 800 separate reform measures.
Earlier, global policy experts weighed in on what they thought.
John Kirton, Director G20 Research Centre: “The Brisbane Summit is going to be Summit of significant, but selective success.”
Thomas Bernes, Distinguished Fellow, CIGI: “They can provide two-per cent additional growth if fully implemented and I think that’s the language to watch out for, if fully implemented.”
Sovereignty was addressed, specifically the actions in Ukraine.
Bessma Momani, Senior Fellow CIGI: “I’m sure that Putin will take that and go home and say that meant that Americans should stay out of Iraq and Syria.”
John Kirton, Director G20 Research Centre: “Ukraine, that is the big ghost at the banquet.”
Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the Summit would be a talk-fest, however some are questioning what the tangible outcomes will be.
Winnie Byanyima, Oxfam Director: “The comments on Ebola didn’t please us, because it makes a compelling case for action on Ebola, it talks about the human tragedy and economic cost but we don’t see the specifics, we don’t see the specifics, the collective responsibilities of the G20.”
As with all G20s, there are hundreds of recommendations, but no binding commitment for nations to follow through.
Arun Sharma, Doordarshan News: “The focus should be now that whatever discussions have been done, it should be quickly implemented because these discussion are turned into a reality there are no use for these discussions at the multilateral forum.”
Others were more concerned the real issues were overshadowed by speculation over Vladimir Putin’s early departure.
He did leave early, taking off after a brief closed press-conference with Russian media.
Whitney Angell, QUT News.