Marina Larionova, Dr of Political Science, Head of International Organisations Research Institute (IORI) of the State University – Higher School of Economics, Head of International Programmes at the National Training Foundation; E-mail: mlarionova@hse.ru

Mark Rakhmangulov, Deputy Director of the Informational-Analytical G8 Research Centre of the International Organisations Research Institute (IORI) of the State University – Higher School of Economics; E-mail: MRakhmangulov@hse.ru

The paper analyses efforts made by the G8 and G20 in the sphere of international development assistance. The assessment of the G8 and G20 agendas on development, as well as the capabilities of two institutions to react and address changes occurred in global agenda for development efficiently is implemented on the basis of special commitments database. The database covers the G8 commitments made during the period of 1975 – 2009, and the G20 commitments on development took over since its first summit in 2008. The abilities for cooperation of two institutions are analyzed by the development assistance and labour division between both of them. Giving the forthcoming chairmanship of Russia in the G8 summitry in 2014, the recommendations are given to define possible priorities for the agenda and facilitate the promotion of Russia’s national interests in international development assistance using opportunities of the G8.