Those wanting to take stock in a realistic way of what the summit achieved will have to open themselves up to all of the political symbolism that plays such a decisive role at these events. In that regard, the summit can be said to have produced seven achievements:
The true results of this very expensive summit are thus much more complex than any reading of the fine print in the final agreements would suggest. In terms of political consequence, what matters most is the impact this global media spectacle actually had. It is easy enough to forget that a host of topics were discussed -- from Kosovo to Afghanistan, from free trade to intellectual property, from the fight against AIDS to the regulation of hedge funds. The gathering’s participants dedicated a minute or two to almost every subject of global importance, something that does not translate into a historic communiqué. To that extent, only two issues addressed at Heiligendamm are of particular import: climate protection and aid for Africa. Both topics captured the global public’s attention both in the months prior to the summit and at the event itself, leading to more awareness of both problems. Thus, focusing on them was worth it, since they are challenges that many nations would not otherwise pay attention to. As a result of the summit, policymakers and the general public alike took note. The success of Heiligendamm thus occurred on an entirely different level. It was not about small, tactical, textual results. It was about creating a major shift in public perception -- something for which major global events can be quite useful. The summit’s success can be measured in one unique way: by the changes it generates within the political arena. To ensure this happens, however, both the event’s hosts and its participants must continue to dedicate themselves over the long term to the issues raised in Heiligendamm.