Tessa Jowell, the UK Minister for the Olympics, sees parallels between the cooperation and public engagement that have led up to both the London Summit and the UK's award of the 2012 Olympic and talks about the International Inspiration project the Government is running with developing countries.

In an interview with this website, Ms Jowell said that international cooperation was 'fundamental to both projects. 'The Prime Minister has shows such vigorous, focused leadership on this, travelling the world, making sure alliances are built and the basis for consensus is established,' she said. 'In a way the Olympics is a similar type of phenomenon. The best Olympics are those that proceed on the basis of broad consensus.'

While the Olympic victory had caught the public imagination, she conceded that people would less likely 'to rally around the broad objectives of an international conference' compared with a one-off campaign. However she said the prime Minister had shaped the G20 argument in way that recognised that ‘the world has changed'. She said the G20's task was to 'refashion the shape of global transaction' and build in much better protection against the risks of global shocks than were revealed by this global downturn. 'So building consensus and cooperation and both important for a successful; G20, engaging the public and a successful Olympics,' she said.

'I think the G20 will struggle at this stage to become a focal point for positive public campaigning I think that will come afterwards.'

Asked about the role of developing countries in both events, Ms Jowell said she was determined to ensure the 20122 Olympics brought benefits to young people around the world as well as in the UK. She said the Government launched International Inspiration to 'express development objectives through sport' which was operating in five countries in five continents, with a goal of reaching 20 countries by 2012.