ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from the Group of Eight (G8) major industrial powers vowed on Sunday to promote education to build a global innovative society.

    "Economic and social prosperity in the 21st century depend on the ability of nations to educate all members of their societies to be prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world," G8 leaders said in a document adopted after discussions at their annual summit in St. Petersburg.

    The G8 leaders pledged to "actively cooperate to achieve high quality basic education, literacy and gender equality."

    "We will work to provide affordable, quality education and professional training accessible for all, regardless of social and economic background, age, sex, religion, ethnicity or disability," the leaders said.

    Russia, which is chairing the G8 presidency for the first time, has chosen education as one of the three top priorities for discussions at the summit, along with energy security and fighting infectious diseases.

    The G8 gathers Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States. Enditem