The G8 Summit is an annual meeting of leaders from eight major industrialized countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States. The summit focuses on global economic issues, international security, and other pressing challenges, allowing these nations to collaborate and coordinate their policies. Originally formed as the G6 in 1975, the group expanded to include Canada and later Russia, becoming the G8. The summit serves as a platform for discussions on topics such as climate change, trade, and development, aiming to foster cooperation among the world's largest economies.